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: […]
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 […]
From Ketlee’s humble beginnings in 2015, they’ve provided a spectrum of tea experiences through their dynamic portfolio. My relationship with Indian tea is still a personal focus as I move through adjacent regions, and so I was thrilled to accept a handful of teas to reflect upon and further my understanding. My first experience with […]
Mention Ruby Red to anyone and eyes light up in joy. The long and thin leaves of TRES #18 are marked by contrasting sensations of cool fresh air and cozy warmth, providing an unforgettable experience. As I hadn’t tasted this tea myself until very recently, I knew it was a time when I revisited the […]
STEAP'D 