Mona Jhunjhnuwala feels like a household name for many in the tea community, and for good reason. Her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to sharing her story and the culture of tea are felt through her tea business, Teawala. Most recently, she’d taken us with her on a recent trip to Thailand through Instagram Live sessions. […]
You can taste a broad spectrum of flavors when talking about Indian teas. Recently, we poured a collection of teas from India for the community here in Chicago. The purpose – share how unique and special the region is in tea cultivation and production methods. Ketlee is one of my go-to sources; I knew they […]
Spring is in full bloom which means it’s time to taste new matcha! The deep green hues are in many ways reflective of the blooming life around us and it is with excitement I share matcha from a new vendor! The folks at Bonsai Cha asked if I would share my thoughts on their Hoku […]
As I open the Tiger Box to kick-off a 15-day exploration of Chinese tea and culture, I am excited to taste one of my favorites from Volition Tea, Colorful Peony. I had a brief taste when Annie and I first met over tea last Summer, yet it has remained cemented in my tasting lexicon. Join […]
Have you been in earshot of discussions regarding the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year? Curious as to what it’s all about? I don’t have all the answers yet I’m learning more each day! There are some wonderful people connected to the world of tea that are planning experiences geared toward cultural […]
Winter’s frost gets my mind busy at work as I sift through a year in reflection of the teas I’ve tasted and the ones that stand out. Just like 2019 and 2020, it’s time to share the 10 memorable teas in 2021! The teas shared below are in no way ranked and though there are […]
ABOUT COMMUNITEA We believe a tea house is a place of creativity and community – where tea should be accessible. Our Monthy CommuniTea Series is a donation-based event – a $10 suggested donation, where select members of the Chicago tea community pour tea gong fu style for free and no one will be turned away […]
Looking at my phone, I saw a message from Annie Xiang, complete with an introduction or her experiences and passion for tea. She was pivoting from a career in tax accounting to the wilderness of tea leaves as we met over many infusions of tea at a local tea house. From that first conversation, I […]
I’m thrilled to help welcome Chicago’s newest tea brand, Volition Tea! Founded by Annie Xiang, her roots in Xinjiang and current home in “The Second City” have blossomed into an experience where the story of tea is at the forefront. Please join us in this timely interview, celebrating the release of Volition Tea and this […]
The song of summer’s cicadas reverberates from the tree outside my window as I find my seat in the sunlit tea room. Adjacent trees cast shadows across the ceiling, lapping leaf patterns back and forth. On my table stands a white porcelain gaiwan. Traditionally, the gaiwan is called “San Cai Wan” (Chinese: 三才碗 , translated: […]
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