Category Archives: TEA TRAVELS

TEA TRAVELS

Desert Cafe

Leave a comment

DESERT CAFE

Winter can be shocking in Southern California, the land of tequila sunrises, and purple haze sunsets.  It’s mostly warm here, but occasionally the temperatures dip low enough for it to snow all the way from the Malibu beaches to the high desert. If you take a deep dive into historic photo archives, you can find many images of citrus groves, and other surrounds with a frosting of snow.  Chilly enough to see your breath, and make the tip of your nose turn red.  

This is a great time to head out to the desert, particularly Palm Desert.  Here you can find glorious blue skies, swaying palm trees, and fresh desert air warm enough to reset your body temperature and relax. So that’s where Tea Travels went.  A getaway to experience all that the desert has to give and to warm up a bit. 

The were several takeaways from this amazing mini-vaca.  Number one, the effect of the unparalleled beauty of the Southern Californian desert. The rainbow hues that light up the sky at sunrise and sunset.  The flora and fauna, both exotic and austere.  There are easy hikes up into the canyons to get a feel for the origins of Native American mysticism and a prehistoric ecosystem that has survived the ages and is thriving  today. The scenery of the desert, lights up the imagination, and carries away even the most unimaginative beings to dreams of other worlds.  

My next favorite thing about Palm Desert was the tributes to the  history of the Native American tribes that have lived in the region for ages that are revered and celebrated.  Several tributes and gathering areas are dedicated to local Native American tribes.  Visitors are enlightened and schooled on the ongoing presence and governance of the desert by these ancient tribes that have survived natural and man-made adversity. 

The city is filled with art galleries and museums.  There are parks filled with art and sculpture.  Palm desert has somewhat Phoenician esthetic that blends well with modernism. The effect exists in the architecture and city layout. A get away for esthetic pharaohs. Luxury shops line the main boulevard.  Pristine golf courses and world class resorts stream out from the main gathering areas.  Grocery stores filled with gourmet foods and delis can be found in several locations. Gorgeous mid-century homes, low of roof and expansive in living space, rest behind adobe walls, giving just a hint of what lies behind those walls. It’s all lovely to the eye and the city still maintains a sense of community.  

And then, of course, the tea. My tea stop this time was Soto Voce.  A small modern cafe located at The Paseo, a local shopping area.  The offerings would satisfy any sophisticated and worldly tea drinker.  Conversations in languages from around the world drifted around my head.  There were a lot of darling pups. It seemed that most of the guests had brought their favorite furry pal to accompany them for an afternoon chat and treat. 

After all of this tea, history, and glorious beauty, I was thoroughly warmed up and ready to take on another week of chilly weather. This get away did not disappoint. The desert is austere, yet colorful. Quiet, yet sings with the songs of desert wildlife.  Remote, yet right there in your heart.  

TEA TRAVELS

Magic Matcha Oi Oi

Leave a comment

The whole world is discovering Matcha tea and it’s quickly becoming a staple of many tea menus.  Matcha originated in Japan and is full of  vitamins, minerals, catechin, theanine and many other nutrients.   Matcha powdered green tea has 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea. Matcha is calming, relaxing, boosts metabolism, detoxifies and enhances mood and concentration. My opinion that Matcha was taking the world by storm was confirmed when I was fortunate enough to make a trip to Disneyland to celebrate my daughter’s birthday with her family and with my son. We are all huge fans of everything Stars Wars, so our first wish of the day was to see the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Land.  After changing and feeding the babies and getting everyone situated we made our way through the holiday crowds (our fellow Disney lovers)to take in Disney’s newest and most exciting creation. When we entered Star Wars: Galaxy Edge Land we were thrilled beyond belief. To see the characters and planets come to life was magical and transported us to the world of Star Wars.

When we decided to break for lunch we headed into Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to Tugg’s Grub. Tugg is a Wookie chef who travels from planet to planet and is in high demand for his skills and delicious food. Due to the remote location of this particular planet where this Docking Bay was located, our chef utilized a farm to table concept to develop his menu. The menu had many healthy options that included plant based dishes and some lovely desserts. I was drawn to the Oi-Oi puff, described as a raspberry cream puff with passionfruit mousse. So, when in Disney, it’s important to enjoy everything you can, so I ordered the Oi-Oi Puff for dessert.

We waited at the counter and our order came out, served in cast iron dishes(very cool and very Starwarsish). It looked appetizing and the presentation was lovely. I was a bit perplexed because of the garnishes sitting on a swirl of frosting  which topped the cake and covering what lay underneath. The garnishes were a disc of creamy milk chocolate with a Blackspire Outpost Logo on it’s round face, flakes of chocolate and green sponge torn into small bits.  I couldn’t figure out the green and then suddenly it clicked-Matcha! Well, I love Matcha and am embarrassingly enamored with the flavor and all the wonderful things you can concoct with Matcha.  

The dessert descriptor is a round Matcha cake filled with raspberry mousse and topped with cream frosting and the garnishes mentioned above.  The dessert was delicious, light on sugar and left me feeling light and energized.  This didn’t surprise me, because Matcha always has this effect.   We sat and enjoyed, and took in the busy, noisy atmosphere of Docking Bay 7. The sights and components of the trade outpost were fascinating and along with the food, Disney delivered another unparralleled experience, that they are known for. 

It was an amazing day.  Spending time with family, being thoroughly immersed in Disney magic and having Matcha. With this thought, I leave you with a bit of Blackspire poetry taken from Wookieepedia: 

At the edge of the galaxy

So far away

Black was the spire

That called me to stay. 

A beacon for drifters

Forgotten and lost

The spires summoned those 

Broken and lost. 

Come stay here forever

Or just pass on through.

The spirit of Black Spire 

Will forever change you—An Old Batuan Ballad

Photo by Daniel Cheung on Unsplash

 

TEA TRAVELS

Porto Me-Tea Cuban Style

Leave a comment

I found out recently that I was really out of the loop, despite having an opinion of myself that I was really well-travelled. I thought that I  knew most of the great places to go and the newest and best restaurants.  I was driving down the 10 freeway one day and I noticed that an old dinner theater in West Covina was being renovated.  The sign posted that Porto’s was coming to West Covina.  I was curious, what was Porto’s?

Well, it turned out Porto’s is this amazing restaurant that all began with a wonderful woman from Cuba that was a fabulous cook and created the most beautiful cakes and pastries.  She immigrated to the US with her husband, became known for her delicious and magical creations and eventually opened shop with her family. There are now five locations throughout the greater LA basin where you will find lines out the door on any given day.

By chance, I heard the name Porto’s being discussed at my work.  Everyone became really excited and each person had a Porto’s story.  Each person had story that centered around a favorite Porto’s dish or dessert.  No one was shy, they all volunteered why they loved Porto’s so much.  I heard the food was mouth watering and there was nothing quite like it.  

So, the next time I was on the 10 freeway, close to Porto’s, I pulled off and ventured in.  It was a loud noisy space, with lots of happy people, talking and laughing.  I scanned the interior and quickly found the cafe. I ordered a latte,  a chocolate hazelnut besito(cookie) and a strawberry shortcake individual.  When the cashier asked for payment, I was surprised at first and thought he made a mistake,  because the price was so low. I was doubtful that it would taste good at the prices they were charging.  Well, I was surprised again when I tried the besito.  It had just the right  balance of ingredients and was not heavy on the sugar, it literally melted in my mouth. The shortcake was much the same.  The latte was frothed to a reach creaminess and the espresso was rich and full.

To create further understanding of what my taste buds experienced, here is a descriptor for a Chocolate Hazelnut Besito cookie: Chocolate Pâte Sucrée (tart dough) filled with chocolate and hazelnut cream and drizzled with dark chocolate.

The Strawberry Shortcake individual: Thin, crispy puff pastry with layers of vanilla custard and whipped cream topped with flakes of puff pastry and powdered sugar.

I realized I was now a part of the Porto fan club and would definitely spread the word to others like me, that have been living in a Portoless world,  separated from Southern California’ most Devine food and pastries. 

So that’s my Porto’s story, until the next Tea Travels journey, Me Piro-as they say in Cuba!

TEA TRAVELS

CAPTIVATING DAMMANN

Leave a comment

When I think of Paris,  I think of Cafes. Since my first visit to the City of Lights, I was entranced by the cafe culture that is an integral part of French life.   I had made the assumption that espresso was the go to hot beverage of the French.   I was terribly wrong.  On my most recent visit to Paris, I quickly learned that France has as a long and enchanting history with tea.  

King Louis XIV, The Sun King, had endeavored during his rule of France, to capture the trade markets of the world. Explorers were bringing tea with them when they returned from long voyages across deserts and oceans.  He had the vision to establish and capture the tea trade and become the ruler of European tea traders.   He made it his mission to establish healthy trade with the far lands of the earth and bring their riches back to the shores of Europe.  His tradesman established houses and strong legacies that have survived the centuries. 

One of those traders, Damman, was commissioned by the king to import tea. This house preserved and reignited the legacy in the 1920’s by the Dammann brothers.  

Dammann is many things, but above all it is a company that produces many of the most exquisite teas of the world.   The company is worldwide and their mission is to source the best teas form where they are discovered, which happens to be many countries scattered over several continents. 

I was lucky that my hotel had a selection of tea from Damman and that prompted me to visit their anchor store in Le Marais. My breakfast tea had been so filled with light and enchanting flavors, I was invited to visit one of their ateliers in Paris.  

Their anchor store is located in Le Marais, so I decided to make an afternoon of it and headed out for a walk across the ancient center of the city to find Dammann. When I reached Le Marais, it was a quiet afternoon in Le Marais. Le Marais is the oldest part of Paris. Its streets are ancient and charming.  Narrow, cobblestoned streets wind through Le Marais; many leading to beautiful parks and hidden courtyards.   Le Marais has become a sought out neighborhood and many of the residents establish boutiques with fine goods there.  The stores are eclectic and colorful; offering up some of the finest goods to be found in Paris.  I found my way to the Damman boutique after a thouroughly entertaining walk through the district. The inside was paneled in dark, sophisticated wood paneling and lovely graphics were  positioned above interesting displays of tea and equipment for making tea.  With the dark, elegant decor and the walls lined with canisters of tea, it was like walking into another world, filled with elegance and a product created to delight the senses.  It was not just a store, but an experience where tea could be sampled examined and tasted.   

In several areas, there were displays of fresh tea, which could be sampled. There were also all kinds of tea cups, tea pots and tea infusers and beautiful gift boxes; some clad in leather with a snap to secure the lid that enclosed the tea. The impression was of elegance, refinement and fine tea. The teas I sampled were fresh and each possessed it’s own unique, inviting aroma.    I was especially drawn to the Jaune Lemon Green Tea in crystal sachets and brought some home with me.  

Visiting Dammann is a window to the first days of the tea trade in France.  It’s also a showcase of the finest calibers of tea available in the world. If you love tea, this is a tea shop that should not be missed. 

 

TEA TRAVELS

Angelina’s Luxembourg Gardens Paris

Leave a comment

Paris, France is a storybook city filled with classical architecture that was built over the centuries by royal families that reigned for over one thousand years. The city is filled with beautiful palaces and royal keeps that were created not only to beautify and provide a regal backdrop for Europe’s prestigous leaders, but these edifices were created with an eye toward high art, beauty, design and nature. It was the goal to mesh these elements together to inspire awe, envy and a sense of belonging to greatness. There is something beautiful to look at every turn in Paris. One of my favorites is the Luxembourg Palace and the surrounding Luxembourg Gardens.  The site is now home to the French Senate and also the beloved Marie De Medici Fountain.  

It’s customary for the French to repose in their parks. There are designated areas for children to play,  laugh loudly and shout and in these areas it’s perfectly fine to make noise.  The rest of the park is for rest, contemplation and distressing from the daily demands of city life.  It’s expected that persons repose quietly.  Meditation, reading books or conversing quietly is how to deport oneself in a beautiful Parisienne park.  Even the Gardners move quietly and without attracting attention while they meticulously complete the daily manicuring.  

 

Within the peaceful setting is located another Parisienne great, Angelina.   A Parisienne staple for the who’s who of Paris.  Angelina is a cafe that is and was a stomping ground for artists, writers and designers. Coco Chanel loved to frequent Angelina. Angelina came to life during the Belle Epoque at the turn of the century. It was founded by Anton Rumplemayer,  Austrian pastry designer and chef. His confections were so well loved,  that he was awarded the title “Confectioner of The Court” by the Austrian royal family. Angelina is known for delicious pastries, teas and coffee and most famously for it’s African Hot Chocolate comprised of cocoa from Niger, Ghana and The Ivory Coast.  Served with a decent portion of fresh cream to mix in if a creamy consistency is desired.  

Angelina has several locations in Paris now and has gone what we call “commercial” in the US.  They have gone full blown into the marketing spectrum and it’s easy to buy their products now. The Angelina I visited was  situated on the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens, in a lovely quiet alcove. The cafe is somewhat small, with gorgeous floor to ceiling glass patio doors that open into the gardens.  

I sat on the patio overlooking the cafe patio and the entrance to the Luxembourg Gardens.  It was a great location to watch passerbys and get a taste of city life.   

I have to admit I wanted to order their famous African hot chocolate with fresh cream, but I decided to go with tea instead, since I still had quite a bit of walking to do.  It was all served on beautiful china at a lovely table with fresh linen and service wear polished to the hilt.  The servers were attentive, but non-intrusive. As I drank my tea, I listed to the birds sing and watched impossibly thin and well dressed Parisiennes go about their daily life. It was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had.

I ordered a chicken salad sandwich for an early dinner.  It was beautifully presented and just as delicious as it was beautiful.  The tea was The Angelina signature Oolong melange consisting of a blend of exotic fruit, pineapple, marigold and safflower petals. The bouquet of the tea was light and floral with hints of citrus and was smooth and refreshing.  

Combined with the awesome tea, food and view, a sense of well-being and peace settled over the cafe. Sounds from the gardens and fountains of children laughing and playing, water splashing, birds singing and the traffic passing mixed; as if by a sound board master to create a soundtrack of the perfect Parisienne afternoon.  I wondered if the ghosts of Marie De Medici and her royal cohorts looked down and smiled at their legacy that had managed to maintain it’s presence into modern times.  

TEA TRAVELS

Parisienne Tea Traders Marriage Freres

Leave a comment

The aromas of ancient teas drifted slowly on the soft currents that circulated the historic tea room of Marriage Freres. The original location  in Le Marais of Ancient Paris was paneled in wood hundred of years old and saturated in tea.   I was in heaven, Paris and Marriage Freres. Old tea trading artifacts and tea trade route maps hung upon the walls and an exotic palms festooned the corners of the tea room.  Each table was exquisitely dressed in stamped linen and fine china  with the tea house insignia.  The silver was polished to a high sheen.  There was a pastry case filled with elegant and complex patisserie to accompany and compliment the fine teas.  

It began in 1660 when Nicolas Marriage was dispatched by King Louis  XIV to establish trade with the exotic East.  Marriage passed his trade to his sons and eventually the company was born and has survived through the centuries.  Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant who  traveled to the Orient in the 1200’s and brought spices, teas and exotic goods back with him to Europe. This inspired King Louis to establish his own house of trade to bring fine and exotic teas from the edge of the world.  

The tea room light in Marriage Freres is golden and colorful at the same time.  It speaks of another time; times of adventure to lands unknown filled with mysteries to be solved and magic to be transported back to the shores of Europe. The interior is filled with ancient wooden shelving and compartmentalized little cubby holes to hold the teas and equipment for making the perfect cup of tea. There were beautiful  artful silver teapots shaped like a camel, purple clay teapots from China, English porcelain teapots. It’s a museum of tea and of tea’s fascinating and enduring history.

 

I was seated at a small cafe table and I ordered the Marco Polo tea. I wanted to see how the life of Marco Polo could be captured in a tea.  A man who loved adventure, travel, art and the good things in life.  A person who had been privy to all the world’s gifts, cultures and experiences. When I think of Polo thoughts of fine silks in every hue of the rainbow, delicious confections and drinks and beautiful accoutrements to add joy and beauty to your life come to mind. 

The Marco Polo teas was described on the menu as a mysterious blend that will take you to distant lands
and unforeseen territories. Fragrances of Chinese and Tibetan flowers lend it a uniquely velvety taste. It’s extraordinary bouquet makes Marco Polo the most legendary of flavoured teas.
 
A teapot encased in silver was brought to the table with the tea steeping inside and brewing magic.   
 

I poured a cup and took a sip.  The aroma was light, floral and exotic and the perfume was delicate and smooth as it passed it over my palette.   The tea was incredibly refreshing.  After a cup, a sense of well-being  arose from within  and suddenly all was right with the world.  

As I drank the tea, I thought of the excitement of the trade routes.  Journeying on camel through vast deserts filled with nomads and mystery around every turn.   Raw and dangerous beauty that blew over the landscape.   

I became a convert to Marriage Freres teas then and there.   My server was an attractive young student that spoke several languages. We had a great discourse on what our favorite teas were and why.   He was extremely attentive and made sure that my  tea experience was relaxing and enjoyable. I was impressed by his knowledge of teas and of the various equipment to make an awesome cup of tea any how it should be brewed.  

In the US we learn about tradesman in history.  Mostly when learning about the settling of the 13 colonies and the way of life during those times centuries ago. It was amazing to actually be in the showroom of a tradesman that flourished and established a house of trade that had endured over three hundred years.   The brand had managed to stay intact and maintain the quality that had been initially suited to one of the greatest kings the world has ever known. 

TEA TRAVELS

Matcha At Lupicia Teas Paris, France

Leave a comment

While tea traveling in Paris, Victoria Goods and Trading Company’s goal was to locate tea rooms that specialized in favorite teas of the world.  We discovered Lupicia, which has a sleek and modern tea room near the medieval cathedral of Saint Germain Des Pres in Paris in the 6th arrondissement. Lupicia is based out of Japan and has over more than 400 teas and many tasting rooms around the world. 

Its just a few stores away from Les Deux Magots, which was the hangout of legend and my hero,  Ernest Hemingway. When I think of who I want to become as a writer, it’s Mr. Hemingway, who was dedicated to his art and lived a life of storytelling and adventure.   The two are not related, but I loved that they were practically next door to each other and found it quite inspirational.   I had just been to Musee D’ Orsay to see the Berthe Morisot exhibition and was taking the long back to the Luxembourg Gardens.  It was warm, since the last days of summer continued to linger and the skies this afternoon were clear, blue and not a cloud in sight.   I was on foot, because when you are in Paris, it’s fabulous experience to walk and be able to soak in the beauty of the architecture and art around every corner. Then, suddenly,  there appeared like an emerald green jewel, Lupicia Teas.  Visions of refreshing Matcha popped into my head and I headed in to see the tea room and hopefully refresh myself with some delicious Matcha.  

For those of you who are not familiar with Matcha, it’s origins are Japan and is a traditional Japanese drink that is hundreds of years old.  The tea is grown in  shade, which results in a sweet tea leaf. The leaves are ground with a stone mill into a fine powder, which is stored in powder form, until it is ready to be prepared for drinking.  Matcha is currently taking world tea drinkers by storm because when it’s ingested you  absorb vitamins, minerals, catechin, theanine and many other nutrients.   Matcha powdered green tea has 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea. Matcha is calming, relaxing, boosts metabolism, detoxifies and enhances mood and concentration. 

As I entered the tearoom, I immediately knew I had made the right decision.  The atmosphere was calming and cool. The showroom was bright, with a well designed lay out for showcasing cutting edge tea making supplies and the exquisite teas that Lupicia sources from around the world.  

I was greeted by a friendly, attractive staff that was multilingual.   I had noticed this visit to Paris, that people who worked in the shops, hotel and and transportation, quickly picked up on my accent offered to speak in my language. They were extremely accommodating about it and it was very nice to have that option.  I was seated in the tearoom which was designed to provide comfort and not distract from the tea and food.  I ordered a a Matcha Satsuma and the patisserie of the day , Natsu Matsuri.  A mouth watering concoction consisting of fine layers of buttery sponge cake layered with fresh cream and strawberry gelee. 

The Matcha was sweet, cooling and refreshing with a slight bitter under taste.  It was a beautiful hue of dark green and the aroma was vibrant.  The accompanying dessert was exquisite and treat to the palette.  Sweet, light and gluten free, it paired quite well with Matcha. 

After taking tea,  I took a tour around the showroom.  There was a great selection of teas and supplies for tea making and 

the hosts were really helpful. There was a beautiful array of tea pots and devices from around the world for making tea. It was all beautifully designed in a contemporary setting.  

By the time I left Lupicia, I felt completely refreshed and excited with a host of new knowledge about teas of the world.  I would highly recommend stopping in while in Paris, it’s a  fresh alternative to the traditional sights of Paris, but at that same time compliments the experience so well.  

TEA TRAVELS

Secret Food Tours Le Marais

Leave a comment

When I had decided to return to Paris after a 16 year absence, I wanted it to be fun, relaxing and immerse myself in French Culture.  I searched for opportunities to achieve this goal and came across Secret Food Tours.  The company describes itself as “We are truly passionate about showcasing mouthwatering and irresistible secret foods from all corners of the globe. Every year, our experienced, local, foodie guides show thousands of people the best and most delicious foods a city has to offer. Each tour is fun, highly rated, and completely unique to its destination — no two tours are the same. We take great pride in highlighting the best secret bites loved by locals and overlooked by tourists. Our tours have over 5,000 5-star reviews, so we know you’ll love them too. Learn about each city’s history, how locals buy food, and how food has shaped the area’s culture. All our tours feature a special Secret Dish selected by our guides that you can only find out about on the tour, with drink upgrades available as well. Perfect for all ages and all occasions, we can’t wait to share with you all of our in-the-know secrets. An authentic, unforgettable experience that will leave you full and happy.” 

When I discovered this on Google, I was so excited and knew this was exactly the kind of tour I was looking for.  Secret Food Tours has created tours that explore the best of local cuisine along with traditional parings of beverages. They have carefully curated experiences to indulge in local specialities that are not always advertised to the general public.  Their websites boast tours in 26 countries around the world. In Paris, the tours cover three districts, Le Marais(SoMa), Montmartre and Saint Germain.   I liked the idea that they were well established and obviously were making every effort to make this a memorable experience. I decided to go for it.  Booking was a smooth process via their lovely website filled with beautiful pics and helpful information.  

Google describes Le Marais as ” The fashionable Marais district in the 4th arrondissement, also known as SoMa(South Marais), is filled with hip boutiques, galleries and gay bars. Once the city’s Jewish quarter, the area still hosts numerous kosher restaurants.  The grassy Place des Vosges is home to elegant arcades and the Musee Victor Hugo, where the writer lived.”

 I decided to go for the Le Marais tour.  I was fascinated by the Marais and 35 years ago,  had actually lived in an artist’s garret.  When I had decided to leave the tiny studio, it had torn at my heart to have to leave.  That’s the way the Marais was, it permeated you soul and your very being. 

Le Marais held all the mysteries of the world within it’s walls.  It was over 1000 years old and a site embedded with spiritualism.  It housed the Jewish quarter; where 80 years ago tragedy struck during the occupation, but the Marais survived.   The streets wound, twisted and turned sometimes ending up nowhere in a dead end.   The buildings were constructed of stone from the Roman Era and massive doorways of petrified, thick slabs of wood which shuttered secreted, grassy courtyards.  The courtyards were  filled with trees, and grass and birds chirped and danced among the foliage. 

So, I headed up to the Marias for a tour of the ancient district in Paris.   I say up because I was lodged in the very center of Paris for a one week stay in the Latin Quarter adjacent to the Seine River,  which flows through Paris.  So I walked down from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Metro.  Once on the Metro, the sleek train ascended to the level of the Marais and I disembarked near the starting point of the tour.   Eventhough I was a tour guide myself back in the USA,  it had been years since I’d been on one myself.  As I neared the starting point, I felt the excitement building and couldn’t wait to meet my tour guide.  

  

So the day had arrived and there I was waiting where our tour was about to launch.  I noticed a young woman standing in my vicinity.  She appeared to be searching for someone and it turned out she was there for the tour as well.   We had a nice chat and soon a very chic, Parisienne woman arrived and introduced herself as our guide. Her name was Capucine.  I immediately could tell form her genuine and engaging smile and her command of the English language, this this was going to be a very fun and interesting tour.   So, I’m not allowed to say where we went or what we ate, because then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore and it would defeat the purpose of taking a Secret Food Tour, but I can tell you why I loved this tour, so let’s begin! 

First, our guide, Capucine was amazing! She was so friendly and I felt comfortable immediately.  Her manners were impeccable and she took a genuine interest in all of her guests and answered all of questions fully. (There were actually just two of us since this was in the middle of the week, in the afternoon: myself and Anne; and lovely young woman who was amazingly accomplished and humble.)  Capucine made us feel completely comfortable and we were soon chatting, laughing and have an awesome time as we toured various award winning establishments that specialized in traditional French dishes in Le Marais. 

Capucine’s  breadth of knowledge of the Marais was in depth and layered. She knew the history from ancient times to the the present.  Her enthusiasm for the subject was evident by her smile and all of the small interesting details she provided.   No matter what questions I asked her, she answered all my questions fully with interesting information that satisfied my curiosity. I was fascinated by the rich history and how this influenced the dietary choices of the French. How history had impacted the evolution of French food. 

The next important thing I can tell you about this tour is the food.  It’s delicious! We had a broad range of food that represented traditional French cuisine from across France as well as Le Marais. The tasting ranged from sweet to savory; appetizers, wine and full dishes.  There was street food and staples of every French person’s diet.   It was incredibly fresh and well prepared and the presentation beautiful. I invested the extra 10 euros for beverages and it didn’t disappoint.  We were served carefully chosen wines that were paired perfectly with the dishes.   

Most important,  was the ambiance.   We ate in picturesque, comfortable settings, while Capucine explained the history of the dishes, the ingredients and how they were prepared.  She shared several secrets and mysteries of the Marais, that I  can’t divulge here, but she definitely captured the essence of the district and why it is so well loved and one of the most popular districts to visit in Paris. Her stories transported us from ancient times to the present and were so well thought out and presented that I didn’t realize how quickly the three hour tour passed and how far we had walked.  

The tour was three hours and it’s just enough time to experience several stops with various types of dishes and have a good leisurely stroll through Le Marais.  The experience captures the very famous way of living; joie de vivre, that the French are known and loved for.   An enjoyment of all good things that life has to offer and an exultation of spirit. So, If you are in Paris and want a fun and fascinating afternoon, this is your tour.   Le  Marais is beautiful and magical and will spirit you away to another time.  You will be surrounded by beauty, enjoy excellent cuisine and be entertained by the  best company.  And if you are very lucky, Capucine will be your guide. 

DURATION – THREE HOURS

WALKING: SLOW, EASY, UNEVEN SURFACES

EATING:  MAKE SURE YOU DON’T EAT BEFORE THIS TOUR.  YOU WILL NEED ROOM!  

BATHROOM STOPS:  MANY IF YOU NEED THEM.   

TEA TRAVELS

Where Life Takes You

Leave a comment

Photo by Marco Perretta on Unsplash

The full moon is in Aquarius tonight. I look out my window and see a shimmering light illuminating the earth. The trees are reflecting moon beams and the street is sparkling and silver. I know that I’m supposed to be out in it, soaking in the moon beams, refreshing my aura.  

I figure I can lay in bed and open the blinds and let the rays hit me while I rest.  It goes with the other instructions I received from my favorite astrology blog that reported it was time to spoil and pamper myself. So, ok, I will, I will lay here, luxuriate and soak in the glittering shimmering moonbeams that are glorifying the night sky.  

 

Photo by Drew Tilk on Unsplash

I can feel the magic energy in the air.  The world feels alive with possibilities tonight; as if anything  could happen.  It’s a happy night, if you can just tune in to it.  Let go, breathe, drink some tea, take a lotus pose and accept. And there you are, where life is taking you and it’s an amazing ride filled with beauty and wonder. Let the bliss wash over you.  I think of other magic full moons and illuminated landscapes.  Tall redwoods towering above the canopy of Sierra pines. Majestic and lived through thousands of full moons. Beaches with the full moon reflected in the waves as the gently roll in at low tide. 

Those places have stayed in my heart and are easily conjured up for full moon reveries. Especially now, getting ready to hit the road again and travel to the land of Kings and Castles, Europe. 

What is it about a European vacation that sets the imagination on fire and makes your heart beat hard-very hard?  I think it’s stepping back to one of the cradles of civilization.  This cradle being Paris, in particular. Paris is ancient. It’s underground filled with hieroglyphics and medieval remains(The Catacombs). Despite her age, she is eternally youthful, the city of romance, art, beauty and design.   The spirits of great artists linger over cafes and reconvene as the new generation appears. 

But it’s not just a vacation, it’s a reunion.  Having been fortunate enough to be a part of the Bluebell Dancers, artists who danced across the stages of the world in the glory days of their youth, we will reconvene soon in The City Of Lights, Paris.   We had the world at our feet because of our youth and talent and we were blessed to have this time of our lives in Paris. It was magic and we are all coming to relive and recreate that magical time in our lives for two very special days.   

So, join us,  Come on the trip!  Come sip some tea in the great tea houses of Paris and share the stories of showgirls of an era gone by. 

Photo by Carli Jeen on Unsplash

TEA TRAVELS

LE FRENCH ROOSTER

Leave a comment

Just a block from the major films studios of Burbank, California,  another transplant from France, Le French Rooster, offers French Pastry and Bread.  The menu includes delicious sandwiches made with fresh baguettes from traditional recipes for Parisienne street food. The shop is tiny and bright.  The walls covered in orange mod wall paper and creme accents make the small space cheerful and typically Parisienne.   There’s a small case to showcase the melt in your mouth croissants and pain de chocolate.  This is heaven for those of us who love everything French and want to be able to access authentic French pastries right here in our own home town. At Le French Rooster, we can get our fix for Cafe Au Lait, Pain du Matin and Strawberry Preserves by the confiture giant, Bonne Maman. 

Tea Travels is supposed to be all about places to take Tea, but cafe culture is highway we are speeding along, so when we come across a gem like Le French Rooster, the tale has to be told. This is a walk in, standing room only space, but worthy of your morning brekkie run.