Well, last minute preparations are at hand before we leave for Las Vegas. It appears that most of you want us to bring back new and exciting tea flavors, so that we will do! We'll also be taking lots of exciting classes so we can share even more tea knowledge with you.
Its going to be 95 degrees in Las Vegas this weekend. Not the best circumstances to be tasting lots of hot tea! And tasting lots of tea is the whole point of the Expo. Well, maybe not the whole point, but what's a Tea Expo without tea? Its especially exciting to see what new flavors vendors have developed. It seems like everyone has their own special flavors, and the options are limitless!
We also like checking out the tea-related items. After all, you can't drink tea without lovely teacups, right? And you need plenty of other tea-related things to set a fine tea table. So we try to bring back some of the most unique things for our customers, like our wonderful tea cozies that keep teapots warmer than any others we've seen. Stay tuned for an update on our new items when we return.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Tea and Culture--Part 1
Did you know that tea is the second most frequently consumed beverage on Earth? Only water is more popular. This leads to tea being associated with many diverse cultures.
The British Afternoon Tea (NOT "high tea"--that means dinner) was invented by Anna, Duchess of Bedford some time in the early 1800s. Back then, people would eat a large breakfast (no stale donuts for them) then would eat a late meal at about 8:00PM. Needless to say, Anna complained of a "sinking feeling" in the middle of the afternoon. So she asked one of her servants to bring some light refreshments along with tea to her chambers. This afternoon meal caught on with Anna's friends (who were probably all just as hungry). Soon, the concept of Afternoon Tea was well established.
Stay tuned for some other little tidbits of tea lore!
The British Afternoon Tea (NOT "high tea"--that means dinner) was invented by Anna, Duchess of Bedford some time in the early 1800s. Back then, people would eat a large breakfast (no stale donuts for them) then would eat a late meal at about 8:00PM. Needless to say, Anna complained of a "sinking feeling" in the middle of the afternoon. So she asked one of her servants to bring some light refreshments along with tea to her chambers. This afternoon meal caught on with Anna's friends (who were probably all just as hungry). Soon, the concept of Afternoon Tea was well established.
Stay tuned for some other little tidbits of tea lore!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A warm cup of tea on a cold, wet day
Don't know about your part of the world, but its cold and wet in Pittsburgh today. Just the kind of weather that makes me want to curl up with a hot cup of tea! Have you ever noticed how soothing tea can be? You wrap your hands around a nice warm mug and enjoy the inviting aroma. A sip of tea just warms you from the inside out!
I bought a pair of teacup earrings from a street artist once. The little cups had soft curlicues rising out of them. The coffee cup earrings had jagged lightening bolts coming out of them. Sort of shows you the difference in drinking these two beverages, huh?
I bought a pair of teacup earrings from a street artist once. The little cups had soft curlicues rising out of them. The coffee cup earrings had jagged lightening bolts coming out of them. Sort of shows you the difference in drinking these two beverages, huh?
Monday, May 12, 2008
World Tea Expo
In an effort to provide our customers with the latest and greatest in the world of tea, we here at the Purple Rose Tearoom always attend the World Tea Expo. This year's Expo will be at the end of May in Las Vegas NV. We'll be taking lots of classes and talking to lots of vendors. We're hoping to find some unusual tea flavors to bring back for you. We'll also be looking for tea-related items, especially books. So if anyone has an special items you'd like us to look into, please let us know!
One of the most exciting things about the World Tea Expo is that we get to meet other tearoom operators from around the country and the world. Its so interesting to see other people's takes on the tearoom concept! Ours is a traditional Victorian tea. But we've met people who have Asian-themed tearooms, bookstores with tearooms, etiquette businesses and much more. Which really goes to show you that tea is a beverage for all of us.
One of the most exciting things about the World Tea Expo is that we get to meet other tearoom operators from around the country and the world. Its so interesting to see other people's takes on the tearoom concept! Ours is a traditional Victorian tea. But we've met people who have Asian-themed tearooms, bookstores with tearooms, etiquette businesses and much more. Which really goes to show you that tea is a beverage for all of us.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Southwestern PA Tea Business Association
Tea business owners from Allegheny, Butler, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland counties are forming a tea association to bring YOU- the tea lover- a succinct directory of tea businesses in the areas.
We know that you may have your favorite place, and also know that you like to try new places as well. You will be able to locate the different establishments from the map we provide, as well as gain insight as to the type of fare they offer.
The guide will be coming in a few months and we hope that you will use it to expand your horizons of area tearooms- each different and with an interesting story! Stay posted. Links to the different tea rooms can be found under "Other Tea Related Web Sites."
We know that you may have your favorite place, and also know that you like to try new places as well. You will be able to locate the different establishments from the map we provide, as well as gain insight as to the type of fare they offer.
The guide will be coming in a few months and we hope that you will use it to expand your horizons of area tearooms- each different and with an interesting story! Stay posted. Links to the different tea rooms can be found under "Other Tea Related Web Sites."
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