Tea Party 25, 2013

Once a year, foodies from across Vancouver come together to celebrate specialty cuisine, fine foods & snacks, over a bar stocked with international liquors and beers at the event known as EAT! Vancouver. So as I’m sure you can imagine, this year Tea Sparrow found a home at EAT! Vancouver and the show found a place close to my heart. While at the show we signed up a wonderful array of tea enthusiasts and authentic characters. The 25th Tea Party was in dedication to our newest family members.

1. Today we decided to wrap up the loose ends in the tea cupboard. With just a few samples remaining from Tiesta Tea, Mighty Leaf and The Tea Spot we brewed them head-to-head. But what would a tea party be without a new tea blender  for a dash of excitement, so introducing tea blender, 3 Teas.

2. Welcome Tea Sparrow members Jing Jing & Roslyn.

3. For our first round we brew white and green teas. We have Lavender White, Peppermint, Ginger Green by 3 Teas and Jade Tips by The Tea Spot.

4. The first round goes over well, but this is a tough crowd. I’m a sucker for anything with lavender so 3 Teas has my number, but the rest of the table feels the lavender is too overpowering.

5. After the Tea Party we mix some extra white tea I have into the Lavender White. We serve it for friends and it win over the crowd this time, serving the tea both hot and iced.

6. During Round Two we sample the last three Mighty Leaf teas we have: Earl Grey Decaf, Orchard Oolong and Brazilian Fruit.

7. Welcome Mathew & Tanya. As we wait for the teas to brew we smell the blends and discuss the leaves.

8. The teas brew beautifully.

9. The round goes over well and everyone likes the teas but alas nothing scores well enough for a Tea Box.

10. Onto the last round; we brew the herbal teas: The Tea Spot’s Sweet Lullaby and Tiesta Tea’s Granny’s Garden & Ginger Sweet Peach.