The Art of Tea in Cramped Quarters!

Dorm-Apartment living is tough. I live with three other young men, in a very small Manhattan apartment. 2 people sleep in each living space, there is one bathroom, and a tiny kitchen. Ah, the life of an actor. Still, who's to say you can't enjoy a full out luxurious and relaxing cream tea under these circumstances? No one! I called my friend Kiley over this afternoon and did just that. 30 minutes before her arrival, I baked fresh scones. I use the Tea and Sympathy recipe every time. They came out beautifully. The texture was brilliant and the shape was awesome. I served the scones with fresh strawberry jam from the Union Square Farmer's Market and I opened up my jar of Double Devon Cream from the Devon Cream Company for the occasion. How delicious the two met when partnered on one of my homemade scones. I boiled Serendipitea's Coco-Loco in my new teapot from Chinatown.

Ah, when space is limited...we make a floor setting. I decided to go for a mismatched theme. I had two different bone china cups, my new teapot, my porcelain creamer, and new jam/cream servers from Broadway Panhandler. The LOVELY tea cozy is from Set to a Tea and they are available through me and the website.

Sitting on the floor can actually be fun! We enjoyed our chit-chat and I played some classical music in the background. Sometimes simple pleasures are the best...especially when shared with a good friend. Scared to do this on your own? Don't be. Set to a Tea will help you plan your very own afternoon tea event. Contact me and I'll help you plan an afternoon your friends won't soon forget! Of course, I'm sure you'll have more room to spread in your quarters than I do in mine! That's the Greenwich Village, lifestyle though ;-).

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend so far! Let me know about your tea stories! I'm here not just to type, but to listen!

Best and Blessing,

Ethan Nicholas!

The Best Things in Life May Not be Free...

...but they sure are cheap! I just had to share this steal of a purchase I made yesterday. I was getting some groceries at Hong Kong Supermarket yesterday afternoon, and I was in the basement picking up Malaysian noodles. I ran across the homeware section to look at plates and chopsticks and right before my eyes...this gorgeous white porcelain teapot with blue flower detail. The price tag? $6.99! What a bargain! It certainly made my day! Ah, the tea to be drunk in this pot. Especially my favorite Set to a Tea flavor...Coconut Truffle! Get yours through me now!!!

Tea and Sympathy, New York, NY

TEA AND SYMPATHY!

This is probably my favorite spot in all of the city. Located on my absolute favorite street, Greenwich Ave, Tea and Sympathy is about as British as you can get in New York City. I have been visiting this British Tea Room/Restaurant in it's tiny shop location for the past year and have already made multiple visits. Whether I am ordering a pot of tea and an order of scones with fresh clotted cream and jam, or going for a hearty dinner of Chicken and Leek pie served with mixed peas and carrots, mashed potatoes, and a smile I am always in for a treat. Their treacle sponge pudding is delicious and they do a full English breakfast the best this side of the Atlantic.

The spot is perfect to bring friends or a book. I tend to go alone when I'm feeling really overwhelmed and just need a break from the world. I can't even count the number of visits I've made to T&S, but it's always above excellent. I've never had a complaint. Nikki Perry, the owner and founder always is sure to give great service, along with the rest of the British girls who work there. There's so much on the menu that I'd love to try, and it's a goal of mine to enjoy, but I am a sucker for the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich which I usually get at lunch. They also do afternoon tea for 35 dollars at any time of the day! GO VISIT!

I might write a full review soon, but for now, here's a heads up. After my rehearsal at Lincoln Center for the Tisch Gala this past Sunday, I went in to enjoy a cup of Vietnamese Vanilla Black Tea with an order of scones. What a lovely afternoon!

Tea Dreams!

-Ethan