Tag Archives: Things to do in Paris

TEA TRAVELS

Parisienne Tea Traders Marriage Freres

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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

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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.