But breakfast at Lure does wonders to get me through hump day!
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
June 19, 2011
Sunday morning saw me and my conference companion trek over the bridge from Southbank to inner city Melbourne in search of sustenance before a day of shopping and sight seeing. The laneway culture in Melbourne is my favourite aspect of the city and I had been highly anticipating breakfast at DeGraves Espresso Bar since my arrival in Victoria several days prior. The experience did not disappoint. The inside of the cafe is decked out in old cinema pews which means that tables are almost, but not quite, communal. The wait staff have that look about them that says 'I just came here from my art studio and when I finish work I will be going to an exclusive gallery in a hidden basement, or to some sort of live music performance'. Food was fresh and the tea was gooood! And best of all, tea was served with an extra jug of hot water for refills - which means I avoided having to ask for a top up! You see, some people 'get it'.
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In the early afternoon, we headed in to Melbourne airport. I was well and truly over the cold weather and looking forward to returning to the Sunshine State. Our flight was late to board (and after the ash clound debacle that had delayed my flight to Melboune by 4 days, I should have been more tolerant of a 20 minute delay), but I wasn't. When we finally did board, the captain welcomed us to the flight and then proceeded to tell us that the plane was broken and could we all please disembark and head to another gate where another plane would be waiting for us. Agh - frustrating!
Sensing an impending internal crisis, I took a detour to the nearest cafe on my way to out new boarding lounge. After silently raging at the cafe attendant for charging me $3.80 for a not-quite-full takeaway cup of hot water with a teabag hastily thrown in (after the water was poured) I sat down to wait. As soon as the first warm sip of tea reached my stomache, I felt a wave of calm come over me. This is the effect that green tea has on me - this is why I love it!
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Sensing an impending internal crisis, I took a detour to the nearest cafe on my way to out new boarding lounge. After silently raging at the cafe attendant for charging me $3.80 for a not-quite-full takeaway cup of hot water with a teabag hastily thrown in (after the water was poured) I sat down to wait. As soon as the first warm sip of tea reached my stomache, I felt a wave of calm come over me. This is the effect that green tea has on me - this is why I love it!
June 18, 2011
The conference finished on a Saturday afternoon at 4pm. I had hoped to devote the remainder of the afternoon to the quest for, and consumption of, a delicious cup of tea. However, by the time I had said my goodbyes and wandered back to the apartment, I was exhausted and cold. The couch in the apartment looked so appealing in the late afternoon sun and so that was where I stayed. A cup of tea (brewed from a Dilmah teabag) and a magazine proved to be the necessary ingredients for a perfect afternoon.
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June 17, 2011
I had to travel to Melbourne for business, but had hoped to indulge in some small pleasures (ideally, fantastic tea served in quirky cafes warmed by wood fires). Unfortunately it was not to be and all my time was spent at the convention centre - or madly dashing between the conference venue and my accommodation, wishing that I was staying in the Hilton so that stepping outside into the biting cold air was unnecessary.
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The tea served at the conference was from Tea Tonic, which was a nice change from the standard Tetley's offerings. I managed to pocket a few extra teabags for later.
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
June 15, 2011
Once again, a fabulous combination of exercise, friends and tea.
This morning you could probably have put grass clippings in a tea pot and I would have been quite happy
(I never claimed to be a tea connoisseur; I just really like it and have some opinions about it).
The blend they serve at Hamptons is infused with jasmine, which isn't my favourite, but this morning it hit just the right spot.
This morning you could probably have put grass clippings in a tea pot and I would have been quite happy
(I never claimed to be a tea connoisseur; I just really like it and have some opinions about it).
The blend they serve at Hamptons is infused with jasmine, which isn't my favourite, but this morning it hit just the right spot.
June 14, 2011
This tea was a special gift from Glasgow.
There's nothing like thoughtfulness to make something taste wonderfully special!
There's nothing like thoughtfulness to make something taste wonderfully special!
June 12, 2011
A fine mist of rain had set in, making it a potentially glum Sunday morning.
But it is impossible to be anything but ecstatic when tea is delivered in a teapot like this!
(I really am ecstatic but I try to keep a neutral fascade because it's not really socially acceptable to whoop with joy at the sight of a teapot).
Thankyou to my lovely dining companion for suggesting Ave Cucina!
But it is impossible to be anything but ecstatic when tea is delivered in a teapot like this!
(I really am ecstatic but I try to keep a neutral fascade because it's not really socially acceptable to whoop with joy at the sight of a teapot).
Thankyou to my lovely dining companion for suggesting Ave Cucina!
June 9, 2011
And to think I nearly stayed in bed...and missed yoga and tea at the Garage with my yoga buddy!
That would have been a travesty!
If I could start every morning with exercise, friends and a good cup of green tea, life would be pretty good.
Thankyou to the aforementioned yoga buddy for styling this photo - Donna Hay will be knocking your door down soon!
That would have been a travesty!
If I could start every morning with exercise, friends and a good cup of green tea, life would be pretty good.
Thankyou to the aforementioned yoga buddy for styling this photo - Donna Hay will be knocking your door down soon!
June 8, 2011
At Eurovida in Paddington.
Despite the Pickwicks cup - which has about as much character as an Ikea sofa - this was a remarkably nice blend. Perhaps it was just that I was enjoying the morning so much that anything would have pleased me.
Despite the Pickwicks cup - which has about as much character as an Ikea sofa - this was a remarkably nice blend. Perhaps it was just that I was enjoying the morning so much that anything would have pleased me.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
June 7, 2011
This is just what I needed.
Early morning yoga followed by tea and toast with a beautiful friend (who styled the teapots for my photo: "Here, it looks like they're kissing").
All tea pots should be this size!
Early morning yoga followed by tea and toast with a beautiful friend (who styled the teapots for my photo: "Here, it looks like they're kissing").
All tea pots should be this size!
June 5, 2011
Why does every cafe close at 3pm on a Sunday in Brisbane?
At least the Java Lounge can be relied upon to fuel the needs of tea drinkers.
Beautiful green tea in a lovely green teapot.
At least the Java Lounge can be relied upon to fuel the needs of tea drinkers.
Beautiful green tea in a lovely green teapot.
June 3, 2011
Breakfast at Forages to celebrate the end of an era - no more tutoring!
This also means the end of my regular discussions with Mum on the state of the tertiary education system.
Over breakfast we alternated between doing the puzzles (crossword for me and sudoku for her) and drinking (sencha for me and a latte for her).
The tea was so delicious that I couldn't concentate on the crossword....well, that's my excuse anyway.
This also means the end of my regular discussions with Mum on the state of the tertiary education system.
Over breakfast we alternated between doing the puzzles (crossword for me and sudoku for her) and drinking (sencha for me and a latte for her).
The tea was so delicious that I couldn't concentate on the crossword....well, that's my excuse anyway.
June 2, 2011
This blog is supposed to be all about green tea.
But in this case, all the spotlight has to fall on the 'vintage' cupcake (you can call anything vintage and charge double for it, I'm sure). It was delicious. Like a little pillow of heaven! Courtesy of the new Hamptons store in Paddington.
As for the tea, it was a delicate jasmine.
I'm not at all sure about jasmine tea. When I was new to drinking tea, I found it easier to palate than a gunpowder or sencha type of tea. But now that I'm a seasoned drinker, I find the floral flavour is a distraction from the true star. Perhaps it's like starting with Passion Pop and gradually working your way up to tolerating the stronger alcohols.
But in this case, all the spotlight has to fall on the 'vintage' cupcake (you can call anything vintage and charge double for it, I'm sure). It was delicious. Like a little pillow of heaven! Courtesy of the new Hamptons store in Paddington.
As for the tea, it was a delicate jasmine.
I'm not at all sure about jasmine tea. When I was new to drinking tea, I found it easier to palate than a gunpowder or sencha type of tea. But now that I'm a seasoned drinker, I find the floral flavour is a distraction from the true star. Perhaps it's like starting with Passion Pop and gradually working your way up to tolerating the stronger alcohols.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
June 1, 2011
The first (official) day of winter!
I think I have uncovered a conspiracy.
This tea pot poured so badly, that a good 1/5th of the tea ended up on the table.
Could this be a sneaky way of getting me to order a second pot?
@ Hana Rosa, Paddington.
I think I have uncovered a conspiracy.
This tea pot poured so badly, that a good 1/5th of the tea ended up on the table.
Could this be a sneaky way of getting me to order a second pot?
May 29, 2011
La Dolce Vita! The sweet life.
Indeed it is when you start the day with glorious weather, cycling and a pot of green tea.
Throw in a few nice compliments, hugs and kisses from an elderly Italian gentleman (who is possibly paid to provide this service) and you have a perfect Sunday morning.
Indeed it is when you start the day with glorious weather, cycling and a pot of green tea.
Throw in a few nice compliments, hugs and kisses from an elderly Italian gentleman (who is possibly paid to provide this service) and you have a perfect Sunday morning.
May 28, 2011
I come to the Hundred Acre Bar so often that it would be boring if I posted a photo of my tea every time I visited. So, to create some interest, I have tried to be more creative. But my creativity can be subtle, so let me explain: there is a picture of me and my coffee drinking companion in the tea pot. Yes, I know, it's not exactly creative genius but you have to start somewhere...
May 27, 2011
My comments here are not so much about the tea - it was nice, albeit mild - but about the tables at Toscani's (outside the State Library of Queensland). What fabulous laminex (or whatever this surface treatment is called) for such a location! One day I should take the time to read it.
May 25, 2011
Sassafras serves a delightful cup of T2 Sencha. However, there are a few quirks to their service that could be ironed out to give the tea drinker a better overall experience.
- Firstly - why do they serve green tea with honey? My thoughts on sweetening tea are the same as for sweetening coffee - if you can't handly the sophistication of the flavour, order a hot chocolate!
- The lack of a tea pot brings about problems with maintaining temperature. I want to savour the tea, but I don't want it to get cold. Dilemma - easily solved with a tea pot.
- Do they not realise that once I remove the strainer from the cup, my cup is only about 4/5ths full? I feel so cheated! This is why it is ok, in this situation, to order a second serving of hot water. It would be disrespectful to the leaves not to do so!
May 22, 2011
How can it be that a cafe can get it so right with bread - rye sourdough - and so wrong with tea - bag?
Surely this is the equivalent of serving something like truffles, with tomato sauce.
Tsk, tsk.
Oh well, I'll keep going there.
Surely this is the equivalent of serving something like truffles, with tomato sauce.
Tsk, tsk.
Oh well, I'll keep going there.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
May 20, 2011
Slightly too strong.
Made by a coffee fiend I expect.
May 19, 2011
I love The Espresso Garage. For so many reasons. First there is the association with cycling - that moment when you pull your bike into the curb, unclip and dismount, and join the chorus of cleats on cement clicking over to the counter. Then there is the simple food - it's just like brekky at home - no pretentiousness at all. Then there is the tea.
There is something suspicious abou the tea. As it slides down my throat I feel my tongue and lips go slightly numb and my heart rate increases ever so slightly.
Whatever they put in it - it's addictive and good!
There is something suspicious abou the tea. As it slides down my throat I feel my tongue and lips go slightly numb and my heart rate increases ever so slightly.
Whatever they put in it - it's addictive and good!
May 17, 2011
Friday, 13 May 2011
May 12, 2011
When you go to a cafe that is renowned for its coffee, it can be quite intimidating to order a cup of tea. On my last visit to this location, I acquiesced and ordered a quarter-strength cappucino. The waitress tried hard, but was not able to hide the contemptuous curl of her upper lip.
This time, I didn't bother trying to please the coffee aficionado who took my order and requested a green tea. The waiter maintained a pleasant demeanour, but I noted the exchange of looks between him and the barista as he passed on my order. They don't get it.
This time, I didn't bother trying to please the coffee aficionado who took my order and requested a green tea. The waiter maintained a pleasant demeanour, but I noted the exchange of looks between him and the barista as he passed on my order. They don't get it.
May 11, 2011
Ok, this was nice.
This pot of tea was served at the new Cockadoodle cafe by a gentleman who clearly understood the importance of treating a tea drinker (and their tea) with respect. He made a point of informing me of the exact temperature of the water used to brew the tea, and insisting that I report back to him immediately if the tea was too bitter for my liking.
It was lovely.
This pot of tea was served at the new Cockadoodle cafe by a gentleman who clearly understood the importance of treating a tea drinker (and their tea) with respect. He made a point of informing me of the exact temperature of the water used to brew the tea, and insisting that I report back to him immediately if the tea was too bitter for my liking.
It was lovely.
Sunday, 8 May 2011
May 06, 2011
Mum and I both tutor at UQ.
On Fridays, we meet for a cup of tea (well, I drink tea and she has a latte) and we have lofty discussions about the tertiary education system.
This is her new purse - she wanted it to be in the picture as she's rather fond of it.
On Fridays, we meet for a cup of tea (well, I drink tea and she has a latte) and we have lofty discussions about the tertiary education system.
This is her new purse - she wanted it to be in the picture as she's rather fond of it.
May 04, 2011
I was so excited when this tea pot was served to me - it's nice and big!
My pleasure was multiplied by a factor of 10 when I lifted the lid and smelled the satisfying aroma of sencha!
My pleasure was multiplied by a factor of 10 when I lifted the lid and smelled the satisfying aroma of sencha!
May 02, 2011
Today I baked a sponge cake! For a long time, I have thought of this as being the pinnacle of baking.
We have neighbours who are always seem to be having fun, and just generally being very family-orientated and domestic. Wanting them to know about my culinary feats, I asked Mum to say the words "sponge cake" and "tea pots" loudly and often (and preferably with complimentary adjectives). She completed this task with flourish...but I think the neighbours had gone out.
We have neighbours who are always seem to be having fun, and just generally being very family-orientated and domestic. Wanting them to know about my culinary feats, I asked Mum to say the words "sponge cake" and "tea pots" loudly and often (and preferably with complimentary adjectives). She completed this task with flourish...but I think the neighbours had gone out.Sunday, 1 May 2011
April 30, 2011
Today's tea was served at "Bean Scene" in St Lucia. When I ordered 'green', the waiter looked apologetic and confessed that the green on offer was infused with jasmine, and asked if this would suffice. I admitted that it was not my favourite combination, but that I would survive. A handmade chocolate dulled the sense of disappointment.
April 29, 2011
I think yoga must be a great way to get blood flowing to your brain because I feel inclined towards academic discussions afterwards. Luckily, I have a friend who is willing to indulge me, and 'The Garage' at West End serves as a perfect venue. Tea and toast provide the necessary nourishment to sustain the conversations.
April 28, 2011
Our house is for sale and open for inspection one night each week.
Which means we have to go somewhere and do something - something that neither Mum not I are inclined to want to do after dark on a week night.
But with the right incentives (tea for me, alcohol for her, and a cosy fire for us both), we have found these nights to be quite fun.
Which means we have to go somewhere and do something - something that neither Mum not I are inclined to want to do after dark on a week night.
But with the right incentives (tea for me, alcohol for her, and a cosy fire for us both), we have found these nights to be quite fun.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
April 27, 2011
Frustratingly, my camera batteries went flat this morning just as I aligned the camera to take a snap of my beautiful cup of green tea. So you will just have to imagine a squat, white porcelain tea pot upon the warm hues of the wooden table.
The venue: Fundies
The tea: From Tea tonic (http://teatonic.com.au/)
The venue: Fundies
The tea: From Tea tonic (http://teatonic.com.au/)
April 26, 2011
What does one do when the weather is wet and windy?
There is only one answer - tea!
(That's Mum)
There is only one answer - tea!
(That's Mum)
April 25, 2011
This afternoon we capitalised on the beautful sunshine and warm weather and headed up to The Hundred Acre Bar. The spherical, stainless steel tea pots look so right in the elegant surrounds.
Delicious.
Delicious.
April 24, 2011
Another day, another cup of green tea at Wray.
I noticed today that they are now serving 'love tea' (http://lovechai.com.au/)
But clearly, all tea is made with love.
I noticed today that they are now serving 'love tea' (http://lovechai.com.au/)
But clearly, all tea is made with love.
Saturday, 23 April 2011
April 23, 2011
Catching up with friends over a pot of tea is the thing in life that gives me the most pleasure.
This morning I had two pots of tea...which left me feeling slightly jittery.
I don't like the strainers served with the tea at Spoon - they're too utilitarian.
If lilliputians ate pasta, they would strain it with a similiar vessel, I imagine.
This morning I had two pots of tea...which left me feeling slightly jittery.
I don't like the strainers served with the tea at Spoon - they're too utilitarian.
If lilliputians ate pasta, they would strain it with a similiar vessel, I imagine.
April 22, 2011
Two cups of tea today!
First off, Mum and I rode our bikes around the river, stopping at Park Road for brekky.
The tea was nice enough - I didn't see what brand it was.
It always hits the spot after a ride (coffee drinkers don't know what they are missing!).
Given that I will be spending this long weekend working, I decided to treat myself with a second pot.
This teapot is my favourite possession. If my house was on fire - I would rescue it first.
The tea I brew at home is a delicious sencha.
First off, Mum and I rode our bikes around the river, stopping at Park Road for brekky.
The tea was nice enough - I didn't see what brand it was.
It always hits the spot after a ride (coffee drinkers don't know what they are missing!).
Given that I will be spending this long weekend working, I decided to treat myself with a second pot.
This teapot is my favourite possession. If my house was on fire - I would rescue it first.
The tea I brew at home is a delicious sencha.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
April 21, 2011
Why do some places think it is ok to serve teabag tea?
Akin to ordering a coffee and being served a cup of instant!
Oh well. The ritual is half the pleasure.
Akin to ordering a coffee and being served a cup of instant!
Oh well. The ritual is half the pleasure.
April 20, 2011
Is there a better way to start the day than with a walk through the bush at Mt Coot-tha? Yes. If you follow it up with breakfast in the courtyard at Sassafras and a steaming cup of T2 sencha green tea (http://t2tea.com/?v=1), you have the perfect morning!
My only complaint is that the cup is not big enough! I suppose I could ask for a top up of hot water (it would be respectful to the tea leaves), but I've found that staff look at you a little strangely when you do so.
My only complaint is that the cup is not big enough! I suppose I could ask for a top up of hot water (it would be respectful to the tea leaves), but I've found that staff look at you a little strangely when you do so.
April 19, 2011
A sad day.
Teabag tea.
At desk.
At least the Dilmah tea bags are quite lovely with their delicate silky netting. Probably best not to leave them open in the cupboard for months on end before consuming though.
Teabag tea.
At desk.
At least the Dilmah tea bags are quite lovely with their delicate silky netting. Probably best not to leave them open in the cupboard for months on end before consuming though.
April 18, 2011
Going out for a cup of tea is such a guilty pleasure when "working from home".
I had to walk past Wray Organics and couldn't resist stopping.
A cup of green tea is an almost essential academic performance enhancer.
I think they use Planet Organic: http://www.planetorganic.com.au/Tea
I had to walk past Wray Organics and couldn't resist stopping.
A cup of green tea is an almost essential academic performance enhancer.
I think they use Planet Organic: http://www.planetorganic.com.au/Tea
April 17, 2011
Mum and I filled in Sunday afternoon with a walk around the cemetery, contemplating life and death.
What better way to celebrate being alive than with green tea!
This one was ordered from Hana Rosa in Paddington (formerly Sol Breads).
What better way to celebrate being alive than with green tea!
This one was ordered from Hana Rosa in Paddington (formerly Sol Breads).
April 16, 2011
Saturday afternoon at a local cafe in Graceville.
Such a lovely tea plunger.
I like to be able to see how much I have left - otherwise it is such a disappointment when the last drop is poured.
Such a lovely tea plunger.
I like to be able to see how much I have left - otherwise it is such a disappointment when the last drop is poured.
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