tea merchant 101

while we were in pennsylvania last week, we went to a lovely tea shop in duncansville called tea merchant 101. from what i gather, the owner, joseph doyle mixes his own teas and does this mainly as a hobby. he teaches classes on tea, the history of tea, etc. thus the name, tea 101. i can't say enough about how wonderful the shop was. it was small enought o feel intimate, but large enough to hold 101 varieties of tea. there was a good mix of white, black, and green teas as well as rooibos and herbal blends. he had the biggest selection of beehouse teapots i have ever seen, and plenty of other accoutrements as well--honey, jams, tea pots, bags for loose teas, etc. all beautifully presented and obviously selected with care. the owner was friendly and helpful and delighted to see us. the hippie and i went a bit nuts and bought a gajillion types of tea, as well as a tea pot.

while we were there, a huge storm rolled in right as the baby decided it was time to eat, so we stayed for a cup of tea and possibly the best coconut macarron i have ever had. the hippie had a lovely scone, and his mom had a fabulous little snickerdoodle. we all tried different teas so that we could taste them all. the service, tea, and food was all just great.

the whole experience was delicious--there were only two small details i would change if i could. 1) i firmly believe that a tea shop or any place that serves tea should have milk. little plastic things of half-n-half just don't cut it for me. and 2) i would like some type of cream and jam with my scone rather than just honey. for the full experience, i really think you need some devon double or clotted cream.

bottom line though--this place is a wonderful hidden treasure! if you are ever in the area, i would HIGHLY recommend stopping in for a stress relieving visit and a wonderful, fragrant cup of tea! also, joe will ship tea anywhere, and if you are a fan, i recommend both his english and scottish breakfast blends--some of the best i have ever had.

some other reviews at teamap.com.
more pictures here.

plug for a local bakery

how gorgeous is this cake? and here's the thing: it tastes better than it looks. this is the paris cake from a local bakery and cafe here in raleigh called hereghty. their tag line is "heavenly delicious," and they are NOT kidding! their sandwiches, soups, and salads are as lovely as their desserts, and all are exquisite. the counter service is casual, but very friendly and helpful. i can't recommend them highly enough as a post-spa lunch locale (they are located beside synergy, my favorite local spa), a great after-date dessert and wine place, or a place to get a cake for a birthday, dinner party, etc. this cake was 6 inches, and it was plenty for post-symphony and wine last saturday. i bought it right out of the case the day of--they usually have a few in stock. here's where you can find them:

Hereghty
http://www.hereghty.com/
2603 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 123
Raleigh, North Carolina 27608
919-510-9161


ps--they also do a high tea in the afternoon if you like that sort of thing, but, fyi, you need a reservation. the teas are from mighty leaf, one of my faves as well.

little things

this week, i have been dieting and going to the gym and thinking an awful lot about my health, both mental and physical. i am making a concerted effort to be nicer to and take better care of both my body and my spirit. it's not really a new year's resolution so much as it is a much-needed mental shift. i have been really trying to do at least one nice thing for myself every day--read some of a book just for fun, knit a little, give myself a facial mask, etc. and yesterday when i ran into this little swank grocery store near my house to grab something i needed to make dinner, i saw these fabulous little packs of revolution tea--sampler packs of 5 teas each. the packaging is just beautiful, and the teas i have had from this company before were lovely, so i indulged. last night i made a cup of bombay chai tea from this little box. it was HEAVEN. if you have never tried these teas before, let me just say--you must. the tea bags are little silken pouches, and the smells are lovely, and the tastes are subtle and delightful. get some. it's like taking a hot bath just to drink one cup.

if you feel like crap...

scout in a sunbeam

then it's important to gather to you all the things that comfort you in your time of need. i recommend kitties. they are perfect napping companions, often continuing to nap even after you have given up and gotten out of the bed. chocolate ice cream and hot tea with honey and rum are also recommended. and books. and good TV. and knitting.