Eeek- No Tea Balls, please

In my travels, I noticed that if I bring up loose leaf tea- its inevitable that someone will bring up the Tea Ball! Ah, dreaded- little metal object that is lost amongst other gadgets in your junk drawer. Folks, it constricts the tea leaves, not allowing them to unfurl properly! Tea balls get in the way of releasing the true essence of a tea leaf. I know, you only thought I talked about wine in this crazy manner. I am now on a mission to encourage and convert loose leaf tea drinkers to go ahead, launch that tea ball into the gadget abyss, and confidently move onto the tea infuser. You will never go back! Try this

Pu-erh & Fajitas

Honey, there’s a special on China tonight, let’s have fajitas!

Typically our day begins by planning what we should have for dinner, and whether it’s a tea night or wine night. Like most people, I assume. Okay, maybe not. On this particular day it was decided to be fair and do it all: fajitas, wine, and then drink Pu-erh and watch The Discovery Channel, which was airing a series on China. Having been to China this past summer, we were interested.

Pu-erh. I love this tea. It’s quite earthy, and a prefect way to end an evening after eating spicy food. I would not recommend starting your day with it, though. It’s more of an acquired taste. The caffeine is low to moderate, and I have discovered that I have no problem falling asleep. True, since I missed the special on TV. My husband offers two pu-erhs on his website. I prefer the Golden Pu-erh. It’s smooth, only a bit earthy, and has a nice toffee/caramel note to it. Sort of reminds of me a cognac. I had never heard of Pu-erh until my husband started researching tea. So, if you have not had it before, give it a try!
Just to note- it is not lost on me, that we had Mexican food, while chatting about how excited were about seeing the China special.

So, What does your husband do?

I am asked this question on a regular basis. I start by reiterating that it’s a long story…from Buffalo,NY, to kitchen manager, to wine buyer in Aspen, to winemaking in Napa, to tea drinker. “Tea?!”, they yell. I can almost feel my husband cringe as he imagines everyone picturing him sitting with old ladies, surrounded by lace-- all with pinkies in the air. However, most everyone exclaims: “ You know, tea is hot, right now”. That's true, and becoming more and more popular . Phew. After a few more inquires, a plug of his website: drinktheleaf.com, and discussion of whether my husband ever drinks coffee….we get back to talking about wine. My safe zone.

Yes, I have the glamorous life of traveling around the country representing a wonderful, family owned Napa Valley winery. Glamorous in the sense that I am up at the crack of dawn most mornings, out way too late, meet fascinating people on a daily basis, and the best part- talk wine and food all day. Oh yeah, there is quite a bit of selling going on, too. As I traverse the country, I can’t help think of the Yin and Yang in life-- mine in particular. Wine & Tea. Imagine- A phone call to my husband while sitting at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta, enjoying a huge glass of Napa Valley Cabernet, while Dan is in Napa sampling a new arrival of the spring harvest tea. So, who’s YIN and who’s YANG? Check back often for the adventures of Tree & Dan. Its filled with travel, food, wine, hopefully adventure, and of course, loose leaf tea!