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 CHICAGO TEA COLLECTIVE The Chicago Tea Collective is a group of tea enthusiasts and professionals passionate about sharing tea and tea cultures in the regional area. From monthly CommuniTea nights to ticketed workshops and casual meet-ups, we aim to provide offerings that strengthen community bonds while appreciating tea. See below for everything brewing! COMMUNITEA […]
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: […]
Ah, the hype of Jade Star and its iterations. My first experience with this series of tea cakes was during the release of Jade Star IV, which I’ve previously reflected upon. Known for its effects on the body, the experience is worth sharing in words and in person! Grab some tea and join me as […]
Gifted by the kind team at Tezumi, this 300mL Chawan has been a pleasure to use in my matcha preparation rotation. The hakame brush stroke presents an added level of artistry to the experience of whisking any matcha, and the beige color allows the green vibrancy to really pop! About TezumiConsisting of three tea-enthusiasts, David, […]
There are limitations to my knowledge and experience – and so I constantly seek to widen the lens through listening to stories, asking questions, and sitting in reflection. What do I seek? Why? And how can the opportunities for a closer connection to tea be made available aplenty for more individuals? From journeys taken a […]
If you were to think of a tea blogger, who would be the first to come to mind? How about tea author? Lastly, who would you turn to when it comes to pairing tea and scones? For myself, Lu Ann Pannunzio is one of the first individuals that come to mind, and she’s always around […]
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