Tea time: Custom Bancha/Lemongrass Blend

As most of you are aware, I am an avid tea drinker. One of my concerns in moving back to NZ from Aus was the availability of good tea shops and leaving my 'pet' tea shop with which I had developed a very strong, and ,possibly, unhealthily dependent relationship. Luckily, however, I was able to discover within a few days of re-entering the country an adorable tea shop with an outstanding collection of teas. Although it is early on in this new relationship I have high hopes that this will become my rebound tea store and yet another unhealthy dependence will blossom and grow.

The new tea shop/cafe of which I speak also has taken my heart because of its impressive romance and chic lit book selection. Chapter, located in Mt Eden, had me tingling with anticipation as soon as I entered the place. Its unique concept of a sort of tea and book retreat from the daily hustle and bustle was charming. Chapter had tables mostly occupied by book clubs; discussing ideas, and sipping specialty teas. Unfortunately I was unable to stay and enjoy the cafe's ambiance but this is now a high priority on my to-do list. 

I did however get a custom tea blended by their friendly and knowledgeable staff. As a bit of a tea-geek I have a well equipped tea b.s. meter and it was nice to see the staff definitely knew what they were talking about. I love a citrus-y flavoured green tea (its my tea staple) so I had a bancha-lemongrass blend made. Its safe to say that this is my new favourite mid-morning pick me up tea. The delicate bancha is set off so well by the lemongrass flavour. Lemongrass not only has a beautiful mild citrus flavour which flavours tea so well, but it is an excellent herbal remedy in its own right: relieving pain and muscle tension. 

So to put it simply: I am significantly less traumatized by leaving my old tea shop, as I have found an excellent new one. Peace - Q.S.B.