Tea Habitat in Los Angeles (S. Bay to be exact)

"There's a transcending level of this tea. It's a very personal, life-altering experience," Imen Shan says. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Imen Shan is SERIOUS about her tea. After reading this article I am blown away by her knowledge and almost divine allegience to tea.

One of the world’s leading experts on Chinese single-tree teas purveys her rare brews in an unlikely locale: a shop in a run-of-the-mill South Bay Mall

Read the rest of the LA times article here
Tea Habitat, 21B Peninsula Center, Palos Verdes. (310) 921-5282. www.teahabitat.com

Fowler Exhibition in Los Angeles Tells Story of Tea through Art from Asia, Europe and America

Hey Everyone in Los Angeles or surrounding areas,

This might be an exhibit of interest to all die hard tea lovers. I’m definitely going to check it out. Fowler is located in Westwood, CA and part of the UCLA community. Best of all – admission to the Fowler Museum is Free!!

Check out the Fowler Museum Website for more information on hours and location.

Steeped in History: The Art of Tea on display Aug 16–Nov 29, 2009

Hot or iced, bagged or loose, black or green—whatever form it takes, enjoying a cup of tea is an act performed at least three billion times a day the world over. Indeed, more people drink tea than any other beverage except water. Steeped in History: The Art of Tea—on display at the Fowler Museum at UCLA from Aug 16–Nov 29, 2009—is a wide-ranging survey that brings together art from three continents and many centuries to delve into the history and culture of tea.

Traveling from Asia to the West, tea has played a variety of profound roles on the world scene—as an ancient health remedy, an element of cultural practice, and source of spiritual insight. Historically it was also a catalyst for international conflicts and horrific labor conditions in various countries.

Throughout its history tea has been a prevalent theme in the visual arts—scenes of tea embellish ceramics and textiles and are the subject of paintings and drawings, and all manner of vessels have been fashioned for the preparation and presentation of tea. Steeped in History brings together rare Chinese ceramics and paintings, 18th- and 19th-century Japanese ceramics and prints, extraordinary English and Colonial American paintings, vintage photographs and historical documents, tea-serving paraphernalia and furniture from many countries, and much more —to tell the fascinating history of tea.

Tea!

I’m no tea connoisseur – far from it in fact, but I know that tea has become somewhat of a ritual in my everyday life. I love it. When you’re down or had a long day, Chamomile soothes its way in. Chai is my common tea of choice for a good heart to heart with friends. PG black is the social tea and reminds me of Sri Lankan family gatherings in England and Chrysanthemum reminds me of trips to China Town with my mom. There already exists a tea that corresponds to a particular aspect of my life – that’s what I love about it.  I’ve been introduced to so many new and memorable experiences through tea.

It’s one of my life’s missions to visit the best tea shops around the world – so I thought I may as well share my experiences with my others who are interested.

Enjoy!  If you have a recommendation for where I should stop by next, let me know!