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.
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.
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.
