artofthepair

[artofthepair]

Living in Michigan sometimes is a challenge.  As much as I love Winter and the cold weather, sometimes I just want to be over with it.  Yes, the snow-covered landscape is gorgeous especially at sunset.  Then having to shovel snow at 1 F makes you forget this beauty as your hands start to freeze.  When I come inside after being in this weather, I want and crave something hot to drink.

Now, I make an incredible hot chocolate mix but sometimes that’s just too heavy to drink in the middle of the day (and not be sleepy).  Naturally I turn to tea and New Century Tea Gallery’s Jin Hong #9 sits on my tea hutch during these cold days.  This is a stout tea that brews a rich cup that is deep in structure.  It almost has the body of coffee.  This tea just shines with its rich malted characteristics.  When you drink a cup of this after being outside, you will be warmed and revitalized for whatever is next on your list.

Today, you may want to toss a snowball over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this review along with others.  It’s a shame that their website has no description of this tea.  I loved it when I was in Seattle at their shop sipping on multiple steeps last summer.  As refreshing as it is in winter, I can’t wait for this summer to try some sun brews with it.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #blacktea #classic #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #goldenmonkey #beefstew #shortribs #beeftacos #tacos #apples #applepie

[artofthepair]

Sometimes it seems like we never take enough small steps back to enjoy something that is sitting right in front of us.  You know I love tea and that’s why I’ve acquired a huge stash.  Now that I’m travelling and can smell blends first hand in shops, I end up purchasing more (great problem to have).  That creates the problem of me forgetting sometimes what I have on hand.

In checking out my inventory (and yes, I have so many, that’s what I call it now), Teagardenia’s Darjeeling Spicy White was tucked away on a shelf.  Pulling this one out to share with you I should have done a long time ago.  Heck, I should have pulled this one out for me to play with.  When I purchased this, my chef brain equated spicy to heat.  “This will be great with a chili or Indian food or spicy wings” is what I envisioned.  Not even close.

This is a brew that is dimensional as it keeps changing and evolving.  It reminded me of the times I’ve been to the Aviary in Chicago, where their drinks truly make you think.  This is one that shows movement on your palate getting better and better.  While I typically don’t use my gaiwan (Yes, I’m lazy), this would be so much fun to see it change during repeated steeping.

Today, you need to click over to the ArtofthePair.com to review this tea and check out its high rating.  Definitely one to have to enjoy all year round.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #blacktea #darjeeling #classic #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #pears #asian #cinnamon #fivespice #spicy #whitetea

[artofthepair]

Happy New Year everyone and I’m so glad to be back sharing tea information with you.  Today’s tea Pai Mu Tan comes from one of my favorite shops – House of Tea in Toronto.  Let me say that tea drinking for me is not about getting fluids in.  Tea, like any beverage, is an experience that can be shared or enjoyed on  your own.  It’s my relaxation, even sometimes helping me to meditate and get ready for the day.  Other times, it’s to calm me down to get recentered to focus.  In the evening, it’s a source of warming comfort or something refreshing with a snack.  In all times of the day, I use tea to slow me down to concentrate and excel.

Today’s brew is a fantastic cross between white and green with wonderful structure, beautiful off dry sweetness and great acidity.  I just love its flavor notes which to me seem to change on the palate.  I’ve been drinking this for the last 6 months and I love that it always shows up bold and inviting at the table.  Since it’s winter, skate on over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s review of this wonderful brew.  Stay warm and safe everyone….winter will be over soon enough. 😊

www.ArtofthePair.com

#blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #tea #winter #MI #whitetea #greentea #asianfood #watercress #peaches #pears #chevre #celery

[artofthepair]

It's been a busy few weeks with family gatherings, daughter getting married and travel for work but I have not forgot about you (even under this blanket of snow in MI)

At the ArtofthePair.com, there are 3 (yes three) exciting new posts to share with you.

- Balimara 22K gold from Teagardenia shows an incredible affinity to fresh bread slathered with Amish butter. Just a great tea that I learned how to retoast to perk up its quality.

- WestLake Dragonwell King from New Century is arguably one of the best green teas of tried. Really full of depth and flavor, it was amazing on its own. However, I understand the classic dish of Peas on Toast better with the brew. Definitely one to try.

- Lastly, I received a wonderful product to review from Umi Tea Sets. Their Lucky Character Travel Tea set is a great option for the Holiday season to be able to brew tea on the road anywhere. Just an amazing deal.

Chef all of these out by sledding over the ArtofthePair.com this week to check out the reviews and my thoughts. More tea reviews are in the works and i promise to write about my experiment with re-toasting tea leaves.

Hoping everyone had a great Thanksgiving and now getting ready for the upcoming Christmas Holidays. Stay warm. 😊

www.ArtofthePair.com

#blacktea #greentea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #tea #fall #MI #winter

[artofthepair]

Yep, it’s my official happy time.  Fall is here as the weather dipped into the 30’s the other night.  The garden was incredible this year but now it’s time to complete the final harvest and get ready for cooler weather.  For my friends in the South, this means a run on Firewood when it dips under 60 F.

I’m super happy that I found this tea from Teasource in my inventory.  Welcome to Kenya Nandi Gold which happens to be perfect for Fall weather.  Don’t you wish to be outside watching the leaves turn during a hike?  This is the tea to take.  Going to the apple orchard with the kids to go pick apples and wait in line for an hour to pay?  This is your brew.  Putting up the decorations for the upcoming holidays in the cooler weather in flannel?  Place a cup of this in your hand.

This is a great brew that is robust and clean drinking.  I love this for food options such as mushrooms and beef, but I would love to try this with blue cheese.  I would give this one a try as for the price point, it’s an excellent value.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #tea #kenya #teasource #fall #MI

[artofthepair]

When I see pumpkin patches and Halloween decorations go up outside, I know that Fall is near.  Leaf turn in MI is a remarkable sight but I know that my Sun brewed tea is at an end.  I tried to brew some last year on a perfect fall day and just was not the same.  Therefore, I had to brew one more this week to satisfy my cravings.  I went back to my stash of Lancaster Tea Company and brewed the Triple Berry Black. 

What I did not realize is that this is an incredibly unique blend that contains pomegranate pieces (something you do not see every day).  Opening the package was a blueberry fruit bomb throughout the house.  Lots of red fruit mixed in with the pomegranate.  Once brewed, it feels like you are devouring the last popsicle of summer with juicy fruit.

Slide on over to the ArtofthePair.com to look at this week’s review on an amazing Iced Tea that’s affordable and a different spin.  I’m looking forward to highlighting some great teas this fall as well.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #tea #berries #pomegranite #cherry #raspberry #blueberry  #icedtea #lancaster

[artofthepair]

As I mentioned last week, the leaves are turning in MI.  And I’m crying a bit.  I love the winter months and snow and the lead up to the holidays. However, when I see the leaves turn, I know the summer weather is going away and I have less chances for sun brewed tea.  Therefore, I’m brewing as much as I can to share with you.  For my Texas friends, yes you can brew all year round!!

That being said, I like a bit of diversity in my brews.  Since I travel, I tend not to be able to have fruit based Iced Teas (hence my focus on them).  While I was in Seattle a few months ago, I was able to visit Vital T Leaf and sample some of their blends.  As soon as I picked up the jar of the Blueberry Red and smelt the aroma, I was hooked and had to get some. 

This Blueberry Red just happens to be one of the best Iced Teas that I’ve had the pleasure of sampling.  It’s just great.  It’s what you look for in an Iced tea. Not astringent, off dry, well balanced, not artificial flavored, etc.  It just a refreshing multi-dimensional tea that seems to evolve on the palate.  I love that its not overpowering so it can match up to a variety of foods and cooking techniques.  The best aspect after the amazing flavor is the low price.  This is a gem.

Head over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s review and others.  This is a great tea to have for Iced and I plan to enjoy this during the winter months in my insulated cup standing in front of the smoker enjoying the day.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #asianfood #stirfry #ginger #curry #pies #fruitpie #handpies #gingershrimp #shrimp #grilling #grilled #BBQ #freshberries

[artofthepair]

Last week, I noticed that some of the Oak trees in the area were starting to turn into fall colors.  The garden is putting out a ton of produce that I’m processing every night.  Schools are starting. I’m not ready for Fall!

So, I’m fighting and hanging on to the last few weeks.  That means, I’m brewing lots of iced tea when the weather is warm enough.  Lancaster Tea Company in PA produces a Blood Orange Fruit blend that was intriguing.  And for $6….why not?  It’s a great blend of citrus, apples and sage notes that is quite refreshing with lower acidity than expected.

Head over to the Artofthepair.com to check out this review.  I’ve been enjoying this with a smile on my face realizing that this blend will be really fun when citrus fruits start up in the Spring.  It’s a wonderful blend that you should have on hand.  The price is right so grab some and let’s hang on to summer.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #tea #citrus #oranges #bloodorange #apples #icedtea #lancaster

[artofthepair]

I crave a good, iced tea.  It’s clean, refreshing, simple and just plain enjoyable.  Now that I travel more for work, I’m finding that a number of places don’t make a good one.  So, when I come home, I instantly make something out in the sun to enjoy each day.

I picked up the Rocky Mountain Huckleberry blend from KuCha.  This is a stellar version of a fruity blend that works perfectly for iced tea.   I love its inviting aroma from the bag to the light berry notes in the finished brew.  Just the right amount of sweetness, acidity, and structure that you do not have to add sweetener to adjust something. 

As Summer winds down, and winter approaches ☹, I’m sitting on my front porch watching sunset sipping on this brew.  It’s a lovely find that you should consider picking up from its great flavor to price point.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #tea #berries #blackberry #huckleberry #roastedturkey #rosewater #shortbread

[artofthepair]

I understand people more now that I travel for work.  When I see people lined up in the airport 40 deep for a cup of coffee, I get it.  That comfort factor of consuming something that reminds you of home (plus the caffeine) is intangible.  Anyone that knows me knows that I travel with a tea system as I need the reminder of home and to relax for a bit before the day starts.

For the last month, I’ve been focused on one tea in particular from Yunnan Sourcing.  Yi Mei Wu Liang Mountain just has this incredible level of depth that’s wonderful.  Add in the notes of smoky malt, cocoa, and constant reminders of BBQ in the aromas and flavors just is comforting.  This brew is an incredible value as well.

Slide over to the ArtofthePair.com to look at this week’s reviews and other previous reviews.  I promise you that more is coming as I love sharing my passion for tea.  This one is something you should pick up.  I can not wait to try this in the fall with roasted meats and stews.  However, I’m still fully enjoying this as a wake-up call along with summer grilling pairings.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #oolong #BBQ #cocoa #chocolate #toast #hazelnuts #smokedmeats #grilling #burntends #roastedmeat #tea

[artofthepair]

I’m loving this summer.  The garden is flourishing, and it’s been great to sit outside and sip on something during the cooler days and sunsets.  As much as I love wine, it’s hard for me to open a big tannic red to enjoy.  I prefer something chilled like a Rose, or some of the lighter whites and red varieties.

My last article touched on the virtues of Gamay, a grape variety that many have never had the pleasure to explore.  Well since I’m always about assisting you, I purchased a Gamay from France to see if this is something that you should explore.  This week at the ArtofthePair.com, check out my tasting notes and food pairing suggestions for this wine. 

This is one that you want to read to learn more about wonderful options for summer fare.

www.ArtofthePair.com #redwine #redwinelover #beverage #beverages #sommelier #chef #chefs #culinary #culinaryarts #foodlovers #foodies #food #foodie #foodblogger #foodblog #gamay #beaujolais #brouilly #gamaynoir #charcuterie #berries #cherries #patio #summertime

[artofthepair]

When I was young, I watched my dad have Earl Grey every day as part of his breakfast.  Growing up, I assumed that tea was only something that you consumed at breakfast like bacon and eggs.  As I got older and learned more about Britain and learning about afternoon tea and teatime, I always thought it was weird to have tea during the day.  Like why not drink a soda?

Well, I’ve grown up now and realize that tea can and should be consumed all day long.  This week though, I have to share this review with you.  Perennial Tea House in Seattle has a Golden Tian Hong loose tea.  This tea screams breakfast with its lovely rich structure and great malt aroma and flavor.  I loved it so much that I paired some waffles with it, and it was a perfect match.  Head on over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s review to learn more about this amazing blend.

Some drink Earl Grey in the morning to help them wake up.  This tea is a winner for the mornings you care for something with great nuances that’s different.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#goldenmalt #goldmalt #blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #pancakes #bacon #syrup #goldensyrup #poundcake #cheesecake #foccacia #oatmeal #oats #breakfast

[artofthepair]

It’s berry season or the time where I crave going to pick fresh berries and eating them by the handful.  This is also the time in MI that we are starting to experience the warmer summer temperatures.  Put both of them together and it makes me happy.  Why?  To me there is nothing like sitting on the patio during sunset eating fresh berries and sipping on a glass of wine. 

For me, one of my favorites during this time to consume are wines made by the grape variety called Gamay.  These are low body and tannin red wines that when slightly chilled, are very refreshing.  Add in the aromas of fruit (especially berries) and it’s one of my favorites to enjoy.

This week’s article at ArtofthePair.com gives a bit of insight into this grape that you may not have experienced before.  It is definitely one to source out for outdoor enjoyment.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#redwine #redwinelover #beverage #beverages #sommelier #chef #chefs #culinary #culinaryarts #foodlovers #foodies #food #foodie #foodblogger #foodblog #gamay #beaujolais #beaujolaisnouveau

[artofthepair]

I love that Monday was National Iced Tea Day.  What better way to celebrate it is by reviewing a Sun Brewed gem from KuCha.  This shop in Denver has turned me on to their Blueberry Lavender Bliss.  Think about a lovely blend of blueberries, lavender and cocoa nibs mixed with a plethora of additional aromas such as ginger, cornflowers, mint, and other berries.  Add on the smoothness of the brew (you can’t beat the sun for brewing), lower acidity and great structure makes this a beautiful, tasty blend.  I’ve been craving an excuse to run to Amish country for their fried fruit pies and this works.  I know this blend will be a great pairing.  A cup of this in one hand and a fresh warm fried pie in the other will equal a smile and a nap.

Why don’t you click on over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s reviews and other great options.  This blend is one you wish to consider picking up for the warmer months.  In winter, this would be a great brew to relax too.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea  #blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #blueberry #blueberries #lavender #ginger #staranise #cornflower #cocoa #cocoapowder #salmon #fruit #berries

[artofthepair]

I can’t believe that it’s June already.  A few weeks ago, the ground was covered in frost and now the temperatures are in the 80’s and the garden is growing.  With everything going on, I know that sometimes I need to slow down and enjoy my blessings.  In the evenings, I love a cocktail or glass of wine watching sunset.  In the mornings, I need my caffeine to get going.

Today’s review from Teagardenia is one that I purchased awhile back but loving its simplicity.  Borahi Golden Tips is becoming a favorite of mine to wake up to with its clean profile and touch of sweetness.  However, this is a food tea.  That means, when you pair this tea with food, it elevates substantially.  Try this brew with homemade bread or biscotti and it will surely put a smile on your face.  Slice over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s review of this great tea.  I’m hoping Teagardenia will bring this one back in stock soon as it’s a gem.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #teagardenia #goldenmalt #goldmalt #blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #teasource #panzanella #chickenpizza #granola #biscotti #pork #porktenderloin #borahi #naan

[artofthepair]

It’s close to the official day of summer.  I know when we are close to Memorial Day weekend, that I can plant my garden without frost concerns along with making Sun Brewed Iced tea.  I can wait to fire up the new smoker and place a ton of meat on it and sip on a brew.

Today’s review of Teasource's Sugar Magnolia is one loose tea that you should have.  I’m finding that white teas produce incredible sun brewed options and this one is one of the best I’ve tasted.  Not because it’s the first one of summer and I’ve been craving iced tea.  Nah…. this one just hits every characteristic you would want in an iced tea:

Good structure in the tannins, sweetness and acid levels that make it refreshing,

Wonderful inviting aromas in the brew from the malt to multiple fruits and spices, to

A flavor pattern that is full of depth and lastly,

A great value per glass.

Race over to the ArtofthePair.com to see this week’s review and check out other iced tea review on the site.  This is one that you will want to pick up, just for the price point alone.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #whitetea #orange # #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #citrus #oranges #bloodoranges #mandarin #spicenpans #asianfood #pineapple #cardamon #nutmeg #icedtea #sugarcane

[artofthepair]

Michigan weather in May is always interesting.  You can have perfect 70+ F days and then the next day, you have rain and temperatures falling to 40’s.  Recently, I had one of those dreary days and work seemed to be just a struggle with everything I touched.  I was frustrated, tired, and just overwhelmed.  In the past, I would grab a shot of my homemade lemoncello and try to let it go.  However, I didn’t want any alcohol, so I decided to look for a tea to try.  I pulled out Yunnan Sourcing’s Pure Gold Jin Jun Mei to do a review and hopefully get back on track.

What I didn’t realize was the impact that something great has on you.  This dried tea had a lovely aroma when I opened the bag.  Once I brewed it and took the first sip. My day and mood changed instantly.  Ever changing flavors from the toasted malt to hints of Tres leches, splashes of orange, to and incredible depth that can stand up to beef is a game changer.

Run over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this review.  This is one that I highly suggest you purchase some. Put this with some Milano cookies and nothing will stop you.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #pekoe #yunnansoucing #goldenmalt #goldmalt #blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #teasource #brie #smokedmeats #smokedchicken #smokingmeats #pork #ginger #gingersnaps #ramen #chicken