Tea in Texas may_june_2009

TEASHOPS

-

B&B’s

-

ANTIQUES

-

MORE!

TEA in TEXAS A FRESH LOOK ON UNIQUE TRAVEL

2009 Best Tea Products

Get started in Tea Special Father’s Day MAY/JUNE 2009

$3.95

More Fun Online: WWW.TEAINTEXAS.COM

Historical Events | Health Briefs | Community Calendar

contents

Lee Q. Garcia Publisher, Editor in Chief Sylvia Qinones Circulation Director Mary King Copy Editor Liubov Grinshteyn Graphic Designer

Contributing Writers: Greg Glancy Lydia Harris Gail Henderson Tiffany Le Bonnie Line Jeffrey Lorien Thia McKann Laurie Nienhaus Archana Pyatt Lori Ruff Kristen Schneider Carol Sims Kyle Stewart Penny Ward Tea Pro Section: Special Thanks to Wisdom for a Young CEO

By Douglas Berry For inspiring this piece.

Photos: Norma Wilson Istock.com Cathy Roach To become apart of our upcoming issue, please call TEA-922-9335 or email: info@teaintexas.com Published By-Monthly By: TEA IN TEXAS MEDIA, LLC 10878 Westheimer Rd., #115 Houston, Texas 77042

good things

dad’s delight

where to visit

32

26

5

Teatime with Daddy

Silver Sycamore Tea Room

2009 Best Tea Products

39

34

14

Gentleman’s Tea

Memories of McKinney

Bridemaids Tablescapes

46

36

16

Learn how to Breathe

Pasadena

Monkey-Picked Oolong

Sales: sales@teaintexas.com Website: teaintexas.com Phone: 832-922-9335 Fax: 281-679-7877 Tea in Texas copyrighted 2009.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use without our written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited.

Please note that Tea in Texas has made reasonable efforts to verify the information within. Editorial and advertising do not assume responsibility for false or misleading information.

Options expressed are not necessarily the views of the publisher. We encourage you to support our local businesses and say heard about them from Tea in Texas Magazine.

By submitting Images/Articles to Tea in Texas Media you grant the magazine the rights to said material for any commercial use without further consideration.

brazos valley

Texas Specialtea Shoppe Gourmet Coffee, Teas & Fine Pastries Cakes and Pies Belgian Waffles & French Toast On Weekends!

Specialteas:

Bridal Showers / Baby Showers Birthdays / Anniversaries & Other Private Part-Teas Relax On The Porch, Dine-In Or Take-Out Serving Light Lunches Natural, Wooded Walking Trails Mention this ad for a complimentary cup of tea or coffee Clark

FM 362 Reids Prairie FM 362

Field Store

FM 1488 Magnolia U.S. 290

26734 Clark Road, Waller / 936.372.0097

L Z F T Z V I S I O N Y T W U

N Y E H P P E U Q B R A B C B

S C I N C I P M D W L D L G Y

O T I G N F Q M B B E S A W X

X X R Q G V N E N K A R T W M

X R H A N O O R C S D E G O D

K C U R I O S I T Y E H A J H

P Z G S L N P T R F R T W V Q

C R S O E Y E T E W S A Q H R

T A N V E N X R C P H F Z G M

P G G K J M A C O E I V Y L Q

Z T N O R B U O B H P K K F T

Q O Y M A F N T C U O S L R E

M L Y H D J U U N U M E E K L

W Y I N I L W S I O T I W R F

tea travels

A Touch of Quaint Elegance in Pasadena Not letting our Texas history disappear is very important to many people. Renovation and revitalization is an important issue to many residents in small towns across the state.

In Pasadena, southeast of Houston, The City Hall, Second Century Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce are all playing an active role in the process of revitalizing the 15th largest city in Texas. Although all these organizations are working towards this, individuals are taking things into their own hands to get the ball rolling.

26

The Spigener’s proudly became the owners of a Pine Street gem in May of 2002, a petite doll house built in 1930 located minutes from Beltway 8 and Hwy 45. Originally built by Mr. and Mrs. Joachimi, stories have it they purchased wood from a schoolhouse torn down in Texas City at the cost of $300. Above the fireplace of the residence hangs a picture of the house being built in 1930 which states “total cost $650.00”. (Ms Nola lived there her entire life.) Precise care was taken in every step of

www.teaintexas.com | may - june 2009

the way to keep original windows, floors and walls to keep the integrity of the building, original woodwork shows through the interior walls. (House is shown during the 2008 Snow Day, a lovely sight for Houston.)

Jackie Spigener directed renovating the house back as close to it’s original state as possible, adding a commer-

tea travels

Not letting all of our Texas history disappear is very important to many people. Renovation and revitalization is an important issue to many residents in small towns across the state. cial kitchen for food operations. Now open for business, The Silver Sycamore Tea Room is helping to revive part of older Pasadena with its ambience and quaintness. The Tea Room serves lunch Tuesday-Saturday, from 11:00AM-2:00PM. Lunch specials include homemade dishes such as chicken and dumplings, chicken pot pie, cheesy potato meatloaf and many other delicious dishes. A bakery display showcases deli-

cious peach cobbler, chocolate icebox pie and tea breads. No one ever leaves hungry! For larger receptions and weddings, the property consists of an exquisite facility catering up to 300 guests for special events, holiday parties and conferences.

The beautifully landscaped grounds include a waterfall and pond surrounding the lighted gazebo for outdoor functions and pictures along with The Reception Hall and Tea Room. These are only Step One of the transformation plans for this quaint community. Directly across the street sits, Pine Square Village, a collection of three 1930’s houses, ready for new gift shops, antiques shops, boutiques, or possibly a day spa. These picturesque little houses have also be renovated to their original state by the Spigeners. The revitalization does not stop there. (Future plans include a Bed and Breakfast.) An original gas station from the 30’s will be the future site of a “General Store” and a check-in for the Bed and Breakfast. This little community will soon be a shopping, eating and entertainment destination with a feel of yesteryear. Thank you Jackie and Gary for all your hard work!

may - june 2009 | www.teaintexas.com

27

TEA Q&A

tea inquiries

By Archana Pyatt

What does the tea plant look like?

The tea plant (camellia sinensis) is an evergreen, producing flowers with delicate white petals. It flourishes in a jungle-like environment with plenty of rainfall, heat and humidity. With proper care and cultivation, it can produce tea for 70-100 years. If left in the wild, the tea plant can grow up to 60 feet tall; however, it is kept at the height of 3-4 feet by constant pruning. This process encourages the growth of new young shoots and also makes it easier for the tea pickers to pluck the top two leaves and bud which produce the finest of teas. Leaves lower on the tea plant are also plucked, producing a larger quantity but lower quality of tea. It takes about 80 pounds of green tea leaves to produce about 20 pounds of black tea.

Can I buy tea directly from a tea plantation?

I wish!! Unfortunately, tea is sold in bulk at auctions, usually in the local country that produces the tea. These auctions have not changed much over the past 100 years.

Initially, the teas brought in from the various tea plantations are tested for taste and appearance by profession-

Archana Pyatt is a true tea enthusiast. Her passion for tea has served as a platform for writing, traveling and finally opening her own tea room. Serenitea Tea Room, located in Sugarland, TX is not only a place for lunch and Afternoon Tea but also a venue to share the knowledge of tea and all things related.

al tea tasters. They are then graded for their appearance and quality. All of these teas are listed in a catalogue, each with a brief description. The auctioneer goes through the catalogue of teas as the buyers bid on the individual teas.

What is “pouchong� tea?

Pouchong teas fall under the Oolong tea category. They are less oxidized form of oolong teas and are mainly from China and Taiwan (formerly Formosa). Traditionally scented with jasmine flowers, it yields a very delicate brew in appearance and taste. Another wonderful combination with pouchong tea are roses a beautiful scented tea that is, unfortunately, a bit more difficult to find in the US still.

may - june 2009 | www.teaintexas.com

29

houston

Tea time with Daddy

By Lori Ruff

Enjoying Lunch at the Tea Room for Father’s Day

32

Not only am I married to the most wonderful man in the world he is the best Daddy to our beautiful daughter. My husband is over 6 feet tall, a very manly man and avid hunter. He is a businessman during the week, a hunter on the weekend and a daddy everyday. Not the typical type of person that you would think would visit a tea room but for his daughter he jumped on board to be part of this bonding experience. When I told him I was taking our daughter to the tea room for lunch he said the he wanted to go too. He was even more on board with going because I told him that I was buying the lunch. Hey, what guy would pass on a free lunch no matter where it is? I do admit the first tea room that I took him to was a bit phoo phoo on their dĂŠcor, but the food was excellent. My husband enjoyed the desserts the best.

I know my daughter enjoys the experience even though she is less than a year old. Yes, that is correct, she is too young to enjoy quiches, soups sandwiches, scones and such but the bonding experience and smile on her face is joy enough. Just wait until our daughter can talk. I tell my husband be prepared to www.teaintexas.com | may - june 2009

north texas

COME FOR TEA

Tea House Guide For South East Texas Houston and Surrounding Areas METRO HOUSTON

10

DISCLAIMER- This is a sampling of Tea Businesses in the area, and not intended to be complete. To be included in future lists, call TEA-922-9335

SOUTHEAST TEXAS

42

1

Blisswood Cat Springs, TX 713-301-3235

2

Brendan Manor LaGrange, TX 979-968-2028

3

Café M. Bloomers Navasota, TX 936-870-3277

4

Charleston Tea Room Friendwood, TX 281-992-8327

5

Ellen's Café Spring, TX 281-353-9229

6

Fontenot Grand Mansion Spring, TX 281-355-8961

7

Four Friends Tea Room Pearland,TX 281-485-6484

8

Front Parlor Galveston, Texas 409-762-0224

18

19

9

10

Queens Quirky Kitchen League City, TX 281-557-5555

20 Rachel's Cottage League City, TX 281-557-4433

Hope Village Friendswood, TX 281-482-6271

21 The Secret Garden Hempstead, TX 979-921-0005

11 Idyl Hours Tea Room Cypress, TX 281-370-2626

12 Jeannie Ann's Tea Room La Porte, TX (281) 867-4600 13 Lagniappe Bay City, TX 979-244- 3538 14 Le Gourmet Bistro Tomball, TX 281-255-4223 15 Mad Hatter TR & Boutique Caldwell,TX 77836 877-811-1965

16 The Milk Pail Alvin, TX 281-585-6932 17 Nana's Attic League City, TX 281-554-8199 The Pear Tree Pearland,TX 281-485-1697 Purple Turtle Coffee & Tea La Porte, TX 281-470-6595

22 Serenitea Sugarland, TX 281-491-4588

www.teaintexas.com | may - june 2009

23 Silver Sycamore Pasadena, TX 281-487-4033

27 Teapot Depot Highlands, TX 281-426-3670

31 White Flamingo Spring,TX 291-907-0778

24 Southern Magnolia TR Orange, TX 409-883-4144

28 Tremont House Hotel Galveston, Texas 409-763-0300

NEW! --------------------

25 Tea for Two Houston, TX 281-855-1118

29 Vintage Garden Tea House Montgomery, TX 936-597-4004

26 Tea Cake French Bakery Houston, TX 281-893-6869

30 Whistle Stop Tomball, TX 281-255-2455

A

B

C

Boutique Botanica Katy, TX 281-574-4999

By George Tea Room Angleton, TX 979-235-0035 The Mustard Seed Baytown, TX 281-422-7100

advertiser list VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS AT WWW.TEAINTEXAS.COM

Historical Accomodations Event Planners

South East TX Tea Shops

Brendan Manor B&B LaGrange, TX

Victorian Lady

Boutique Botanica

Texas Specialtea Shoppe

979-968-2028

League City, TX

Katy, TX

Waller, TX

713-299-4777

281-574-4999

936-372-0097

Robins Nest B&B Houston, TX

An Affair of the Heart

British Isles

Whistle Stop

713-528-5821

Houston, TX

Houston, TX

Tomball, TX

281-413-4714

713-522-6868

281-255-2455

By George Tea Room

White Flamingo

Events

Angleton, TX

Spring, TX

979-235-0035

281-907-0778

Central Texas Tea Shops

ALPHABETICAL AD INDEX

Ambrosia Tea Room Salado, TX

Antique Elegance Show

Café M. Bloomers

254-947-3733

Richardson, TX

Navasota, TX

432-687-2004

936-870-3277

Austin, TX

Calvert Tea and Gala

The Drink Station

512-330-9991

Calvert, TX

Pearland, TX

979-364-2559

281-412-0755

TEA for Joy

Ellen's Café

Tea Embassy

Publications Tea House Times teahousetimes.com Tea in Texas Magazine (832) TEA-922-9335

Gifts Grannies Tea Cozies

Lewisville, TX

Spring, TX

Tea Room News

817-371-9907

281-353-9229

thetearoomnews.com

Tea Books

Pearland,TX

VOTED BEST COZIES 812-202-0151

Four Friends Tea Room

Heirloom Lamps

Wellness

281-485-6484

Dallas, TX

Lisanne Wellness Center

214-692-8807 Tea Wheel

Tea Treasures and More

Masraff's on Post Oak

Houston, TX

by Carol Sims

Houston, TX

713-467-9499

512-330-9991

713-355-1975

Makes Tea Preparation Easy 806-789-0378 Love Your Neighborhood

And Then it was Teatime

Mustard Seed Tea Room

by Laurie Nienhaus

Baytown, TX

239-463-1079

281-422-7100

Teatime Bingo

Peggy's Victorian Corner Best Victorian Costumes

Inspirational Calendar 813-928-1166

Customed Dress

Tea Journal

The Path of Tea

Galveston, TX

by Archana Pyatt

Houston, TX

409-765-5455

281-491-4588

713-252-4473

North Texas Shops

Houston, TX

TEAGO, fun game 214-763-5336

Sandys Market

Tea Flower Jewelry

281-870-9999

Sterling Silver

The Cultured Cup

773-294-8477

Dallas, TX

Serenitea

888.VIP.TEAS

Sugarland, TX

Tea Party Cake Pulls Nee Nee's Tea Room

214-749-1006

Plano, TX 469-441-4679

Online Tea Shop Crossroad Collection Houston, TX 713-783-9737

Silver Sycamore Pasadena, TX 281-487-4033

Veranda Tea Garden Plano, TX 972-509-7878

Texas Tea Business Network www.gotexastea.org

281-491-4588

Sterling Silver

Organizations

Ambrosia Tea Room An Affair of the Heart And Then it was Teatime Antique Elegance Boutique Botanica Brandon Manor British Isles Shoppe

By George Tea Room Café M. Bloomers Calvert Tea and Gala Crossroads Collection The Cultured Cup The Drink Station Ellen's Café Four Friends Tea Room Grannies Tea Cozies Heirloom Lamps Lisanne Wellness Center Love Your Neighborhood Masraff's Mustard Seed Tea Room Nee Nee's Tea Room Path of Tea Peggy's Victorian Corner Robins Nest Bed and Breakfast Sandy's Market Serenitea Tea Room Silver Sycamore Tea Room Tea Blessings Tea Embassy Tea Flower Jewelry Tea for Joy Tea House Times Tea in Texas Magazine Tea Party Cake Pulls Tea Room News Teapot Depot Teatime Bingo Tea Treasures and More Tea Wheel Texas Specialtea Shoppe Texas Tea Business Network TEXAS Victorian Lady Veranda Tea Garden Whistle Stop Tea Room White Flamingo Restaurant

18 33 6 28 38 18 32 31 17 18 47 47 34 36 31 17 5 2 6 33 31 47 32 18 41 37 35 31 17 18 6 45 38 39 7 41 31 38 6 38 17 18 47 47 41 36

Teapot Depot Highlands, TX 281-426-3670

Reach Your Target Audience Frequent Travelers, Affluent & Savvy, Key Decision-Makers Tea in Texas is much more than a Magazine- it’s a state of mind and a tool for your growing business.

may - june 2009 | www.teaintexas.com

43

tea history

Monkey-Picked Oolong

By Thia McKann Thia McKann owns The Path of Tea, the only totally organic tea shop in Houston, Texas. She is the only Certified Tea Master in Texas.

The shop is located at 2340 W Alabama, Houston, TX, www.thepathoftea.com

Monkey-picked tea? Is there really a tea that is picked by monkey hands instead of human hands? Though this sounds crazy, most tea lovers have seen Monkey-Picked Oolong for sale and wondered if it was real. Are there actually specially trained monkeys picking tea somewhere on a remote mountain in China? Did a monkey witness a human picking tea and then imitate the action?

Were monkeys used in order to get to tea on the side of treacherous cliffs that humans couldn’t reach? Is this fact, or fiction?

44

Perhaps years ago there were some trained monkeys, but today only one tea company still claims their tea is picked this way. However, no photographs exist of those famous picking monkeys. Of the thousands of teas available from China, none is more controversial than Monkey-Picked oolong. The legends about how this tea came into being are as old as the tea itself.

Lets focus on one of China’s most famous teas: MonkeyPicked Ti Kuan Yin Oolong (also called Te Guan Yin).

The origin of this oolong tea dates to the early 18th century, when the Tie Guan Yin varietal of tea plant was discovered in Fujian province. Legend has it that monkeys were trained by monks to pick the choicest leaves from wild tea trees growing in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province. This monkey-picked tea was presented as tribute to Emperor Qian Long in 1741 and, for many years, was enjoyed exclusively by his Court. Over time, as the tea became more accessible to the general population, it provided inspiration for poets, artists, and philosophers.

Ti Quan Yin means Iron Goddess or Iron Bodhisattva; the leaves are dark like iron yet the taste is light and ethereal, like the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Quan Yin. www.teaintexas.com | may - june 2009

Another Chinese legend says that the Goddess of Mercy appeared in a dream to a local farmer and told him to look in the cave behind her temple. There he found a single tea shoot, which he planted and cultivated. From that time, the tea has been known as Iron Goddess.

Oolong teas have some wonderful health benefits. They are fabulous mood elevators. They also can affect the way the liver metabolizes fat resulting in weight-loss.

Oolong teas have about 15% of the caffeine found in coffee. They are served in many Chinese restaurants because they can cut the level of triglyceride in the blood which can help relieve bloating from over-eating. It has also been reported that Oolong tea might encourage T Cell production. Oolongs are great for anti-aging. Many people really go “ape” for this amazing tea!

Today, monkey-picked simply means the highest quality Ti Quan Yin tea available. Picked during the spring and fall from higher elevations than other Ti Quan Yin grades, the monkey-picked grade is entirely handmade by family artisans. Monkey-picked tea is like a calling card to a tea grower, and it represents the philosophy of his processing. To a traditional Chinese tea merchant the term monkey-picked would not be used lightly and would describe the most prized teas. Only the top two leaves and the bud are picked for the best Ti Quan Yin teas. These wonderful teas are totally hand processed which gives the tea a high spirit. The highest grade Ti Quan Yin teas are oxidized until 30% of the leaves are black while 70% remains green. The taste is alluring with a fresh orchid aroma, a bold fruity flavor and a sweet, lingering finish. This tea really lends itself to the Gong Fu style of brewing, making many infusions. Whether this tea is picked by a monkey or a man, give it a try. You will be so glad you did.

Marketplace ANTIQUES Antiques on Memorial 14034 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 281-920-9424 Cobwebb Antiques Ave J - Behind Flower Shop Plano, TX 469-441-4679 ASIAN TEAS Hou De Fine Teas - Puerh Teas Yixing Teapots Free Shipping in Texas houdeasianart.com TEA COZY Quality Tea Cozies - All sizes Designer Fabrics Small Orders and Personalized 713-385-1503 TEA EDUCATION Club Etiquette Cotillions, Charm School, Private Lessons clubetiquette.com 281-589-KIDS It's An Affair of the Heart Hospitalitea and Event Planning anaffairoftheheart.net 281-413-4714 Tea Blessings Tea Workshops and Exhibits (Accoutrements, Cultural Pieces, etc) TEA-922-9335

HOME PARTIES Lets Do Tea Tea Sales at Your Home letsdotea.com 888-695-5552 Scones, Lemon Curd & Cream Adds a Touch of Elegance to Your Afterrnoon Teas Serenitea Tea Room 281-491-4588 MUSIC Marshall Styler Piano Instrumentals Austin's own- Great CD's marshallstyler.com 512-462-2845 BOOKS Tea Treasures and More

by Carol Sims Austin, TX teatreasures.com 512-330-9991 And Then it was Teatime

by Laurie Nienhaus National glily.com 239-463-1079 TEA TOUR Experience Charleston Next Summer 6 days of tea and friendship June 2010 TEA-922-9335

WHOLESALERS Tea in Texas sponsors Texas Tea Business Network to serve you!

TEA COLORING BOOK

A Time for Tea

by Katherine Macaro, only $4.50 832-922-9335 TEA SETS Delton Gifts Tea Baskets deltonproducts.com 800-542-0209 Schylling Inc. Tin Sets schylling.com 800-sos-toys TEAWARES NORPRO General Teawares, low minimums norpro.com 425-261-1000 TEA CARDS Crossmyheart.com Unique cards and invitations Handpainted and Whimsical 214-739-2320 Kimberly Shaw Cards with the gift of Tea kimberlyshawgraphics.com 800-489-6839

WHOLESALE ONLY TEAS Mighty Leaf Tea Hand Crafted Artisan Teas Tony Tortorice 800-259-1300 Duncan Teas Pre- Packaged Karen Ninos 832-752-0190 VILLAGE BOTANICA Organic Hibiscus 979-921-0000

Advertisers Join now, reach our 15,000 readers

Classified Listing $59 - Four Lines Free Online Listing Minimum 2 Insertions Tea In Texas Magazine sales@teaintexas.com TEA-922-9335

LEARN HOW TO BREATHE Most of us don’t realize it, but in stressful situations many of us hold our breath.

Right this minute, notice how few breaths you’re actually taking. Or how shallow they are: usual breathing comes from your chest. Most of us don’t even realize how we are not inhaling and exhaling with any regularity. We are not paying attention to where we are. Science has proven that the more conscious breaths you take, the more relaxed you’ll feel.

The perfect Way’s like boundless space Nothing lacking, nothing extra It is because of choice That its absolute truth is lost Don’t pursue externals; Don’t dally in the interior void When the spirit remains serene In the unity of things Dualism vanishes by itself; When that unity is not clear There is loss in both directions.

- Seng-ts’an (d. 606)

Try this: Inhale deeply through your nostrils so that all the air goes down into your stomach until you look about four months pregnant.

Hold it to the count of four.

Slowly exhale through your mouth to the count of six.

If you do this three times in a row, your shoulders will drop, your heart rate will slow down and you’ll realize that you actually loosen up. Increase your exercise until you can breathe deeply ten times. Take a crack at it twice a day and you’ll be amazed at what it can do for your disposition.

46

www.teaintexas.com | may - june 2009

dallas

D3@/<2/ B3/ 5/@23< OPEN: Tues -Sun 11:00 am-2:30 pm Closed Monday Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Hot Meals Daily Specials, Desserts (Jack Barger at Piano) A special place to host Special Occasions Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries Afternoon Tea (By Reservation) Located inside: ANTIQUELAND (over 250 dealers) 800 N. Central Exp #100 Plano, TX 75074 972-509-7878