60 replies to this topic

[ghostrider]

I received an email from TeaGschwendner, the German tea merchants that I discovered last year, announcing that they will be opening a New York store in June, at "Rockefeller Center's Channel Gardens," 620 Fifth Ave.

They say you will be able choose from more than 300 varities of tea there. They don't say that they will have them all in stock. Still, this sounds impressive.

This could be a real game-changer for New York, which has long lagged behind Europe for quality tea shops.

[Suzanne F]

In Portland, OR last week, I got to visit Smith Teamaker. Steven Smith was the guy behind Stash and Tazo. He explained the whole "seasonal" thing about teas. Very interesting. We got to taste six of his teas, and they were all stupendous. His version of Earl Grey ("Lord Bergamot") was the antithesis of every version I've had before: his was subtle and tasted more of tea than of bergamot. The jasmine would make a delightful bath.

Needless to say, his stuff is expensive, but I thought it was great.

Website is: smithtea.com

[ghostrider]

In Portland, OR last week, I got to visit Smith Teamaker. Steven Smith was the guy behind Stash and Tazo. He explained the whole "seasonal" thing about teas. Very interesting. We got to taste six of his teas, and they were all stupendous. His version of Earl Grey ("Lord Bergamot") was the antithesis of every version I've had before: his was subtle and tasted more of tea than of bergamot. The jasmine would make a delightful bath.

Needless to say, his stuff is expensive, but I thought it was great.

Website is: smithtea.com

Thanks. Tazo at least puts some decent tea out into the world. As little use as I have for mass-market teas, if I'm on the go & I run into a cafe that uses Tazo (e.g., Starbucks), I know that I"m going to get a good cup. That's worth something.

I checked out his website, I'm disappointed that he offers only one Assam & doesn't tell you which estate it's from. Still, I'm sure it's good.

[StephanieL]

In Portland, OR last week, I got to visit Smith Teamaker. Steven Smith was the guy behind Stash and Tazo. He explained the whole "seasonal" thing about teas. Very interesting. We got to taste six of his teas, and they were all stupendous. His version of Earl Grey ("Lord Bergamot") was the antithesis of every version I've had before: his was subtle and tasted more of tea than of bergamot. The jasmine would make a delightful bath.

Needless to say, his stuff is expensive, but I thought it was great.

Website is: smithtea.com

Thanks. Tazo at least puts some decent tea out into the world. As little use as I have for mass-market teas, if I'm on the go & I run into a cafe that uses Tazo (e.g., Starbucks), I know that I"m going to get a good cup. That's worth something.

I checked out his website, I'm disappointed that he offers only one Assam & doesn't tell you which estate it's from. Still, I'm sure it's good.

Interesting, because while Tazo is good for a bagged tea, all of the Stash teas I've had have been mediocre to lousy.

[SLBunge]

Interesting, because while Tazo is good for a bagged tea, all of the Stash teas I've had have been mediocre to lousy.

Agreed.

There's a decent tea shop essentially in my neighborhood: Tea Source. I'm more of a coffee drinker so I'm not in there all that much but the staff is incredibly helpful and my experience with the teas is quite good.

[ghostrider]

Interesting, because while Tazo is good for a bagged tea, all of the Stash teas I've had have been mediocre to lousy.

Also agreed.

[Suzanne F]

Interesting, because while Tazo is good for a bagged tea, all of the Stash teas I've had have been mediocre to lousy.

Also agreed.

Maybe he learned as he went along?

[ghostrider]

There's a decent tea shop essentially in my neighborhood: Tea Source. I'm more of a coffee drinker so I'm not in there all that much but the staff is incredibly helpful and my experience with the teas is quite good.

Small world! I had found Tea Source just a couple months ago while doing a Net search for new sources of Ceylon Vithanakanda, and already had them bookmarked. Nice to have the personal recommendation.

They have some interesting Assam varieties, too, which is always a big plus for me. I expect I will be trying them soon.

[ghostrider]

I finally got by T Salon during my trip to Chelsea Market the other day. It was a disappointment. I guess they've figured out a business model that works for their target clientele. The place is beautiful to look at. I was going to buy a tea or two for nostalgia's sake. I asked if there's a price list; the clerk said, "Most of our black & blended teas are $13 for a quarter pound or $24 for a half." WTF? Like they're all the same quality? And that's a high base price anyway unless you really know that something is really good. So I left w/o buying anything.

[Suzanne F]

I stopped buying there when they stopped carrying the Mariage Frères blend I loved. And even if they have it again, who can afford those prices?

[prasantrin]

I stopped buying there when they stopped carrying the Mariage Frères blend I loved. And even if they have it again, who can afford those prices?

Which is your favourite blend? I love Mariage Freres (my favourite is Bolero), even if they are known for their heavily scented teas (which is what I love about them--plus the waiters in the white linen suits make very pretty eye candy).

If you're looking for another source, I know one or two based in the US who do mail order.

[StephanieL]

I finally got by T Salon during my trip to Chelsea Market the other day. It was a disappointment. I guess they've figured out a business model that works for their target clientele. The place is beautiful to look at. I was going to buy a tea or two for nostalgia's sake. I asked if there's a price list; the clerk said, "Most of our black & blended teas are $13 for a quarter pound or $24 for a half." WTF? Like they're all the same quality? And that's a high base price anyway unless you really know that something is really good. So I left w/o buying anything.

T Salon is way too pretentious for my tastes, and their customer service is no great shakes either. Tea & Honey in Grand Central is a much better bet for very fancy teas. I don't remember if they carry Mariage Freres, though they have other French brands.

[Suzanne F]

I stopped buying there when they stopped carrying the Mariage Frères blend I loved. And even if they have it again, who can afford those prices?

Which is your favourite blend? I love Mariage Freres (my favourite is Bolero), even if they are known for their heavily scented teas (which is what I love about them--plus the waiters in the white linen suits make very pretty eye candy).

If you're looking for another source, I know one or two based in the US who do mail order.

It was something very floral. I forget the name, it's been so long. And anyway, I'm over flavored blends, except for Assam with pieces of real almonds.

[ghostrider]

T Salon has just closed its Chelsea Market shop. (Does this mean that MF has just scooped Eater?) They were there 2 weeks ago, yesterday they were gone. Nothing but bare floors & mostly papered-up windows. Sad in its way even tho I'd gone off them. http://www.tsalon.com/

NYC warehouse still open. Wonder if they have a better pricing strategy there.

[StephanieL]

Argo Tea, a chain based in Chicago I believe, now has a few stores in Manhattan. I've taken a look around the Flatiron and University Place stores a few times, but both the drinks and loose teas seem a little pricey for what you get. Has anyone been? Should I give them another try?