We aim to be as environmentally conscious in our day-to-day business dealings as possible. Several ways we do this: We shop two times per week for groceries from local purveyors. This affords little to no waste and we can adjust as necessary depending on the season and needs of the tearoom. We compost everything we can. Ellen has been a lifetime recycler, so she knows the value of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle -and compost!  Garbage to Garden is our partner in this effort. And we […]

Curious how to properly brew green tea? Wondering why your home-brewed green tea always tastes bitter? Unfortunately, we’ve been reduced to thinking green tea tastes awful and is always bitter. There’s a better way to brew it — no bags, only whole leaves for the best tasting brew! Here’s the rundown to get you to better-tasting green tea, and the health benefits associated with it. When it comes to brewing any tea, it’s all about tea, time and temperature! Get yourself […]

From LifeHacker” “Tea isn’t just a comforting and pleasant beverage, it also has remarkable healing properties—so much so that it’s deemed a sort of “wonder drink” that may be even healthier than drinking water. Here are all the ways drinking tea can lead to a healthier, longer life—and how to maximize both the enjoyment of the drink and its health benefits.” Read more.

>> Purchase our Masala Spice Blend and Assam CTC Black Tea (1 ounce of masala spices and 1 ounce of Assam CTC makes approximately 12, 8 ounce cups of chai & a Box of Masala (which contains 1.75 ounces of Assam CTC and 1.75 ounces of Masala spices in separate packets) makes approximately 20 cups). (This recipe makes about 3, 8 ounce cups – cut recipe in half for one large mug) Put 4 teaspoons of Masala spices in a medium […]

Instead of getting a prescription for your stress, consider trying a natural and sacred plant: holy basil. Also called tulsi, holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is a sacred plant in India with strong, clove-like aroma and taste. It demonstrates a lack of toxicity and a variety of benefits, including reducing inflammation, protecting the body and brain from harmful effects of stress, and exerting a positive influence on mood. It is safe to use with pharmaceutical antidepressants. Dr. Weil’s colleague Jim Nicolai, […]