The Bliss of Tea

[bloodsong1]

So as LJ-land probably knows, I am a coffee and tea snob.

There are only a few types of coffee I'll drink straight, I make excellent coffee and I know how to brew tea. I have studied tea. I love tea!

Yesterday I went to Kampai, a local hibachi owned and run by a very nice Japanese woman, when I saw they were having a tea sale. For a month or two, they opened the restaurant for a light lunch and Japanese tea, a small part of the traditional ceremony. I went three times, once with the kiddos, once by myself and once with Looooo and Polar Bear. It was awesome!

When I walked in yesterday, the owner AND the waitress welcomed me with hugs! They were so excited to see me, brought me a cup of tea and explained the displays. I looked everything over carefully, plotted a trip to the region advertised, (4 onsen!) and brought home the information packet and a new black and red teapot.

Today I broke out the pot and the ichiban sencha (best green tea) I bought from the first visit and followed the directions.

OH MY GODS AND GODDESSES! I can now make the PERFECT cup of green tea! Smooth, vegetive, not bitter at all!

Properly prepared tea can be a transcendent experience. I'm going to go bliss out now.

Kampai!