Tea Cup Roll Call

I had mentioned a few posts back that I would keep you posted on what types of teas and unfusions I am drinking....the WHAT'S IN YOUR CUP? is akin to learning about a person by asking "What's on your iPod?"...so for those terribly interested..I shall attempt to recap the last few days worth of sipping:

Monday
woke up with: Essencha's GenMaiCha with Matcha
en route to work: my own Chili Tea
That night: more GenMaiCha w/Matcha

Tuesday
woke up: GenMaiCha
en route to work: my own blend of Chili Tea
at work: Harney & Sons' Cinnamon Black Tea
that night: (the rest of my) Rou Gui oolong - must buy more!

Wednesday
at work: my own blend of Black Ambrosia
(peach ceylon, toasted coconut, almonds, nutmeg)
that night: GenMaiCha w/matcha (I'm really into this tea!)

Thursday
woke up with Metro Teas' Lapsang Souchong
(with added bit of cinnmon bark)
en route: Chili Tea (it's a great throat warmer)
at work: Black Ambrosia

Friday
woke up with: Yerba Mate
left my tea for the trip to work sitting on counter.. :(
at work (2) cups of Celestial Seasonsings Green Tea (hey..I'm at work...)

That's all for now...I'm sure I'll have more when I GO home...which I think I'll do right now. If you feel so moved to comment, you may certainly feel free to add to the Roll Call.

Happy Sipping!

Spotlight: Remedy Tea

Madam Potts takes to traveling again - this time to Philadelphia to visit Remedy Tea Bar.

As I do a lot of traveling, it's important to know where the hiding places are, the sanctuaries of the urban world - and by this I mean, where to stop for a pot of tea.

So it was my pleaure to visit Remedy this past Saturday with a friend of mine, and while away 2 hours sipping tea in the comfortable, modern cafe that is Remedy. Remedy seems to be a place that encourages people to spread out, relax and enjoy a cup or pot of tea. In the time I sat there, there was rarely, if ever, a vacant chair Ample room, free wiFi and excellent tea make up for this laid-back atmosphere.

My first pot was "Mad for Mint" (what else would a mad potter such as myself order). This blend of mint and spices was the perfect choice as I had just had lunch - yum! soothing, tasty. My second order was a bit bolder, as I chose a Peach Nectar Oolong. Bits of peach, in a darker, no doubt Wuyi oolong, made for a fragrant and relaxing tea.

The only short-coming is that the staff's knowledge of tea is a bit lacking. Considering the high turnover rate of such a job, I have learned to overlook that, but even the most basic instruction on steeping time should be offered up (use a cheat sheet if you must - I don't care!). I'm sure there have been many an unhappy customer due to over-steeping which could have easily been avoided. Also, don't expect extra water for 2nd &3rd infusion - it's not that kind of place. It's a place to unwind & enjoy the popularity of tea, but not so much place where you will learn much if you don't already know.

All in all, it is a very hip spot to know about and the tea is VERY good.
It is certainly a place that I will frequent when I return.


Happy sipping when you're tripping!

Heating up

It may be cold and damp today, but inside, there is a warmth - beyond warm feeling of my Good Fortune tea as I'm drinking and typing this....but a real feeling of excitement. Today, I am responding to a request by a tea company (who shall remain nameless) and sending them 6 samples of Madam Potts' favorite Custom Blends...

I was told that my tea was featured at a dinner party in England last weekend, to rave reviews for the Chili Tea. And this weekend, a customized blend I designed, Marie's Tea, will be featured at a tea party in Philadelphia. I love that people are letting me know that they are gathering with friends to taste and discuss my blends. Indescribable the smile, the satisfaction, the thrill that I get from knowing that my creations are being consumed, shared and enjoyed.

I also received positive feedback from the owner of GramStand about the Love Looks East and the Chai Something New blends that I laid on him. I would love to get my blends in various cafes and will work on that this year.

Next up in November, I will be working on some mad holiday blends...maybe some digestives for Thanksgiving and some cheery aromatics for Christmas.

Happy Sipping = Happy Living
- M. Potts