Ecclectic Tea Party Table Setting

Eclectic Tea Party Table Setting by lanshala on polyvore.com

Air Vase | Gestalten
gestalten.com

 The weather in Prague has turned rainy and cold this week and I think fall is here to stay, unlike the 26 degree weather I am jealous of back home.  I’ve enjoyed unpacking all my goods from Toronto and getting everything re-set up in our new apartment.  While the size of the apartment is the same, we’ve gained a considerable amount of storage space that didn’t exist for us in our old place which is nice when you collect platters and tea cups like I do.

One of the selling points of this apartment is that just down the street there is great cafe called Muj Salek Kavy that has breakfast/brunch, cakes/tarts, lunch and dinner.  I found out it is run by a South African guy, which is why the “brunch” items are done well.  This place has a terrific jasmine tea, and I have even overlooked the fact that it comes in a bag instead of looseleaf (gasp) – and drip coffee for the fiance.  In the spirit of tea, I’ve put together an eclectic mix of items that I would put on my table to host a rainy day October tea party.

Herbal Infusions Tea Co.

Today at lunch I made the trek in minus 20 degree weather from Queen and Bay to Adelaide and Spadina.  Some of my colleagues thought I was crazy for walking outside in such cold weather but my mission to scope out Herbal Infusion Tea Co. meant I would get a warm reward.  I first read about newest tea outpost on a Blog TO review.  Herbal Infusion Tea Co launched by Dan Johanis, is tucked away on Adelaide St West beside a printer and my favourite downtown giftbag store,Retail Bag Co.  A good place for a cafe amidst the brick and beam office buildings in the area, I am sure Herbal Infusion Tea Co. will become a favourite of the creatives and condos in the neighbourhood because there really is no other place for tea south of Queen.  When I went in for my green tea, I spoke with the owner for a couple of minutes to get the goods on his place.  Dan is knowledgeable about his product having spent some time running a tea website and studying the subject at George Brown and he clearly demonstrates a passion for his new store and product.  The interior is simple yet welcoming and I love the ladder that slides back and forth in front of the wall-o-tea.  Of course I am bias because I only drink tea but in my books, more tea spots in the city is a great thing.  Now if only someone would venture north of the 401 even north of Lawrence!  Is that too much to ask? 

Will Broome for Wedgwood

I love the cartoon tea set that UK illustrator, Will Broome, designed for Wedgwood.  His cartoons give the tea set somewhat of a dark, Coraline (the movie) esque vibe, contrast to everything light, fluffy, social and artistic about tea.  Check out more from Will Broome on his site here or a great interview between Dazed Digital magazine and Will here.

via carrie lewis

via frill design

william broome for wedgwood via wedgwoodusa

 

 

Moroco- Wins three “BEST” awards in my books

I had the chance to go for afternoon tea at MoRoCo in Toronto (99 Yorkville Avenue) across the street from the newly located, Teatro Verde,  a couple weekends ago. I have not one complaint or criticism about this place and for me, that says a lot.  I pride myself on being a bit of a foodie and a bit of a pastry snob.  I know good pastry  when I taste one and believe me,  I have tasted a lot of good and a lot of lousy over my travels and adventures in afternoon tea!

 In fact, MoRoCo wins several “BEST” awards from me including the following:

1. BEST macaron in Toronto.  Hands down, they got it right.  Their only rival in the city as far as I am concerned is Patachou (where I purchased the maracons for a wedding I planned in March).  What is great is that in the front of MoRoCo the restaurant, they have MoRoCo the macaron and truffle store so you can stock up on macarons and truffles until your hearts content!  Beautiful packaging- love the purple take-away purses.  Bravo on a stylish retail interior.

2. BEST overall afternoon tea offering:  There were four of us who went to tea and not one pair could finish their three tiered menu.  Not only were the bite sized sandwiches, scones and desserts flavourful and delicate, they were rich and sweet.  I so badly wanted to try a little bite of everything but I just couldn’t power through all the sugar surging through my system despite the fact that I think I drank three pots of tea.   For someone who doesn’t eat a lot of sugar, MoRoCo’s tea is a deadly sugar shock, but well worth it!

3. BEST decor:  I don’t want to botch the adjectives to describe their interior decor but what comes to mind is the space evokes a Victorian/Baroque Modern/Elegance with a touch of Goth.  So cool.  The greys, the purples, the blacks, contrasted with white.  I love it all.  A beatiful atmosphere to entertain or to dine.  Very cool vibe with the DJ spinning at the front. 

Moroco Afternoon Tea Service

The sinful desserts!

Love their little desserts (and the bee!)

Topping the creme pots are little chocolate moroco branded ovals

Moroco Interior Shot (photo via fashion magazine)

Beautiful Presentation (via dine.to

Sparkling Tea: A Non Alcoholic Alternative

I just read about this sparkling tea from Golden Star Tea Company in Metropolitan Home this month and it looks like bubbly champagne but it’s jasmine tea.  I think this is a  great idea if you are looking for a non alcoholic alternative  to offer your guests at an event. After doing a bit of digging, I read that Golden Star Tea is available at Whole Foods in California and in couple other states.  The other great thing is that the website offers pairings for all you event enthusiasts out there.

I am heading down to NYC next month and hope to find a bottle to taste, otherwise the shipping costs are super expensive and I don’t think I want to foot the bill to ship a four pack to Toronto.  Has anyone tried this? 

Someone messaged me to say that Golden Star Tea is available at Pusateri’s in Toronto but I wasn’t able to find it at its Yorkville location.

via elixir design

The ultimate tea party- Crown and Crumpet (SF)

Tea is my water.  I drink gallons of loose leaf tea and would call myself somewhat of a fanatic.  Perhaps it was the five years I spent travelling back and forth between Toronto and China that did it! I was engrossed by tea culture from a young age and now make it a part of my daily life and travel.  Actually, make a point of looking up local tea houses or places that offer afternoon tea when I travel to sample local interpretations of the delightful afternoon pass time. 

What I am enraptured by the most is the creativity that hosts inject into designing afternoon tea menus, tea party table design etc…  It is a wonderful way to relax, enjoy some bite sized treats and share good conversation with your guests. 

One great place (of many) to experience afternoon tea is at Crown and Crumpet in San Francisco.  They have done an excellent job designing their store to reflect the nuances of tea culture.  This brightly coloured space will be sure to ignite the senses.

Crown and Crumpet Store SF (from Crown and Crumpet)

Afternoon Tea Service (from crown and crumpet)

Inside the salon (from Crown and Crumpet)

 

Other honourable mentions in SF go to :

Samovar Tea Lounge

Lovejoy’s Tea Room

Honourable mention in LA:

Royal-T

Royal T in LA (from Royal-T)