Friday Tea Tastings

 Everyone has heard that Darjeeling tea is referred to as “The Champagne of Tea”, but what does that mean? Can you differentiate a Darjeeling tea from another tea? Are there taste differences among the teas from the 90 certified gardens of Darjeeling? And what about the various flushes? This comparative Darjeeling tea tasting will answer these questions for you! We are pleased to welcome returning certified tea specialists and tea mentors Deb and Mike Raab of Tea-for-All in Trenton, NJ for this informative tea tasting session.   

Travel across five continents while discovering tea cultures and the unique tea time traditions that represent each country. This tea tasting session will take you from Argentina to Australia onto Germany, Mexico and Morocco and will incorporate a variety of interesting tea time specialties. Sip tea like the locals under the guidance of Teresa Weddelman.. Teresa travels from Ohio to guide us on this tea tasting journey across the globe. Teresa is a certified tea sommelier by the World Tea Academy. She also completed the tea specialist course offered by the UK Tea Academy and is a graduate of Bruce Richardson’s Tea and Etiquette Class.        

Tea and chocolate pair with each other amazingly well! During this flavorful and entertaining session you will be encouraged to make a conscious effort and follow a deliberate process to distinguish different taste sensations, knowing that there is no right or wrong answer. Pairing is an art and a science where you will discover what is flavorful and enjoyable to you, and perhaps what doesn’t quite meld. The key to a chocolate and tea pairing session is quality chocolate and equally good quality tea, both of which will be offered during this session. Local Chocolatier Diane Krulac of Brittle Bark will provide the dark, milk, white and caramel chocolate. Tea and Instruction will be provided by Karen Donnelly of Greenhalgh Tea. Karen has a very clear and organized manner of walking you through the chocolate spectrum and how tea and chocolate complement, enhance or contrast in flavor. You will be surprised at the results! Or, as eighth-century Chinese scholar Lu Yu observed in his definitive work, The Classic of Tea, “In the end, goodness is for the mouth to decide.”                                  

Discover the art of pairing tea with vegan cheeses. In this unique and flavorful experience, you'll explore the rich tapestry of tastes and aromas that arise when these two worlds come together. You will be guided through a curated selection of teas paired with a variety of artisanal vegan cheeses. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or a cheese lover looking for plant-based alternatives, your taste buds will go on a journey of discovery and indulgence. Savor the harmony of tea and vegan cheeses in every sip and bite. Karen Donnelly, Certified Tea Sommelier from the Tea & Herbal Association of Canada and owner of Greenhalgh Tea and Orchard Tea Room will guide you on this flavorful journey.  *Please Note: Nut allergies – plant based cheeses are often made with cashews and almonds       

The classic combination of quality tea and flavored honey can offer a complex and flavorful pairing creating the ultimate taste sensation. You will work through the tea spectrum from a range of a delicate herbal. robust rooibos, lighter green tea, medium bodied oolong and a brisk black tea while comparing and contrasting the flavor notes of various honeys infused with herbs and spices. Lori Stahl of BeeBees All Naturals will lead this tea tasting session as you discover the balance between the two  and ultimately find your personal favorite pairing that is meant to ‘bee’.  You will be charmed with Lori's energy and enthusiasm for honey, tea and nature at this entertaining tasting session.                 

Discover this unique and creative way to repurpose two or three used tea bags as canvas. Participants will learn how to paint using watercolor or gouache (opaque watercolor) applied to the tea bags. Inspiration and artistry are limited only by the boundaries of the tea bag. Our featured artist, Ruby Silvious will guide you through this peaceful craft and share tips using tea bags and watercolors as your medium to create a unique piece of art. All materials included. Ruby Silvious is internationally recognized for her miniature paintings and collages on the used tea bag. Her paintings on tea bags, some inspired by her art residences and travels around the world, have been featured in numerous publications including CNN Travel, Vogue Italia, Cosmopolitan China, Disney Malaysia, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Good Morning America/ABC News, National Geographic Kids, and the internationally syndicated Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Silvious was educated in the U.S. and Asia; she currently lives in Coxsackie, NY. Her art is exhibited internationally and is featured in public and private collections. Note: This class will be held at Dalicia Bakery and Restaurant.  This very special class is $48.00. Class size limited to 10.