Morning Glory Chai (From Zoka Coffee)

Once again I found myself on my way into a coffee shop. I anticipated ordering another standard chai, but this time was different. I scanned the menu and I was surprised to see that there were three different types of chai latte offered. Could it be that this was a place where chai is able to stand its ground? I feel like a lot of coffee shops offer chai because it is the cool coffee shop thing to do, but they have little regard for the actual tea. Yet on that day I found something different. I feel like Zoka actually presented their own take on chai, it was refreshing in more ways than one. Its flavor was more spicy than sweet and with each sip I continued to explore the rich blend of spices that made up the chai. It was an all together pleasant experience.

I drank this fabulous beverage in part to give me some semblance of energy on my way to a graveyard picnic. It was successful although I was still not awake enough or possibly I was too exited about the graveyard to remember to document it with a photo. Fortunately, I was able to solicit more representative tea art from my talented sister.

My Collection

In a few weeks time I shall be moving and when that time comes all my beautiful teas will have to find new homes, at least until I permanently relocate next fall. I will attempt to bring as much tea as possible with me on my adventures over the next couple months but the sad truth is thus: much of this fine tea that I have had the honor and the privilege to own will soon be lining the bottom of a box in some garage. I just wanted to document it in all its glory before that day comes. In addition I would like to make a commitment to throw more tea parties. I have more tea than I can drink alone and I want to share that bounty with others.

Risheehat Estate Organic Darjeeling (Teahouse Kuan Yin)

 
The person behind the counter asks me what I'm looking for. "I'm not really sure," I say as I scan a very impressive list of teas. I've been standing there too long so I make a choice. "Can I get a pot of the Darjeeling?" "We actually have a separate Darjeeling Menu." I think this means I made a good choice. I am informed that the Risheehat Estate Organic Darjeeling is the most popular so I decide to give that a go. I don't know that much about darjeeling thusly I'm willing to put my trust in popular opinion at this point. I chose the cheaper second flush because I just bought expensive socks so first flush feels a bit too extravagant.

The tea is good. It has some almost jasmine like undertones. It took a while to steep so I forgot about it momentarily and let it steep a bit too much. Yet, it is still an all together pleasant darjeeling. I let myself go. I loose myself into the tea, the soothingly friendly environment of Teahouse Kuan Yin, and finally into my homework.