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.