The Perfect Cup

Many a treatise has been written on the perfect cup of tea, expounding on everything from the temperature of the water to whether the tea should be poured into the cup before or after the milk. George Orwell provides us with no less than 11 points necessary to ensure the perfect cup of tea! But what about the humble and oft overlooked vessel without which tea would simply be another hot drink – the tea cup.
Tea cups come in a bewildering array of colors, shapes, and sizes – from the daintiest bone china with a delicate pattern of forget-me-nots around the rim to boldly colored oversized French cups, large enough to bathe a small dog comfortably. Originally developed in China, teacups gained the addition of a handle when introduced in Europe to keep the drinker from burning the fingers.
But what makes the perfect cup? Volume? A cover (gaiwan)? Thinness (to help cool your drink) or thickness to keep it hot? Height? Designs in tea cups range from the basic to the visionary, much like the tea itself. But without a background in fluid dynamics (and, surprisingly, no physicists seem to have taken up this challenge), it seems we may never know which is best.
Fortunately, designers have known for a long time that it is not simply the function of the object that matters, but how it figures in the experience of using the object. That is, a tea cup is not simply a way to get tea from the pot to our lips, but part of the experience that is drinking tea. As a result the texture, shape, and beauty of a tea cup is just as important as its ability to keep your tea contained. For example, Bethan Laura Wood makes teacups that are treated to be stained in predetermined patterns – the more you use the cup, the more of the pattern is revealed – underlining that the tea cup in inextricable from the act of drinking tea.
But as I sit sipping a cup of earl grey, contemplating what makes the perfect teacup, I remember one important consideration that no one ever seems to mention. A saucer large enough for your biscuit.

Baby and Me Makes Two for Tea

“…and you’ll have to give up tea…” continued a well-meaning friend of mine who was delivering a litany of all the things I could no longer do now that I was pregnant. I was horrified – give up tea? Sure, I could forego the wine and give up my sushi, but tea? That was going too far! Fortunately, a bit of research into the subject soon showed that I would not have to give up my favorite cuppa. The main concerns over tea and pregnancy are caffeine and herbs
Higher caffeine consumption (specifically more than 300 mg daily) has been linked in some studies to miscarriages and low birth rates. Low caffiene consumption - less than 150 mgs a day – has been shown in studies to have no affect on developing infants. Amounts in the middle (150-300 mg) are still in debate, with studies coming in on both sides. Since a typical cup of brewed black tea contains about 48 mgs of caffeine, you can sip up to 3 cups a day without real concern (and of course, you can always get decaf).
Herbal teas are trickier – some herbs can cause serious issues, especially in early pregnancy. Yellow dock and alfalfa are both considered unsafe during pregnancy while ginger and peppermint are thought to be fine. Fortunately, food-based teas (like my favorite Blood Orange) get the thumbs up across the board.
On a side note, there has been some recent controversy over green tea consumption during pregnancy. Due to the way the elements of green tea bond with certain chemical within the body, it has been suggested that drinking green tea may have an adverse affect on the body’s ability to process folate (important in reducing neural tube defects).
So, as with most things, the key is moderation. I ordered a few tins of my favorite black teas in decaf form, stocked up on my fruit teas, and made a date with my girlfriends to head out to our favorite tea room. Who knows? Maybe I can start growing a new tea lover early.

Seasonal: Dallas Arboretum: Chocolate Tea

Celebrating the process of making chocolate, the Dallas Arboretum hosted a special "chocolate tea."
A formal, afternoon 3 course tea, the service and dinnerware was elegant and understated. The relaxing atmosphere provided by the arboretum ensured an enjoyable afternoon of quiet conversation with table companions. The food, while good, was overshadowed by the teas, which were unimpressive and at times down right nasty, having been allowed to steep way too long .

For Becky's review, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=10/2007

Tea Event: Breast Cancer Awareness Tea

Tea is always an excellent way to take time to visit with friends and a tea with a mission is doubly sweet. August found Becky and I at the ninth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea in Fort Worth.
The website had specified “Sunday best” but we were little prepared for the glamor of our fellow tea go-ers. As we walked into the Marriott, we were treated to a vision of hats, gloves, and pearls. After registering, we were directed to a silent auction with items ranging from beautiful gift baskets to adorable pink earrings. For those less comfortable with the uncertainy of an auction, there was the “Pink Store” with various small items available for purchase.
Soon it was time to find our way to our table which turned out to be another adventure in and of itself! Each table had a unique theme and we flitted from table to table taking them all in - tiny fairy statues, tropical Hawain foliage with leias, Indian elephants (complete with everyone wearing saris), Asian plates complete with name cards in Chinese and chopsticks, cowboy boots, whimiscial hat boxes with tea pouring from the top, beach ball center piece with chocolate shell candies, and even a disco themed table complete with disco ball.
Even more amazing than the tables were the hats. Becky and I stared in awe at the varied confections perched high atop the lovely heads of their owners, ranging from simple elegant pieces to daring constructions, like the winner of the Dare-to-Wear category, a riot of yellow carnations and organza with a tiny yellow hat perched at the very top (or my personal favorite - a beautiful chinese latern made into a hat).
After tea was served, the program consisted of a slide show tribute, pink roses presented to breast cancer survivors, an informative medical lecture on inflammatory Breast Cancer, an inspiring talk from the found of Men Against Breast Cancer, and a live auction that included some lively bidding for such high-dollar items as tickets to a Cowboy’s game.
The entire experience was one of education, elegance and fun, pulled together with a polish and surety that made attendance a pleasure. As we drove away, we were animatedly discussing what we had learned and how we might try to host a table next year. How about travel?

Tea Room Review: Adolphus Tea

With a reputation for the "most elegant tea in Dallas", the Adolphus had quite a lot to live up to. Fortunately, and thanks to their excellent tea captain Michele, it did.
Four courses of lovely food were served, accompanied by live piano music. The atmosphere was quiet, peaceful, and most of all elegant. The tea menu was likewise well-appointed with a large number of choices of loose leaf tea, which were difficult to decide between. Thank goodness for Michele who was able to provide impeccable recommendations for every course.
Well worth the price tag, the tea at the Adolphus has certainly earned it's reputation as one of the best teas in Dallas.
For Becky's review, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=09/2007

Tea Room Review: Middleton's House of Tea: Temple

Tucked away in near-obscurity in Temple, TX, Middleton's House of Tea is definitely a find. Providing an impressive 5 course tea (starting with sorbet and moving through to the fabulous deserts), you feel transported to a quaint cottage in the English country side. Delicious mango tea complimented the courses. Service was cheerful and helpful, ensuring a relaxing, stress-free experience.
All in all, well worth the trip!

Tea Room Review: FiveTwelveCollege Tea Room: Waxahachie

Hosted by one of the most fascinating tea room ownersI have had the pleasure to talk with, the FiveTwelveCollege Tea Room provides an experience simultaneously relaxing, delicious, and educational. A regular full-course afternoon tea is served with a select number of loose leaf teas. Everything is done with an eye to tradition, including the shapes of the sandwiches - soldiers, diamonds, and butterflies. The owner has been all over the world and is full of wonderful stories about tea she has had in far away places. A wonderful place all around!

Tea Room Review: Kiran's: Houston

While in Houston for the Lucy exhibit, Becky and I dropped in on this upscale resteraunt with my sister Sharon to try thier tea. Kiran's offers a uniquely Indian twist on the traditional afternoon tea, providing perfectly brewed loose leaf tea with every delicious course. The atmosphere was quiet and elegant with understated service ready to help and offer advice. An experience I would recommend to anyone.
For Becky's review see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=09/2007

Tea Room Review: Gypsy Rose Tea Room

On our way back from picking apples in Henrietta Orchards in Roanoke, Becky and I decided to try this new, up and coming tea room, located in the back of the Antique Mall in Lewisville. What an excellent decision! Gypsy Rose offers a wonderful selection of loose leaf teas, with sample available for viewing and (most importantly) sniffing. Prepared in individual pots, we tried the Emerald Charm and Roasted Almond varieties (both wonderful). For lunch, we ordered the daily quiche (broccoli cheese) and the salad sampler with chicken salad, soup, and pesto pasta. The quiche was excellent and the chicken salad was the best I've had at any tea room. For dessert, we split the pound cake with pomegranate reduction sauce and vanilla ice cream - lovely. The atmosphere was quiet but fun with cheerful service ready to help and offer advice. An excellent experience I look forward to repeating. I can only hope that they will begin offering an afternoon tea service in the near future - I'm confident they will do as well at that as they do at their current tea.
For Becky's review see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=07/2007
Gypsy Rose Tea Room: http://www.gypsyrosetearoom.com/

Tea Room Review: Katie's Daughter

I have been twice for afternoon tea to this quaint little tea room, tucked in the back of an antique mall in Arlington, and both times have been pleased and impressed with their loose leaf tea selection and food.The berry scones were very moist and lovely and the cucumber sandwiches were unusual and tasty. But the real star of the menu is their loose leaf tea selection. I've managed to sip my way through five selections so far and can't wait to try the rest.

I look forward to returning this fall to try the pumpkin dessert!

For Becky's take on it, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=06/2007.

Katie's Daughter: http://www.katiesdaughter.com/tearoom_hightea.htm

Belles and Bullets

I love nothing better than a tea party. Except maybe a tea party where I get to do a little target practice with the girls.
I found out that Bullet Trap(http://www.bullettrapinc.com/) offers a "ladies night" on Wednesdays, so I couldn't resist setting up a second ladies tea shoot. (for pics and a write up on the first one, see http://barbaritea.blogspot.com/2005_08_01_archive.html?SID=8b23db6e3470315aba3dc9c3b770f109).
We met at the range and, with our 2 safety officers, proceeded to try out a number of pistols. Some of our ladies were first time shooters, others had been out to our first ladies tea shoot. Everyone had a fabulous time. After a couple of hours, we drove back to my house for a formal afternoon tea (albeit at 8pm at night) complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and lovely little desserts.
For more pictures and details, check out Becky's Blog - http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=05/2007