The Urban Tea Merchant

The Urban Tea Merchant - Valentine Sweetheart Tea Services

February 03, 2012

This February, The Urban Tea Merchant is featuring a romantic selection of Valentine's Tea Services accompanying with a choice of premium TWG Tea. Come in and enjoy our Sweetheart Tea Services with friends and loved ones.

Sweetheart Signature Afternoon Tea Service - $48 per person

Our Signature Afternoon Tea with touches of sweet Valentine delights. The ultimate Valentine's feature to have with your loved ones and friends.

your choice of premium TWG Tea
Sommelier’s choice of chilled white tea
sorbet
sweets tea-infused macaron
chevron strawberry
tea-infused chocolate hearts
petit fours
fresh exotic fruit
Matcha madeleine
fresh baked scone served with devon crème & jam
savouries cucumber, watercress & cracked black pepper sandwich
open faced smoked salmon, wasabi mayo & soy jelly
Tiger Hill tea-infused egg salad sandwich
petit tea-infused chicken salad cone & petit savoury tart
baby shrimp & granny smith apple
boursin cheese mousse with crisp endive & candied walnut
wagu beef carpaccio with horseradish foam

Sweetheart Trio for Two - $20 per person (minimum 2 person)

A sweet dessert trio to share in honour of the month of love ... share with friends and loved ones.

“Matcha” madeleine, chocolate dipped
“Love Me Tea” Chocolate Cake Delight
“Bain de Roses” & “Timeless Tea” dips
petite chocolate fondue served with fresh fruit
includes your choice of either Love Me Tea
Valentine Breakfast Tea or Magic Moment Tea

Sweetheart Trio for Two can be accompanied by two glasses of:

Veuve Clicquot champagne $46 per person OR
sparkling white wine $30 per person

Make a reservation today.  

"Year of the Dragon" Signature Afternoon Tea Service

January 13, 2012

From January 16th through January 31st, The Urban Tea Merchant is offering our Signature Afternoon Tea Service - Year of the Dragon. Our Chef, Michael Batoux, has created a delicious sensory food experience to embrace the Chinese New Year experience. When you complete this fabulous Signature Afternoon Tea Service at The Urban Tea Merchant you can open your TWG tea-infused Fortune Cookie and savor your tea musing for 2012! 

The Urban Tea Merchant is now accepting group reservations for this special Year of the Dragon Signature Afternoon Tea Service experience through February 10, 2012.

 

"Year of the Dragon" Signature Afternoon Tea Service - $48 per person

Tea Sommelier's choice of chilled TWG Tea Jasmine Pearls tea & sorbet

Sweets

tea-infused macaron,

chocolate dipped dragon fruit,

chocolate truffle, 

petit fours,

fresh exotic fruit, 

Matcha tea-infused fortune cookie,

fresh baked scone served with devon creme & jam

Savouries

traditional wrapped Peking duck & plum sauce

cucumber, watercress & cracked black pepper sandwich 

open faced smoked salmon, wasabi mayo & soy jelly

Tiger Hill Tea-infused egg salad sandwich

petit tea-infused chicken salad cone & petit savory tart

baby shrimp & chopped apple served in Chinese spoon

Boursin cheese mousse with crisp endive & candied walnut

wagyu beef carpaccio with horseradish foam

 

Special accompanying tea (optional)

Jade Dragon Tea

 

Chinese New Year - Celebrate the Year of the Dragon - 2012

January 11, 2012

Happy Chinese New Year! 

Gung Hei Fat Choy 

2012 is the Year of the Dragon.

The New Year is a time to reflect and renew and perhaps find ways to embrace the spirit of the Dragon. 

From January 16 to February 10, 2012, The Urban Tea Merchant is celebrating Chinese New Year by introducing a special limited addition of Jade Dragon Tea from TWG Tea's Haute Couture Collection. Jade Dragon Tea is a unique fine harvest tea, beautifully rolled and when infused, boasts long, elegant strands of green leaves. The Urban Tea Merchant is also featuring the World Voyage Tea Set from TWG Tea. Chinese New Year is a time where people can share gifts with friends and family that symbolize the luxury and uniqueness of these TWG Teas - a perfect offering for the Year of the Dragon.

Haute Couture - Jade of Dragon Tea -  an exquisite limited edition from TWG Tea's Haute Couture Collection - a blend of rare green teas, ripe fruits and blossoms, which yields an extraordinary golden infusion and sumptuous aftertaste. 100g - $36.95

World Voyage New Years Gift Set - TWG Tea's World Voyage Tea Set will warm your heart and delight your palate. This tea set is an elegant box & sleeve enclosing six TWG Tea mini tea tins filled with a celebratory collection of teas. $120

TWG Tea-Infused Champagne Cocktail Recipe

December 28, 2011

Ingredients:

- 100g TWG Tea (Silver Moon Tea, Festive Night Tea, Cocktail Hour Tea or Miraculous Mandarin Tea)

- 500ml water

- 500g sugar 


Preparation:

In a sauce pan, bring water to a boil and gradually mix in sugar while stirring with a wooden spoon. Stir until well blended to create a sugar syrup.

When the sugar syrup has a smooth consistency, remove from heat and pour the tea leaves in the mixture. Let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes.

Drain the mixture through a strainer to remove the tea leaves. Let it cool in the fridge.

Pour a drop of the tea-infused syrup in each glass and fill with sparkling 
wine or Champagne. 


Recommendations to create a perfect tea-infused cocktail:

The amount of sugar used can be adjusted to taste. For those who prefer a less sweet drink, use only 400 grams of sugar added to the water.

For a tea cocktail stronger in taste, add a larger quantity of tea.

The tea syrup used for tea-infused cocktails can be kept refrigerated for up to one month thanks to the naturally preserving qualities of sugar.

This recipe will allow you to create about 50 glasses of tea-infused cocktails. 

Small Comforts - Luxury Tea

November 26, 2011

It can be the small comforts in life that bring us pleasure. Tea rituals allow us to indulge our senses in the luxury of tea - sniff wonderful aromas, discover exquisite tastes and observe the beauty of the world around us. 

The Urban Tea Merchant is proud to present TWG Tea as our exclusive luxury tea brand. TWG Tea is the finest tea brand in the world, not only because of the extensive selection of teas chosen from the finest gardens but also because of the uncompromising ability to professionally infuse tea with unique and rare fruits, flowers and spices from around the world.  

The Urban Tea Merchant understands the beauty of the tea ritual. Through TWG Tea we are able to offer a wide selection of exceptional tea pots, candles, and tea gift sets. The Urban Tea Merchant also offers other special gifts such as fine French linens, Pyrenean mohair and cashmere throws, home fragrances and much more - all to enhance a luxurious tea experience.  The Urban Tea Merchant has created a gift catalogue so that you can make your own wish list and gift others with a visit to our stores and website.  Every sip is a journey into the small luxury of tea. 

Luxury TWG Tea for the Holidays

November 15, 2011

This is the time of the year where we seek to experience 'magical time' with our family and friends. The excitement we see in children's eyes can warm our hearts in such a genuine way.  We notice a smile lighting our face. However, sometimes in the busyness of the season, we can find ourselves stressed and anxious. Tea-time is calling. Take a few moments to just sip ... sip and awaken our senses. 

The Urban Tea Merchant is delighted to introduce our new luxury TWG Tea Christmas Collection to you. We believe even the description of each of our new TWG Tea collectibles can take you on an imaginary journey ... even for 'just a moment'.

• Christmas Lights Green TWG Tea - sweet spices and almond, rich and aromatic to give a party allure
• Red Christmas Rooibos TWG Tea - theine-free red tea with a festival of flavors and spices - a treat for children as well.
  
• Holiday Spirit Black TWG Tea - a nostalgic blend with magical and evocative spices
• Cocktail Hour Black and Green blend TWG Tea - crimson blossoms with notes of sweet sugar cane and rum
• Magic Moment Black TWG Tea - rare citrus fruits and tropical coconut

If our description of this luxury TWG Tea collection sound captivating, wait until you taste them.  We hope you can enjoy many of the those 'magical moments' alone or with loved ones during this busy season. 

This festive season, enjoy our Holiday Tea Services

November 15, 2011

Holiday Tea Services

This festive season, enjoy a selection of our Holiday Tea Services with your loved ones. This year, we would like to offer our guests a selection of tasty options to choose from for the Holidays. 

Signature Afternoon Tea Service  - $48.00 per person (download menu)

Our Gift For You - 50g of your choice of Red Christmas Tea, Holiday Spirit or Christmas Lights

SAVOURIES

3 cheese petite quiche
celery confit with gorgonzola mousse
vanilla tea-infused white turnip tatin
selection of tea sandwiches
Yunnan tea-infused chestnuts with roasted venison
smoked salmon rillette, poached with Russian Earl Grey tea
apple & baby prawns infused with Tokyo-Singapore tea
Tiger Hill (Nilgiri) tea-infused egg salad

SWEETS

chocolate dipped gooseberry
TWG Tea infused macaron
Holiday petit fours
chocolate truffle
fresh fruit
currant scone with devon crème & tea-infused jelly

HOT TEA

Red Christmas Tea for those cosy holiday celebrations, this TWG Tea red rooibos is a festival of flavours and warm spices.
or

Christmas Lights, rich nutty/almond tonalities blended with TWG Tea spices give this grand green tea a party allure.
or

Holiday Spirit, a nostalgic blend of black tea with magical and evocative spices, a true invitation to make merry.

Lunch Feature - Holiday Petite Afternoon Tea Service - $25 per person

SAVOURIES

Vanilla tea-infused white turnip “Tatin”
Pear & brie sandwich
Smoked salmon rillette
Tiger Hill infused egg sandwich
Granny Smith & baby prawns infused with Tokyo Singapore

SWEETS

Chocolate dipped gooseberry
TWG Tea infused macarons
Petits four
Fresh fruit
Currant scone, Devon cream, Jam

HOT TEA

Red Christmas Tea for those cosy holiday celebrations, this TWG Tea red rooibos is a festival of flavours and warm spices.
or

Christmas Lights rich nutty/almond tonalities blended with TWG Tea spices give this grand green tea a party allure
or

Holiday Spirit a nostalgic blend of black tea with magical and evocative spices, a true invitation to make merry.

Holiday Set Menu (download menu)

Hot Turkey Casserole - creamy dijon mustard & dill turkey casserole infused with Eau Blanche tea
Crisp puff pastry discs and pepper fondue
or

Festive Turkey Salad - dark and white turkey with dried fruit stuffing, cranberry sauce, pecans, chestnut crumble
Tossed salad with 1837 Black Tea vinaigrette.

HOT TEA

Festive Night Tea, a green tea blended with cherry blossoms infuses into a dazzling cup with a sweet aroma of red fruits and the intense warmth of rose petals.
or

Holiday Spirit Tea, a nostalgic blend of black tea with magical and evocative spices, a true invitation to make merry.

DESSERT

“Red Christmas Tea” Crème Brûlée, a traditional French dessert infused with Red Christmas Tea
or

“Earl Grey Gentleman” White Chocolate Cheesecake, a fine Belgian white chocolate infused with Earl Grey Gentleman tea

RESERVE TODAY FOR GROUP HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Weekend Tea Collection

November 02, 2011

We invite you on an extraordinary voyage with the new Weekend Tea Collection, a set of signature TWG Teas that arouse vivid sensory escapes to the world’s most exotic destinations all in privacy of your own teacups. With the truly unique collection, TWG Tea celebrates its international culture and the global heritage of tea appreciation. 

The weekend collection spotlight five distinctive TWG signature blends; Weekend in Bombay Tea, Weekend in Casablanca Tea, Weekend in Istanbul Tea, Weekend in Moscow Tea, and Weekend in Shanghai Tea. Each of these evocative blends is exhibited in curated travel sized-tea tins that are regally encased in luxurious TWG Tea gift boxes. These exclusive TWG Tea creation immerse tea lovers in an aromatic excursion, exciting vibrant illusions of these five idyllic cities.

Perfectly packaged for any traveler’s fantasy, the Weekend Tea Collection is sold in any combination in sets of two, three, and five tins, each packaged in an exquisite mini Haute Couture  (50 g) that features an iconic image of the city that inspired it. Perfect for taking a weekend getaway, these exclusive creations conveniently epitomize the luxury of travel while exhibiting TWG Tea’s stunning artistry. 

Host the Season with Le Jacquard Francais Table Linen

October 27, 2011

2011 Le Jacquard Francais Winter Collection

Evanescent, Poetic, Timeless...

This year's limited edition plays with the codes of Christmas on pure ivory and cinnamon linen, enhanced with golden thread. The effect is shimmering, feminine, and festive for an evanescent decor. And while the fine escapade may only last one evening, the style is timeless, copying traditional Christmas motifs of fir trees, wrapping paper and decorated crystal balls.

- Joyeuses Fetes (limited edition)
- Bosphore - Velvet
- Double Jeu - Passion Red

100% combed linen, long fibers.

Shop at The Urban Tea Merchant and with a minimum purchase of $175.00 on retail merchandise, you will receive a limited addition 2012 Calendar Tea Towel created for The Urban Tea Merchant by Le Jacquard Francais.

Offer valid until November 30.

 

 

 

 

Harvest Celebration

October 07, 2011

A wonderful time to celebrate the season, to give thanks for our freedom and abundance

The finest teas in the world has now arrived in Canada: With the arrival of TWG Tea at The Urban Tea Merchant, there are over 200 new luxury teas to stimulate your senses.

Our Tea Ambassadors invite you to come in for a tea tasting; take in the tea aroma’s of exotic fruits, flowers and spices from far off lands; taste rare teas from the fine harvest gardens in the world; experience the luxury of TWG Tea.

For the Thanksgiving “Harvest” celebration, we are currently featuring a Harvest Afternoon Tea Service.

Harvest Afternoon Tea Service - $48 per person

Gift with purchase - Until Nov. 16, 2011, with every Harvest Afternoon Tea Service, receive a gift of Chocolate Tea (50g)

add a glass of Veuve de Cliquot Champagne ($26) to your Harvest Afternoon Tea Service (Alberni Street only) 

savouries
5 spice pumpkin cassoulet with Dragon Gate tea infusion
selection of tea sandwiches
    smoked cheddar cheese with autumn dried fruit compote
    with Secret of Vietnam tea infusion
    poached pear with roasted turkey breast
    with Red of Africa tea infusion
winter vegetable ratatouille with Houjicha tea infusion
canapés - endive and blue cheese & prawn cocktail

sweets
chocolate dipped gooseberry
TWG Tea infused macaron
petit fours
chocolate truffle
fresh fruit
ginger & orange scone with devon crème & strawberry jam

hot tea
Camelot Tea
a unique blend of black tea with notes of fruits and flowers from the a whimsical reminiscence of legendary knights and dames, this black tea is blended by TWG Tea with brilliant notes of cinnamon and almond and a scattering of blue cornflowers to conquer and enrapture.

or

Race Day Tea
an enthusiastic combination that embodies energy and vivaciousness. This full-bodied black tea is highlighted by the elegant aroma of spices, the tartness of wild berries and fleeting accents of caramel. A tea of anticipation. 

------------------

GROUP RESERVATIONS and PRIVATE EVENTS available

The Urban Tea Merchant Introduces the Luxury TWG Tea Brand into Canada

September 18, 2011

PRESS RELEASE

Vancouver, BC - September 12, 2011 - The Urban Tea Merchant is proud to announce their exclusive distribution partnership with TWG Tea for Canada.  

"We look forward to combining our efforts with The Urban Tea Merchant", says Taha Bouqdib, president of TWG Tea. "The Urban Tea Merchant shares our vision for the future of the luxury tea market and our passion for providing only the finest quality of products to its customers. With market trends exhibiting consistent growth in tea consumption, particularly of specialty tea blends that are quickly becoming iconic for their sophisticated style, we are very optimistic for the launch of TWG Tea in the Canadian market."

"Tea enthusiasts rejoice!" say Karinna James, Co-Founder along with her husband Tom James of The Urban Tea Merchant. "We are confident that our customers and Canadian tea lovers alike will appreciate TWG Tea's unique variety of exquisite teas and tea-infused delights." The Urban Tea Merchant is committed to sharing the art of tea culture and tea appreciation.  They are celebrating their launch of TWG Tea in their flagship Tea Salon and Boutique, located midtown Vancouver on Alberni Street, 'Vancouver's Mini Rodeo Drive' as well as in their West Vancouver location in the Village at Park Royal. 

Tea connoisseurs will be able to choose from an exclusive range of over 200 tea blends unique to TWG Tea including the brand's original Haute Couture Collection, emulating inspiration from the creative designs of haute couture fashion, these teas have a different story to tell each season. 

Using only the finest and most exclusive ingredients, this unique line of teas will serve as a source of inspiration for what fills the teacups of enthusiasts each year.  Mr. Bouqdib explains, "The essence of the Haute Couture Teas is truly an innovative idea in the modern tea world. It captures the esteem of haute couture in the fashion realm and translates it into a standard that will influence the upcoming trends of the luxury tea industry each year."

TWG Tea has special relationships with tea growers world wide to ensure the exclusive access to harvests from renowned gardens, creating blends with the most fragrant flowers, fruits and spices found around the world. TWG Tea is committed to offering teas from source. With unparalleled access to the world's best tea plantations, TWG Tea is able to influence and often innovate new processing methods to develop original and better tasting teas with flavours that will appeal to the modern tea drinker. Teas are blended in Asia, which results in fresher teas with more pronounced nuances and greater complexities on the palate.

TWG Tea has cultivated exclusive luxury partnerships with 5-star hotels, on-board Singapore Airlines and Nippon Airways in Business Class, First Class and Suites, and with prestigious retail outlets including Harrods in London and Dean & DeLuca gourmet markets across the USA.

With expansion efforts in North America coming to fruition, TWG Tea is pleased to announce the addition of The Urban Tea Merchant. Canadians will soon be able to experience the luxury TWG Tea in selected 5-star hotels, restaurants and luxury retail stores across the country.

TWG Tea is also available for purchase and shipped anywhere in North America through The Urban Tea Merchant website, urbantea.com

Introducing our Harvest Set Menu in our Tea Salon

September 21, 2011

Summer Fare Menu

July 11, 2011

This summer enjoy our summer fare menu of fantastic fresh salads, tea sandwiches paired with our Tea Sangrias or enjoy a hot or iced tea latte.

Reservations recommended - RESERVE ONLINE
Park Royal   604 926-3393     |     Alberni   604 692-0071

Now accepting group reservations

Signature Tea Sangrias (with fresh fruit) 

Alfonso - black tea with rare mango & flowers      $8
Jade of Africa - rooibos tea with red berries & sunflower petals      $8
Number 4 - green tea with cherry blossoms & pomegranate      $8

Lunch Menu  

Indian Night Salad - Tea-infused chicken with grapes, pecans, apple      $15
Geisha Blossom Salad - Tea-infused chicken with peaches, cucumber      $15
Tea Sandwiches    A selection of tea sandwiches with seasonal greens      $15

Lunch Special (per person) Mon – Fri, 12– 2pm        

Petite Afternoon Tea - a delightful selection of savouries & sweets      $19 (reg. $25) 

Chilled Teas

black tea     
Grand Wedding   - exotic fruits & sunflowers       $6
French Earl Grey   - citrus fruits & blue cornflowers      $6
1837 Black    - TWG Tea’s signature tea with fruits & flowers    $6
*Bain De Roses Darjeeling    - with roses & hints of vanilla    $10

green tea    
silver moon   -  berries & vanilla      $6
moroccan mint   -  Sahara mint    $6
pink garden   -  flowers & Provençal red fruits    $6
*genmaicha   -  with popped corn & rice    $8

rooibos tea        
red of africa  -   sweet spices & marigold    $6
lemon bush   -  wild citrus fruits     $6
jade of africa  -   red berries & sunflower petals    $6

white tea       
Jasmine White Night  -   yin zhen with fragrant jasmine     $12

* please allow 10 - 15 minutes for preparation

Tea Lattes (iced or hot)

matcha   - Plain, Almond, Vanilla or Sugar-Free Vanilla     $7

black tea      
1837 Black  -  TWG Tea’s signature tea with fruits & flowers   $6
chocolate  -  dark chocolate & cocoa beans    $6
vanilla   -  rich Tahitian vanilla    $6
napoleon  -  sweet French spices, hints of vanilla    $6
camelot  -  cinnamon, almond & blue cornflowers    $6
earl grey  -  robust Ceylon with TWG bergamot    $6

rooibos tea    
red chai  -  rare & aromatic chai spices     $6
vanilla bourbon  -  TWG signature vanilla    $6
Créme Caramel  -  TWG sweet French spices    $6
Jade of Africa  -  red berries & sunflower petals     $6 

Enjoy a refreshing Tea Sangria

June 22, 2011

This summer look forward to our chilled teas in our tea salon using the finest, luxury teas.
Offered from June 21 - September 30

ALFONSO
black tea with rare mango & flowers
NUMBER 4
green tea with cherry blossoms & pomegranate
JADE OF AFRICA
rooibos with red berries & sunflower petals

 

TWG Tea & The Urban Tea Merchant

June 11, 2011

The Urban Tea Merchant is proud to announce its association with TWG Tea, the finest luxury tea brand in the world. TWG Tea was established in Singapore in celebration of the island’s great history as a trading post for fine teas. Committed to offering teas directly from source gardens, TWG Tea’s collection is the largest in the world, with fine harvests from every tea producing country and exclusive hand crafted tea blends. 

The Urban Tea Merchant now offers a myriad of TWG Tea blends, from classic black teas to exotic harvests that comprise an enticing selection.  Single Harvest Teas to be offered include:  Darjeeling – Castleton SFTGFOP1, Assam – Harmutty SFTGFOP1, Smoky Tea – Imperial Lapsang Souchong, Japanese Green Tea – Emperor Sencha; Grand Classic Teas:  Breakfast Earl Grey, Jasmine Imperial, Singapore Breakfast Tea. Exclusive Tea Blends available will include two of TWG Tea’s most prominent blends, its signature Silver Moon Tea and 1837 Black Tea.    

Tea connoisseurs will be able to choose from an exquisite range of tea blends unique to TWG Tea including the brand’s original line of Haute Couture Teas. Emulating inspiration from the creative designs of haute couture fashion, these teas have a different story to tell each season. Using only the finest and most exclusive ingredients, this unique line of teas will serve as a source of inspiration for what fills the teacups of enthusiasts each year. Mr. Bouqdib, President & Co-Founder of TWG Tea, explains, “The essence of the Haute Couture Teas is truly an innovative idea in the modern tea world.  It captures the esteem of haute couture in the fashion realm and translates it into a standard that will influence the upcoming trends of the luxury tea industry each year.”

Hats off to Dad on Father's Day

June 11, 2011

Love the classics? Then Earl Grey Gentleman, a true classic from TWG Tea, is worthy of celebrating Dad.

One of the world’s most loved, all-time favourite tea blends is Earl Grey, a blend of tea with bergamot oil, a citrus plant that lends itself most elegantly to teas of all varieties.

We at The Urban Tea Merchant are delighted to present you one of the finest, most exquisite Earl Grey teas in the world from TWG Tea.

Earl Grey Gentleman is seductive, deep, rich, satisfying, filling, and almost a full meal on its own.  As soon as you open the packaging, you’ll receive a full fledged bergamot aroma.

A rich and robust Ceylon is balanced with intense and fragrant TWG bergamot and pink rosebuds, giving this black tea blend a sparkling citrus aroma and an enduring and refreshing aftertaste. A dashing taste of sophistication.

TWG Tea Earl Grey Gentleman is a classic. 

A Taste of India

June 11, 2011

We have created a special afternoon tea service to celebrate of Vancouver’s 125th anniversary and the official ‘Year of India in Canada’.

'A Taste of India' Petite Afternoon Tea is a delicious selection of tea-infused savouries and sweets, accompanied by your choice of one of these selected teas.

~ Tiger Hill (Nilgiri)
~ Royal Darjeeling (first Flush Darjeeling)
~ Maharajah Darjeeling (blend of first & second Flush Darjeeling)
~ Indian Night (black tea with piquant spices)

$25 per person (daily)  

SPECIAL OFFER - Petite Afternoon Tea Feature - $19 per person (reg. $25) - Only valid from Monday - Friday 12:00 - 2:00 pm (June 1- August 15)      

RESERVATIONS PLEASE - We are accepting group reservations
Park Royal 604 926-3392  | Alberni 604 692-0071

WATCH: The Urban Tea Merchant and Indian Summer Festival on CityTV's Breakfast Television (aired July 13, 2011)

Thank you for your donations

April 26, 2011

The Urban Tea Merchant would like to thank everyone who donated to the Japanese Relief Fund. With every Signature Afternoon Tea sold from March 11th - April 15th, $1.50 was donated to the Japanese Relief Fund. In total, we have raised $1636.00. We will be donating the funds to Kesennuma City in the Miyagi prefecture (province) to help the Japanese community build back their lives again. 

The Urban Tea Merchant would also like to thank everyone who donated to the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival. With every Sakura Afternoon Tea sold, $1.50 was donated to the Cherry Blossom Fund. In total, we have raised $462.00 for the month of March. We will be donating the funds to the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival to support planting Cherry Blossom trees in the Vancouver communities. 

Thank you!

Helping our Japanese friends and their loved ones

March 15, 2011

Several of our Japanese customers and staff have been deeply affected with the disaster in Japan. 

The Urban Tea Merchant want to provide hope in the wake of a disaster.  As part of the relief efforts, we will be donating $1.50 for every full priced Signature Afternoon Tea service from March 11 - April 15 to Kesennuma city which is in the Miyagi prefecture (province) where one of our staff member's family has been directly effected.

We send our thoughts and prayers to Japan.

Sakura Spring Festival

March 08, 2011

Poems, such as this Haiku, are written praising the delicate Cherry Blossom flowers, which can be seen as a metaphor of life itself, luminous and beautiful yet fleeting, momentary and temporary.  The Japanese tea ceremony, Chanoyu (cha-no-yu – meaning ‘hot water for tea’) compliments this time of Spring to also celebrate beauty and even the mundane aspects of every day life. 

This year, The Urban Tea Merchant’s Sakura Festival and Sakura Afternoon Tea will be fully participating in the celebrations of Spring. In Japan, people gather in great numbers to hold feasts under the flowering trees.  As the most beautiful Cherry Blossom trees begin to bloom in our Tea Garden at our Alberni Street location and along the walkway in The Village at Park Royal in West Vancouver, The Urban Tea Merchant will be ‘feasting’ with music, dance and a beautiful Sakura Afternoon Tea. We are featuring Hanami Imperial, green tea delicately perfumed by Sakura Cherry Blossoms. Our Salon de Thé will be a perfect setting to make connections with friends and family and to welcome Spring. Come and experience Chef Taura’s newest creation – Sakura Afternoon Tea.  On Saturdays during the month of March, in both of our locations, treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea Service and listen to Japanese Flutist Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos, (shakuhachi musician), or watch the Japanese Cherry Blossom Dancers organized by Akemi Komori, or relax with the beautiful sounds of harpist Janelle Nadeau. (Reservations are highly recommended for the times of these special events). You could also simply enjoy a Sakura Afternoon Tea and witness the amazing show Nature offers with the blossoming of Cherry Blossom trees. Whatever you decide, please reserve as space is limited.

The Urban Tea Merchant is pleased to work with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival to raise funds for planting even more Cherry Blossom trees around our beautiful city. We will donate $1.50 from every Sakura Afternoon Tea sold in the months of March and April to this very worthwhile community legacy. 

Sakura Festival Events at The Urban Tea Merchant

Every Saturday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm between March 12 - April 2 we present you special performances at our Salon de Thé to celebrate the welcoming of spring.

For a special experience why not reserve your Sakura Afternoon Tea during one of our Sakura Festival Events.  Call now because seating is limited.

Salon de Thé reservations limited to your choice of any Signature Tea Service (per person) during the Sakura Festival Events.

Sweetheart Afternoon Tea

February 02, 2011

Love is in the air and what better way to experience it than a Sweetheart Afternoon Tea with your 'special' someone.  Remember when we first learned as children to share our love and friendship with all the people around us on Valentine's Day with magical messages to each other such as 'Will you be my Valentine?' Well, this magical ritual lives on and on and we want to offer you a sensory experience through The Urban Tea Merchant's Sweetheart Afternoon Tea.  The Sweetheart Afternoon Tea is all part of our Love Story of Tea at The Urban Tea Merchant throughout the month of February. But does it have to end there?

To share the love, we are giving a special tea gift to every person who has our Sweetheart Afternoon Tea in our Salon de Thé.  

Make your reservations soon as space is limited and we really want you to be our Valentine!

Tom James

Co-Founder, The Urban Tea Merchant

A Romantic Tea and Chocolate Fondue

February 02, 2011

What is it that makes Tea and Chocolate Fondue such a romantic experience? Could it be that it all begins with chilled white tea (with notes of Champagne & strawberries)? Could it be the dipping of chilled tropical fruit into warm rich, dark Belgian chocolate? Could it be the special attention paid to the tea offerings -  J'aime (green tea with notes of French macaron) or Je t'aime (black tea with notes of marzipan)? Ahhh! Such decadence.

But I think what makes a Tea and Chocolate Fondue experience most romantic is that it can be shared with your special friend.

The Urban Tea Merchant is please to feature the Tea and Chocolate Fondue as part of our February Love Story of Tea served daily in our Salon de Thé in both locations - West Vancouver and Downtown.

Tom James 

Co-founder, The Urban Tea Merchant 

Mad Hatter's Children's Tea

February 02, 2011

 

Lunch Feature - Petite Afternoon Tea

December 30, 2010

This special offer ended on May 24, 2011.

The Urban Tea Merchant continues to offer the very popular Lunch Feature - Petite Afternoon Tea for $19 per person (regular $25). The Petite Afternoon Tea experience includes a serving of your choice of premium tea. This feature is available Monday - Friday between 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m.

Here is what some of guests have said about their experience on OpenTable and Yelp:

"One of the best places to have high tea downtown. The tea selection is endless complete with all different regions around the world and special aromatic blends. Accompanying pastries are great as well, especially the macaroons."

"I absolutely love going to the Urban Tea Merchant! The service is always impeccable and the staff is very knowledgeable of all their different kinds of teas. They are able to provide great suggestions based on your likes and dislikes, which makes it very easy for beginners. I highly recommend this establishment and often bring my friends so they can experience it for themselves."

"I loved my petite afternoon tea, particularly the Voyage a Bali. Fabulous!"

"Great spot for high tea or a nice relaxing lunch. Big selection of teas.

"This is a hidden oasis in the city, offering a very elegant atmosphere for high tea. The amount of teas available is unbelievable and it is a fantastic place to relax. Will definitely be going back with friends, clients and on my own"

For your convenience you may reserve online or call our tea salons at 604-692-0071 for our Alberni Street, downtown Vancouver location or 604-926-3392 for our The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver location.

A Healthy Tea Ritual, A Fresh Start

December 31, 2010

Celebrating the beginning of a New Year, can inspire us to experience our own self-renewal; a fresh start to those rituals that offer us health and well-being.  

The Urban Tea Merchant has a true fascination with how different cultures have for centuries, maintained their tea rituals as a practice for health and well-being. Whether it is the Matcha ceremony from Japan, Yerba Maté from South America, Mint Tea from Morocco, or Gong Fu Cha from China. Cultures from around the world have something in common - they celebrate life by surrounding their day with tea ritual ceremonies.  

 

The Urban Tea Merchant offers Tea Tasting Experiences to our guests, a way to explore and taste different teas from around the world.  Our Tea Ambassadors invite you to set up a time to experience some unique rituals with us. The Urban Tea Merchant Tea Tasting Experiences are offered free whenever you are interested in developing your own tea ritual and the New Year is a perfect time to renew. Start the year offer by scheduling your time now with us. Every sip of tea is a journey ...

Book your private free tea tasting experience today by calling (604) 926-3392 (Park Royal, West Vancouver location) or (604) 692-0071 (Alberni, downtown Vancouver) 

Below I have offered some history and recipes for the Matcha Ceremony. 

Have a Healthy and Prosperous 2011!

Tom James - Co-Founder, The Urban Tea Merchant

Every sip of tea is a journey

 

Japanese Tea Ceremony - Matcha

The Urban Tea Merchant uses organic matcha - a powdered green tea made from Gyokuro tea leaves. Matcha is used in the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony - Chanoyu. It is finely ground, made from only the freshest young tea buds. When you drink matcha you consume the leaves, unlike other green teas. For this reason matcha contains higher concentrations of catechins and vitamins.

Ceremonial Matcha - a healthy tea ritual and meditative practice

Matcha has been prepared ceremonial style for centuries in zen monasteries. As with all matcha, it should never be prepared with boiling water

 

Matcha Latte - a contemporary way of drinking matcha

Start your morning with a healthy, invigorating Matcha Latte - highly nutritious and a wonderful substitute for coffee.

> Download and print recipes

Noel Tea - The Pleasures of Sharing this Holiday Season

December 03, 2010

During our world tea journey in 2001, we discovered that people from Europe, Asia, the Middle East or even Africa, had something in common when it came to the ritual of drinking tea. At the heart of drinking tea within each of the different cultures was the experience of enjoying the tastes and also the pleasure of being together with others.

The holiday season is an extra special time for sharing - the pleasures of fine tea, good food and conversation. It is a perfect time to break away and to make a delicious date, for some moments to share with your family and friends; to celebrate all the pleasures around the warm and magical flavours, notes and fragrances of the season.

The Urban Tea Merchant is now featuring the THEODOR Noel Tea, one of many  tea choices included with the Holiday Afternoon Tea. These Noel Tea blends make a very wonderful tea experience with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, citrus fruits and bitter orange. Your choice of black, green, rooibos, or white tea.

Our gift to you

Buy a minimum of $50.00 of any Noel tea  and receive a FREE gift of 50 grams of
Noel Noir loose leaf tea

Share a holiday afternoon tea

Or for $19 person (regular $25) book a holiday afternoon tea and share it with your family and friends.  This special is available from Monday to Friday noon - 2pm until Dec. 31.  So don't wait.  Make your reservations today at The Urban Tea Merchant Tea Salons in Vancouver and West Vancouver.  

Joyeux Noel

Tom James

Co-founder, The Urban Tea Merchant

Holiday Afternoon Tea Service - Tastes of sugar and spice

November 22, 2010

The Urban Tea Merchant's Holiday Afternoon Tea Special features tastes of sugar and spice and everything nice! 

Along with an assortment of our delicious signature tea sandwiches, we have added a traditional roast turkey breast tea sandwich.  The Urban Tea Merchant's seasonal scone is a cranberry spice with 'Noel Rouge' tea-infused devonshire cream. 

The Holiday Afternoon Tea Special is topped off with 'Noel Vert' tea-infused shortbread cookies, dipped in white chocolate, petits fours, a parisian macaron and a chevron strawberry.

To complete the celebration of this simple pleasure, we include a pot of THEODOR Noel tea - your choice of black, green, rooibos or white - a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, citrus fruits and bitter orange. This gastronomic tea & food pairing is indeed a pleasure!

Come and join us, share the joys of conversation with friends and family at The Urban Tea Merchant's Salon de Thé as we all celebrate this season with some simple luxuries. 

Joyeux Noel

Chef Taura

The Urban Tea Merchant

Sharing the pleasures of fine tea, good food and conversation

November 15, 2010

This holiday season we are offering an Afternoon Tea Lunch Feature for $19 per person (regular $25) includes a serving of your choice of premium tea, including our Noel Teas.  This is a limited time offer from Monday - Friday between 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. until Dec. 31.

Now accepting reservations for group holiday afternoon tea celebrations. For your convenience you may reserve online or call our tea salons at 604-692-0071 for our Alberni Street, downtown Vancouver location or 604-926-3392 for our The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver location. 

Tea & Lunch Special $14

November 12, 2010

We now are offering a tea and lunch special at both our Park Royal and Alberni locations every Monday to Friday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

Déjeuner Spécial for $14.00 

Your choice of our luxury, premium THEODOR tea selection

&

Featured soup with your choice from several selection of sandwiches

Enjoy FREE shipping & gift ideas

November 09, 2010

As we approach the season of giving, we would like to make your holiday online shopping simple and easy.  

We are pleased to offer FREE shipping on all online orders of $100 and up.

So why wait until the holiday rush, when you can order online today, sit back and relax and your order will arrive just in time as you get ready for Christmas.

 

And here are some some suggested gift ideas.

 

Buy 2 THEODOR products get 1 FREE

October 21, 2010

As we gear up and get ready for the winter season, stock up and warm up with our premium THEODOR teas.  So don't miss this pre-holiday special!

 

When you purchase two of the same following assorted THEODOR products you will receive one product of equal value or less of your choice* for FREE.

 

Pre-Holiday Special 

Available Only In-Store or via Email Orders webstore@urbantea.com

Signature tins | Holiday tins | Tea Sachet | 05 collection

*You can choose your FREE product from the selected assorted THEODOR's Signature Tins, Holiday Tins, Tea Sachet and 05 Collection.  It must be of equal value or less based on the value of one product purchased. Promotion ends November 30, 2010.

Introducing our Déjeuner Spécial and Chef de Cuisine

October 27, 2010

The Urban Tea Merchant is pleased to announce our new Chef de Cuisine, Taura Mackenzie.  Chef Taura not only brings with her the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurism, she also has extensive high-end hotel and restaurant experience.  

Chef Taura's first two weeks at The Urban Tea Merchant were met with a lot of excitement as we introduced our first Déjeuner Spécial (lunch special).  She was not only able to serve our 400 guests with our Petit Afternoon Tea on a timely basis, but also was able to provide some pleasant new tastes of savouries and desserts. 

We now are offering Déjeuner Spécial at both our Park Royal and Alberni locations and we will let you know through our web-site what they are each week. 

Déjeuner Spécial for $14.00 (includes your choice of our Premium tea selection):

Shrimp Bisque 

with your choice of either

  Cobb Salad, Open-faced - Egg Salad Sandwich, Smoked Chicken Tian Sandwich, or Smoked Salmon Sandwich

Offer valid Monday through Friday from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.

Reserve a table at Park Royal, West Vancouver or Alberni, downtown Vancouver

 

The Pulse of Paris and the Luxury of THEODOR

October 07, 2010

We are always excited about our annual trek to Paris. It is our way at The Urban Tea Merchant to gain a pulse on the coming trends and fashion patterns that are forming each season. This year we are over the top with excitement.  Normally, when we visit Paris, our time is consumed with walking the streets of shops and fashion, viewing the thousands of products from one of the world's largest home lifestyle exhibition shows, and hearing from the experts on trends for home fashion.  This is how The Urban Tea Merchant is able to identify the experience we provide our guests and how we select the new product collections for Christmas and beyond.  This year was something even more special -  we got a sneak preview of what will be coming very soon with THEODOR - a new look, a new philosophy of the experience of tea. Stay tuned for a very new THEODOR experience, a new visual identity - symbolic of Parisian luxury, simplicity and pleasure.  We can hardly wait to unveil what is in-store for THEODOR and The Urban Tea Merchant for this Christmas. Our greatest anticipation this year will be to see your pleasure in this new look and collection. We will be able to say more soon..... 

The Art of Japanese Tea Ceremony

October 07, 2010

The Japanese Tea Ceremony, also called Chanoyu or Chado is a cultural experience meaning 'Way of the Tea'. 

The Urban Tea Merchant has been fortunate to have Sayaka Mizoguchi work with us over the past two years.  Sayaka has had seven years of Japanese Tea Ceremony experience and she has shared some of the experience of this art of tea.  Within the experience, we have found there is an authentic sense of able to capture the beauty of a moment, and each time I am reminded that every sip is a journey.

In Japan, this Tea Ceremony can be practiced both at a tea house or in a hosts home given they have created the environment and space for the traditional ceremony.  Sayaka reminds us that not everybody in Japan is familiar with or practices the ceremony but the way of tea has been a long and honored tradition within the Japanese culture.  Sayaka suggests that every ceremony is considered a special experience and as the seasons change so do the ceremonies to honor the change. 

 

As we learned more of this Japanese Tea Ceremony we discover that there are four main principles in the Art of Tea - wa, kae, sae, and jubuo.  These are translated to mean harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.  The Urban Tea Merchant has been fortunate to have demonstrations of the tea ceremony in our stores.  Sayaka has provided some guests with a personal demonstration at their table.  Each time I have observed a ceremony I have personally realized that there is a sense of calm and presence that occurs to all of us who observe and participate in it.  These feelings validate the principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility even though it may be for a brief period within the day.  

THEODOR provides The Urban Tea Merchant with a beautiful authentic 'grand cru' Japanese organic Matcha.  There are special tools that are used in the Japanese tea ceremony and The Urban Tea Merchant makes these tools available for our customers to buy.  The tools that we carry at The Urban Tea Merchant are the chawan- the tea bowl, the chasen - the tea whisk, the chashaku - the tea scoop, and the hishaku - the water ladle made of bamboo.

We are excited about being able to feature our THEODOR Matcha Tea and each time we have a sip, it can remind us of the four principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.  

Tom James

Your photos, your experiences at The Urban Tea Merchant

September 19, 2010

We have discovered many beautiful photos of The Urban Tea Merchant posted on Flickr, so we thought we'd share some of the most interesting and recent photos.

If you've taken photos of your experience at The Urban Tea Merchant, tag them as 'The Urban Tea Merchant' on Flickr. We would love to see them.

And we thank those who have taken the time to post and share their visits to The Urban Tea Merchant. We hope to see you again soon!

Here are more photos tagged as urban tea merchant on Flickr.

Online Tea Salon Reservations Available Now

September 12, 2010

We are pleased to announce that we now offer you the convenience to reserve a table online at one of our Tea Salons in downtown Vancouver and West Vancouver. 

 

 

New Arrival: Baobab Candles - Max 10

August 31, 2010

A new collection of Baobab candles - Max 10 - have just arrived - African inspired, luxurious hand-poured and naturally scented. Learn more about these new exotic scents of Africa.

These new fragrances bring you to Africa's heartland - Victoria Falls, Miombo Woodlands, Serengeti Plains, Madagascar Vanilla, African Morning Dew, Maasai Spirit, Orange River, Zanzibar Spices, Verde, Agua

 

BUY ON LINE    Height: 10 cm/ Weight: 500 gr/ Estimate burning time: 60 hrs.   $95.00 each
 

SPECIAL FREE OFFER

Sign up for our email offers and news and as a registered guest, receive FREE 50g of THEODOR's Privilege loose tea leaves with a minimum purchase of one Baobab Max 10 candle.

THEODOR's Privilege is a South African rooibos with lemon, mint, rose and calendula

Limited time offer expires September 30, 2010.

The Urban Tea Merchant is off to Paris - Tom James, Co-Founder

August 30, 2010

Karinna and I are excited as we prepare to leave on our buying trip to Paris. Our hearts and minds were captivated by our first merchant experience in 2001, as we explored world cultures seeking merchandise that would inspire the exotic rituals of tea.

We will be spending some of our days with Guillaume Leleu, the founder of THEODOR and we will taste some of the newest fine harvests and aromatic tea blends.  A few months ago, at our last tea tasting with Guillaume in Paris, we experienced some fabulous new teas and they are now being enjoyed by our guests at The Urban Tea Merchant.  One tea that has generated a lot of attention is the new tea called Scandale. I love this tea because it is a fine quality Pu-erh.  The Urban Tea Merchant has always carried aged Pu-erh (the older the Pu-erh, the better). However Scandale is a Pu-erh with a twist. Considered a scandal amongst the elite tea drinkers who would never add aromatics to such a traditional tea! This is truly a fabulous pu-erh. The essential oils of cinnamon and vanilla take me on a unique journey.

What will we have in store with our tea tasting time at THEODOR over the coming days? This is a very special time because THEODOR and The Urban Tea Merchant will be launching several new products and we can hardly wait to see what you think of them.

This week we will also be meeting with other merchants from around the world, all gathered in Paris at Maison & Objet for a truly spectacular trade show. Karinna will be searching for exquisite home décor pieces along with new textiles and home fragrance for The Urban Tea Merchant's Fall and Christmas Collection. Our excitement and anticipation builds. You will be hearing from Karinna next week as she discovers and begins to hand pick some new products for the stores.

The Exotic Scents of Africa - Tom James - Co-Founder

August 23, 2010

Every sip is a journey - Tom James

August 17, 2010

Last night, Karinna, Casey & I went to see "Eat, Pray, Love".  It took us back to our four-month world trip we did in 2001, where the concept of The Urban Tea Merchant was born.  We had travelled to the countries filmed in the movie - Italy, India, and Bali (as well as several other wonderful places) and I could really relate to the experiences and insights within the movie. Karinna & I were, at that time,  searching for our next adventure and the people we met provided us the clarity to begin our new venture with The Urban Tea Merchant.

After watching the movie, we were all inspired to continue our exploration of different cultures.  A vision we had of The Urban Tea Merchant was to create an environment for people to have an exquisite pot of tea, relax, imagine and explore their next 'journey'.  

After returning home from the movie, I steeped a beautiful pot of THEODOR's new oolong from Thailand, 'The des Princes'. I sat on our deck and enjoyed the quiet warm evening and continued to imagine what our next  journey might be. I thought to myself, how fitting, 'Every sip IS a journey'.

Sign up for exclusive offers

August 11, 2010

Sign up for our email newsletters and as a registered guest you'll receive exclusive offers.

 

 

SPECIAL FREE OFFER until Aug. 31, 2010

As a registered guest, receive FREE 50g of THEODOR’s Mademoiselle loose tea leaves with a minimum 100g purchase.

New THEODOR tea - Mademoiselle

August 10, 2010

Notes from Guillaume Leleu’s Travel Diary - April 2010 

"For some time now, I have had the intention of creating a tea with notes of the South of France. What would be more appropriate and noble than lavender? However, this flower emits such strong aromas that I knew this task would not be easy. Consequently, I decided myself, to undertake this challenge with a base of a tea that everyone appreciates, “Earl Grey”.. First of all, I took good care revisiting Earl Grey. This mythical tea, of a British origin, requests a perfect mastering in its aromatization and to create it in as a “French” version is a nice adventure. I selected the most ancient and noble Italian Bergamot, the “Old England”. This bergamot, being picked according to the ancient traditional methods, is very expensive but unveils unprecedented fragrances. Then, I found myself falling into lavender flowers, mysterious and sensual… Based on these alchemist experiences, I gave birth to an audacious blend, signature of the great Parisian Houses as Theodor is, and maybe as a blink of an eye to another Parisian symbol that we call “Grande Dame”, I name it… Mademoiselle! 

BUY ON LINE    100g   $24.00

Tea Salon French Tea Service    $6.00 per person

New THEODOR tea - Yamato Kabuse

August 10, 2010

Notes from Guillaume Leleu’s Travel Diary - April 2010 

"…I’m now heading to the west part of Japan, Kyoto then Nara – First capital city under the Imperialism period of Japan, which is celebrating its 1300th anniversary this year. I am going there to discover an exceptional tea, known only to the Japanese, the Originaltea, as it is said, the first present given by the Chinese or the establishment of the Empire named the “Yamato Kabuse Chà”. What kind of tea is this, still unknown by myself, never exported, always desired and this is today proposed to me? The conditions are ideal to visit an estate, cloudy spells, greyish weather… The tea gardens are located on the outskirts of the city in the mountains…" "...I did not expect to make such a discovery during this intimate tasting; I discovered a beautifully round tea with voluptuous notes of asparagus and violet, almost lilac, without tainted notes, very different from the Japanese teas which I knew until  then… a delight, I must do everything I can to bring it back I thought to myself… After several hours of discussion, Mr. Inokura accepts, with the blessing of the Prefect of Nara, who was among us, that THEODOR respects this tea…(reserved only, until today, for the most noble of Japanese families). He is asking me to cherish this treasure, from which he only harvests few kilos a year, only during 25 days from May 5th to 31st, every year..."

BUY ON LINE    100g     $318.00

Tea Salon French Tea Service    $40.00 per person

 

New THEODOR tea - Scandale

August 10, 2010

Notes from Guillaume Leleu’s Travel Diary - April 2010 

"I can already hear the small chatter, criticisms and the echo of the self-righteous…but I don’t want to be bothered anyhow. This idea, this tea, I know that it needs to be. Doesn’t the Creation allow space for the unobserved, undisclosed…? I want to reply to this assertion that makes so many people drink Pu-Ehr for the health benefits granted to this only kind of the tea... It is true that Pu-Ehr has a strong taste, not always obvious, fermented, earthy, with a strong character…and why couldn’t we appreciate it? That is what I intimately think. That will create a Scandal for sure, flavoring a Pu-Erh, what sort of idea is this? So what? Where is the problem, does it alter the tea? But in that case, all the aromatic teas would not be tea anymore, no? A “Scandale”? Why not? I prefer a Pu-Erh with leaves rather than the brick, a “King of China”, one of the best, which will be my root for this tea…The older the Pu-Erh becomes; the more it unveils its notes.  The same is true for cinnamon; I appreciate it a few months old…and then to smoothe all of it, to create this invisible link, to blend the flavours, orchid, and vanilla with voluptuous notes. The combination is perfect, everything is expressed…I am now sure that we’ll love this tea, which deserves to be appreciated: this Pu-Erh for sure, we are going to hear about! "

BUY ON LINE 100g    $52.00

Tea Salon French Tea Service    $10.00 per person

 

New THEODOR tea - Thé des Princes

August 10, 2010

Notes from Guillaume Leleu’s Travel Diary - March 2010

 

“In March, the first harvests are produced all over the world and I receive, as every year, the first samples from all origins... I noticed one parcel, “By Air – Thailand”, as I receive few teas from Thailand, it tickled my curiosity. Upon opening this parcel, I realize that it is an Oolong; these blue-green teas have always been my favourite. I’m very critical of my Tea Tastings and this catches my attention even more. It is now 2:30 am, the factory is empty, time stopped and I prepare myself for a Tea Tasting session, where 70 teas are waiting for me. Among these, my palate, all my senses feel the excitement with this tea of an unusual shape “Ging.Hill Oolong-Thailand”. Purely marvelous! This original aromatic Oolong is simply without any comparison. This estate has been exclusively producing this tea for generations, according to the ancestral know-how. The Ginseng is carefully mixed with the tea by a steam process; the starch compresses the leaves and grants this tea a particular aspect. The leaf is captivating. I almost forgot this note, almost sour and pungent, arising from the Ginseng. This spice, coming from the other end of the world, is often used in the Orient in all of the kitchens as it offers thousands of therapeutic virtues and among them, one in particular, that the Ladies and the Gentlemen would appreciate the beneficial effects, but I would not say anything more…" 

BUY ON LINE 100g   $57.00

Tea Salon French Tea Service    $12.50 per person

 

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation & The Young and the Restless

August 10, 2010

On Saturday August 7, 2010, The Urban Tea Merchant hosted a media and sponsor event at their Alberni Street location for The Young and the Restless cast to help raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  An Afternoon Tea was held at the Marriot Hotel and The Urban Tea Merchant donated the tea from THEODOR Paris.  The cast, media, sponsors and special guests then gathered at The Urban Tea Merchant for tea-infused Sofia champagne cocktails, fine harvest tea, French macarons and Pink Champagne Truffles.  It was a beautiful evening where everyone received a special THEODOR gift from The Urban Tea Merchant.  The Young and Restless cast were gracious and generous in providing signed autographs on THEODOR tea tins that were auctioned off along with a beautiful gift  basket from The Urban Tea Merchant.  The whole event was a real success in raising funds for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's vision of A Future without Breast Cancer by 2020.