House of Glass

I made the long-awaited return to the Tea Journal - either I finally saw the 'the' or I had a really vivid dream about it, so I'm calling it official -  today last month (it's possible I got lazy). This time solo to focus on my books.*

For want of a more relevant photo

First thing's first: they finally had my beloved Classic Pu'er in stock, though there were only 4 canisters left for me to choose from. There was something lost in translation when I walked into the shop and asked the bearded staff guy whether the blend was back in stock so I could buy it. Next thing I knew I had a pot of the Classic in front of me (which lasted about 2 hours). Don't get me wrong, that accident was not a mistake in hindsight, but it did mean an even thinner wallet for the pursuit of happiness (see the second paragraph down).

Remember how I said the music levels were a bit out during my first visit? Today: bang on. They've got the former drummer of one Tame Impala managing the beats now which definitely adds a certain something. Either I'm really gullible, tea makes me abnormally trusting or the bearded guy was telling the truth, but as far as stories go, it was worth a listen.

Now, I've started something of a to-do list with a 20-year time limit. Item #31 says "Try a new tea every month." There being no time like the present, I went with the Golden Buds.

Looking like tiny hoop earrings, the Buds unfurl in hot water to become something akin to anchovies/miniature eels. Much more appealing is the liquid in the pot. My ex-drummer friend said he personally lets the pot steep for 10 minutes, which seemed ludicrous where black tea is concerned. I let it brew for 5 and then 8 minutes - still not strong enough.

The Golden Buds have a taste far more delicate than the majority of black tea I've had. Seriously refreshing and perfect without milk. At $9 for a pot (out of which you get about two good infusions) I'd recommend it without a second thought to someone who wants to like black tea but finds it too strong/in need of milk.

During my 4 hours spent at the Tea Journal today, I discovered a flaw I didn't notice before: glassware. Dainty, beautiful and fragile glassware. It gives the shop space a sleek modern feel as well as an atmosphere of 'break me, shake me'. Two teapots were shattered in the time I was sitting there and the suicide noodle girl** who kept refilling my pot let out one of the biggest sighs of relief I've ever heard. Why? My little glass saucer fell to the tabletop as she lifted the strainer up and didn't break. A previous saucer wasn't so fortunate, she told me.

Needless to say, I learned that the owners aren't sticking to glass for much longer. If you like pretty things that can kill you, I'd check out the Tea Journal ASAP. (Good grief, 'the' Tea Journal feels so good to say, you cannot imagine.)

In other news, I placed an order for two teas I haven't tried before from Perfect South who are having a 40% off sale on all first harvest and estate tea varieties until March 31st. I'd get onto that if I were you. In any case, you can look forward to the next post coming in the next couple of weeks after my order arrives.

***

* One of said books is Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance: An Investigation, which I got almost halfway through over 4 hours of reading two different books, sorting out my life and chatting to staff. I recommend the book, if that's worth anything.

** 'Suicide noodle' refers to a Korean instant noodle that comes in a black packet. It also hits crazy delicious levels. I've heard that it's the 3rd spiciest instant noodle on the market, which people may choose to feel concerned about. I, on the other hand, feel only anticipation.

As the Name Suggests

Today I popped over to Chatswood to try out Tea Journal - a bit of a late 2015 addition to Sydney's tea scene - which my friends Nikki and Denise have been excited about. After going there, I can see why.

Denise isn't a fan of black tea, so after much deliberation, we opted for the classic Pu'er ($9). For those of you in the know, Pu'er (alternatively Pu-erh) is perhaps the pinnacle of the tea world, if we accept that tea started in China. It originates from a place with the same name in China's Yunnan Province and, from what I vaguely recall, is more fermented than other teas. For you and I, that means a taste very distinct from white, green, oolong or black teas. Also, if you get the bad stuff, I'm told it tastes pretty awful due to over-fermentation or incorrect humidity conditions.

Tea lesson aside, the classic was everything I wanted and needed. Served in a clay teapot and steeped for a mere 5 to 10 seconds, it looks like black tea with the scent of an ancient forest (to paraphrase Nikki). The classic tastes much the way it smells, but is surprisingly subtle, probably owing to the short brewing time.

What's the opposite of adding insult to injury? Compliment to well-being? I'm not sure, but the people at Tea Journal pull it off. Unlimited refills which you don't have to ask for, friendly service and you can even bring your own food from outside (Denise brought tuna and cream cheese sandwiches - both with dill, both delicious). You pay $1.50 per extra cup and we had three people, so that came to a whopping $3. The atmosphere isn't half bad either:

Pictured bottom left: my inability to take photos

After seven or more infusions of the classic, we side-stepped the Golden Buds (a black tea) and went for the raw Pu'er ($15). I assume it was the '2012 Aged' that appears on the menu, but I've been wrong before. Staff guy Sunny gives the low-down: as the name suggests, this tea is unfermented (which is a totally foreign concept to me where Pu'er is concerned). Interest piqued.

We get our cups changed and another clay teapot comes around. First, honest impression: this thing smells and tastes like cigarette smoke. It punches you in the face. Would pair well with something a touch sweet. However, as I got further through my first cup, cigarette smoke turned to bushfire, which then became billy tea and finally a deep, smoky flavour. I think this tea grew on all of us as we kept drinking. All about those infusions.

Pretty sure the glass jug is called a wellness cup

If you know me, you'd know how little love I have for sweets, including cake. The cakes at this place threaten that position. I didn't try any this time, but they looked so damn good. Check the Tea Journal Facebook page if you want to see.

I did have one gripe with this tea room though: they ran out of the classic Pu'er for purchase and won't re-stock till later this month. Playing with the customer's feelings like that, you'd think an amateur enthusiast would learn.

As for an actual negative - if I have to find one - I'd say the music level was a bit much at times. It changed depending on the track. With that said, I enjoyed most of the tunes and the problem isn't major enough to stop me going back.

So, three hours and three people for $27 all up. Beyond that, with solid customer service, peaceful atmosphere and a convenient location (it's right next to Chatswood Station), Tea Journal is worth your while, especially if you're a sucker for traditional tea varieties like myself (or not, as they have a sizeable range of fun blends for the adventurous sort). I think next time I'll try one of the cool-looking ice teas if it's hot out.

Chasing the Rabbit

So true to my word, I checked out the Rabbit Hole in Redfern earlier this week.

It was neat.

First up, the most important aspect: the tea. $5 for a pot of tea that comes with a timer and a nifty lid that you turn to prevent overbrewing. Dreadfully unaware of the iced tea page (it was one of those 35 degree days) we went with the Summer Fling, Strawberry Skinny, Lavender Cream, White Delight and Spring Bouquet. With the exception of my friend Annie, the general consensus saw the Summer Fling reigning supreme with its refreshing hints of pineapple, coconut and ginger. As the name suggests, it's a bit of a cheeky brew and I love me some cheek. The Rabbit Hole website also suggests a chilled version with a splash (maybe a sploosh) of vodka. Yeah, okay, sold.

In second place for the table came the Lavender Cream, though I personally took a shine to Spring Bouquet - a chamomile, white tea and rose/calendula blend - which, whilst subtle in flavour, was extremely relaxing. Whilst the Strawberry Skinny and White Delight fell shy of expectations, I'm sure someone else will appreciate these original blends.

As I mentioned, I chose perhaps the hottest day I could to check the Rabbit Hole out, for reasons still unknown to me. Never have I felt such regret for missing a menu page as I did this day when I saw an iced tea going to another table. Coated in chilly condensation, filled with liquid sunset and topped off with ice and a cinnamon stick, that one glass had the eyes of my table. I'm awaiting the next scorcher of a day to check out that iced tea menu.

Onto the establishment itself, it's a case of walk in, grab yourself a table and wait for the staff to bring you menus and a jug of sparkling water (which was pretty refreshing between the summery heat and hot tea). Ordering up at the counter means you get to avoid the awkward splitting of the bill, not to mention you can admire the lavender shortbread and other baked goodies in the display. There's also a tea tasting station if you're in the mood for it (and I can't imagine why you wouldn't be).

I think it goes without saying, but we were all pretty astounded by the interior design of the place - photos are one thing, but seeing it for yourself is another. A part of me felt like I was back in the designer cafes of Seoul. The shop (see the second picture above) is a fine-looking specimen with its bowls of fresh tea blends which you can smell when deciding what to buy (either for your table or your pantry cupboard). The only problem is that the height of the bowls makes it awkward to stand bent over, sniffing tea while other patrons stare at you. It may be less noticeable when the place is busy, but there were only ever 12 or so customers at a time (including my table) in the main area while I was there.

Foodwise, there's a little bit of tea in everything on the menu. Not enough to be overpowering, but it shows off the homage to tea that the Rabbit Hole is. From the menu, we got the cold green tea soba and the matcha granola. A tad on the pricey side, but it's cool to see each menu item is paired with a particular tea. Miss Zhao and Hashimoto went for a muffin and a cheesy scone respectively from the display. I myself couldn't resist a couple of the lavender shortbread biscuits which, whilst too sweet for me, looked spectacular in the grand spread of our table.

The Rabbit Hole staff were friendly and accommodating. Sense of humour present, too. No real complaints.

All in all, the Rabbit Hole does what it wants and does it well. Go there and you're not just drinking tea - you're drinking in everything about the place. We spent almost three hours there, just enjoying it. This is a tea experience you ought to have because it's such a far cry from Sydney's other offerings. This ain't no high tea, this is hip tea. With that said, I did feel that there's something missing there though I'm not exactly sure what. I guess it's an excuse to go back.

So that's it.

Oh wait, did I mention the Rabbit Hole also has a swanky bathroom?

Is it weird to take bathroom pictures? (Probably)

Yes, that's a door handle

- Charith

A Present Proposal for the Future

First off, I apologise in advance for all the potato quality photos. At the beginning of the year my neat camera was stolen in my university, vanishing without a trace. As a result, I’ve had to resort to my phone’s camera. Whilst less than ideal, it should nevertheless help in instantaneous visual gratification, which I’m sure most of you will be thankful for given my tendency to ramble. (I’d say this paragraph is a pretty decent case in point.)

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Anyway, for the better part of the past 2 years I’ve had something on my mind. By now, those of you who know me would be aware of my soft spot for tea. Some may even call me a tea romantic (make the pun and I won’t forgive you). However, those truly passionate about tea would quickly realise how inexperienced I am and how little I’ve truly ventured into the wide world of tea. This is in part due to the relatively undeveloped and underappreciated tea scene in Australia and, moreover, Sydney. The rest is due to my status as a poor university student coupled with a vicious – borderline dangerous – adherence to traditional tea (I’m not exaggerating when I say the pyre should have been reserved exclusively for bubble tea). For me, tea has always been a personal experience, just as faith and reading are. I adore and continually appreciate the solitude, the peace and the sense of harmony that tea can provide. However, whilst none of this has really changed - though Sydney's tea scene is very gradually emerging - the scope of my thinking has expanded.

Ever since I visited both Seoul and Beijing, my approach to life shifted ever so slightly. Seoul brought the best modern and traditional concepts together in ways that were both innovative and refreshing. In Beijing, you'll find historical culture injected into the many hidden niches of that paradoxically retro/modern metropolis. South Korea showed me what I didn't think possible - good things exist to be savoured - whereas China taught me that culture should always have its place wherever you go.

A tiny teahouse hidden in Beijing

Whereas I've always indulged in life's simple pleasures, of which tea is perhaps the pinnacle, I now also have the motivation to share this passion of mine with others. Tea has an infinite number of possibilities just waiting to be discovered. Bear in mind that, while I do not drink coffee (I could never acquire the taste), I do think it's done cool things for café culture. Yet a new age of coffee has already been firmly established in the modern world. You can't see tea, [but] its time is now.

There's been more than just my Asia trip convincing me that tea is the right path though. Many of you likely know that I study Chinese and, last year, I participated in the Chinese Bridge Competition (汉语桥比赛) which is essentially an eisteddfod. Whilst my speech itself was woeful, the idea was there: tea needs to make its comeback (if you want to see the Chinese script, just ask).

This year, I paid a visit to Sydney's second annual tea festival which quite frankly blew me away. So much tea, so many people. Every person there - high school and university students, full-time workers, retirees, friends, couples, lone individuals, etc. - was there to enjoy and experience tea. There was an honesty about the whole atmosphere which I feel is really fundamental to tea appreciation. No, I didn't like everything I tried, but I didn't need to when I could see others getting their afternoon delight (again, avoid the pun). I got to see tea bringing out the best in people, which in itself had a certain charm.

I was lucky enough to see the likes of Cathy Zhang of Ms Cattea and David Lyons of 18ThirtyFour running tea workshops at the festival. Apart from the obvious educational value of the sessions, I found that tea lovers are simply fascinating, intriguing existences. They see the magic that tea possesses and wish to share that with the world. It's pretty inspiring stuff.

Appreciating tea means recognising that people have different tastes and that no one variety is the right one. Coffee has a distinctive taste and you know a good one when you try it. Tea is less straightforward. A good tea can be exquisite to one individual and revolting to another. With that said, I believe there's a tea experience out there for everyone. Realising this is the dream.

Finally getting closer to the point, two days ago I was in Brisbane for the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival AKA Mooncake Festival (as you do). I got to have some good times and shameless dances with friends and strangers alike. What came as a surprise was the chat I had with Tammy Yap of Jacobs, a bright and successful professional - with an immaculate taste in dresses - who is starting up her own business this week (and I'm wishing her the best of luck). With a husband, three kids and a career, this lady is doing it big and winning major role model points.

In any case, Tammy and I talked about the usual things a professional and university student tend to discuss: my degree, her dress, her experience, my lack thereof, her ambitions and then my own. Taking a gamble, I laid it on her: the ultimate tea experience done my way. What started off as disbelief turned into curiosity, which soon became intrigue and encouragement. "What's stopping you from doing it now?" she asked, perhaps goadingly. It was then that I shared my doubts, my current inadequacies and my plans for achieving my goals. I don't really know what Tammy thought at this point, but expressing all this solidified my resolve.

It was only 16 months ago I first stumbled upon the roots of this idea, a week ago that I shared my ambition with my dad and now here I am, eagerly looking into the next steps I need to take and keeping my eyes open for opportunities. For now, I need to get more involved in Sydney's emerging tea scene, starting with the Rabbit Hole next week. (Thanks for the heads up, Cyn!)

For everyone who loves tea, keep doing what you do and share it with others, because tea brings with it its own reward. For those not well acquainted, dive on in! Sydney has enough to get you started if you look a little. When was the last time you had a tea party? Parties don't have to be in the dark of night to get those senses tingling, though midnight tea is never a dull time.

Need more incentives? Have a chat with me.

Tea is amazing and so are the people who drink it. Don't miss out!

- Charith

Moth-shaped Scar(e)?

Back to chronological posts (maybe)??? [Three for effect]

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After a day of waking up too late and being a Sexy Sadie, I actually did things today. Oh, Beijing, what secrets you hold. Somewhat unfortunately, listening to K-Pop, (yet not, because it's Brown Eyed Girls) I've found myself at the conclusion of a structured day.

I woke up at 8am to find nothing of interest to get me out of bed. This was in spite of the fact that I still needed to register for my course here... Oops. I woke up later at 10 to find that my friend, Paddy, had messaged me to meet up for a delicious dumpling breakfast. Fifteen minutes after I first woke up? Not a chance.

I went by myself (after meeting Paddy and a well-spoken Sydney-sider, Imogen, in the lobby) to the dumpling place. Even if they're frozen, Chinese dumplings are to die for. As in, I would forfeit your life to eat fifteen of them. Probably. Half decent. I even met a Chinese guy who invited me to visit his law firm as well. No big deal.

The next part of the day consisted of acquiring laundry supplies and attempting to get registered.  Laundry supplies went okay and (yeah, Australian English) I was more than happy to get my Sexy Sadie on. When the Outkast Speakerboxxx/The Love Below Album is involved, definitely more than happy. Registration apparently wasn't a thing, discovering that the office closed at 5pm, when I turned up at 5:20pm. Trial and error, right?

I met up with Matthew, Andrew, Matthew and Andrew for dinner. Great variety, I know. We went to the Chinese equivalent of a tagine restaraunt next to Wudaokou Station (about five minutes' walking distance from Beijing Language & Culture University's South-Western Gate), because we simply couldn't find the hotpot place our friend told us about. In < 0 degrees Celsius, very little constitutes a worthwhile adventure.

Of three types of Yanjing beer, we got the cheapest, largest type. More is more, afterall.

After some poor service and 'many young pigeons' broth, we decided that we weren't satisfied and headed to Lucy's Bar. Maybe Lucky Lucy, maybe not. Making fast friends with our Swiss buddy, Gino, we adopted the Australian cultural feature of the 'shout'. We were obliged to display Australian hospitality, afterall.  Even if Gino never replies to us, I'll always have somewhere in mind the time that he went to keep a girl company when she seemed lonely. Such a kind gentleman, really.

If one bar wasn't enough, we managed to reach the quota of two, with Lisa's Bar as the next destination. Matt decided on the Cuban Libre as the no. 1 drink of choice and we took our positions. Australians discussed real things, whilst SES Andrew and Gino chatted with the owner of the bar. Her name was Lisa Lucy. Who knew?

All in all, it should have been a truly cold night, but it wasn't. Snow? What's that?

p.s. Regarding moths, the bathrooms in Lucy's Bar didn't have gender markers, but rather had moth-shaped scars, thus the title of this post.

- Charith