News and Tea Events

A few exciting things to share...

Some news
New tea book:  My friend and fellow blogger Angela has a new book coming out!  Read about it here.  It's called "Dainty Dining: Vintage recipes, memories and memorabilia from America's department store tea rooms." Can't wait to read it!

My first review:  From the Tea Reader, a review of my contribution.

Upcoming Events
Song of Tea, Art Institute of Portland
In Portland tonight...the opening for the Art Institute of Portland's Song of Tea.  I can't make it tonight, but hope to see the exhibit before the end of the month.  Sounds great!

October 6 – October 30, 2011
1st Thursday Reception;  October 6, 2011 6 – 8pm
The Steven Goldman Gallery
1122 NW Davis St – Portland, OR

From the organizers:  "The Steven Goldman Gallery at The Art Institute of Portland and The International Culinary School presents Song of Tea.

Everyday more than 3 billion cups of tea are prepared across the planet making tea the world’s single most widely consumed beverage (unadorned water aside). Song of Tea is a look at six of the most influential tea producing and consuming countries, and an examination of the cultural influence and history of tea in China, Japan, India, England, Morocco and South America through writings, objects and ceremony.

Please join us at the Opening Reception for a sampling of fine teas prepared by Steven Smith Teamaker, Tao of Tea and Marrakesh Restaurant, and a Gongfu tea ceremony also courtesy of Tao of Tea. To pair with the various brews the International Culinary School will be serving a selection of special tea snacks from around the globe.

On October 15th we invite you to join us again in the gallery at 1pm as Jan Waldmann performs a formal Japanese tea ceremony and leads us in a discussion in the Japanese way of tea."

Wu-Wo Demonstration at Chinese Garden
This Saturday, I'm honored to be part of a group demonstrating the Wu-Wo tea ceremony.  Come see us (and right now, it looks to be dry!). 

Saturday October 8th, 2011, 1 pm, Portland Chinese Garden (requires admission to Garden)

"Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony is based on traditional Chinese Gong-Fu small pot brewing dating back to the Ming Dynasty more than 300 years ago. This traditional practice was modified in Taiwan in 1989 to create a ceremony that allows many participants to brew and serve tea together. Wu-Wo translates as “selfless” or “void of self”. There is no ranking of participants by level of knowledge, nationality, religion, or social status and there is no expectation of reward. This ceremony helps participants develop a tolerant attitude and cultivate cooperation and thoughtfulness toward others while sharing a cup of heartwarming tea. Observers will have the opportunity to taste the teas and ask questions."

This event is part of the Garden and Tao of Tea's month-long celebration of tea.  See all events here.