A Melange of Tea!

I know, I haven't been updating TTG as much as I'd like to. But, due to a busy schedule and an overwhelming amount of work I've had on my hands the past few weeks, updating has been a dilemma in and of itself. That isn't to say I haven't been drinking tea. Of course I have! As the weather changes to Autumn and New York begins to become brisk and breezy, I like deep black Assams and Keemuns to keep me warm. Pumpkin anything usually wins my heart quite easily, and tis the season for Pumpkin Spice Chai, Pumpkin Pie Tea, and Pumpkin Muffin Tea. Search hard and you will find! Here are just a few teas I've had over the past month:

I recently picked up Zabar's own loose leaf Assam. Okay, it isn't the best Assam tea I've ever tasted, but it also isn't bad. A nice ritual with a two-cup teapot and Royal Albert China, a splash of milk and a bit of sugar. The perfect way to break during the day.

Dragon Well Green Tea at Cha An Teahouse in the East Village. A light and fragrant Chinese green tea that is smooth without much bite or bitterness. The thing I love about Cha An is that they refill your teapot multiple times...four in my case! I could drink this green tea all day. Have you looked up the health benefits of green tea? Do. You'll be happy to make it a part of your daily cuppa.

Iced Chai at Hampton Chutney Co. To assuage the heat of that severely spicy dosa, grab an iced chai. Milky and cold, and not too sweet, this chai combines cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and a strong black tea to create a delightful concoction. Now that the cold has started, it may be time to switch to the hot chai.

Taro Bubble Tea from Queen Bakery on Mott St at Grand. Although Queen Bakery uses tea powder for their bubble tea, they make a really great cup. It may have something to do with the fact that they use a blender in the process. The women who work there are all very nice (a surprise for Chinatown) and this is one of the best Taro Bubble Teas in Chinatown. Especially a surprise because it comes from a bakery, where most people are eating buns or slurping noodle soup.

More tea to come! Stay on the lookout!

-TTG