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.