I enjoy drinking tea and have some almost every evening. For the longest time, my “usual” has been Honey Vanilla Chamomile by Celestial Seasonings. However, a few years ago, when vacationing near Charleston, South Carolina, we stayed at the Woodlands Resort and Inn and experienced the magic of their afternoon tea. Of course, dining at their 5-Star restaurant – the Dining Room at the Woodlands - was a very special experience (read review). Tea time was unique in its own way. Relaxing in one of many gorgeous sitting rooms at the resort, we sampled all kinds of delicious pastries and tea sandwiches accompanying the tea menu. The selection of teas was incredible. Our favorites included a black current tea and a peppermint tea. Both were wonderful.
Ever since that experience we love to search for special teas. Our latest find is a little out of the ordinary, “Teas Flavored with Imagination” by the Eastern Shore Tea Company in Lutherville, Maryland. Each of their wide variety of flavors seems to come with a story. Black Raven Tea is flavored with blackcurrant and inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s darkly poetic imagery. Other favorites are the Pomegranate Tea, from the principal fruit in legends such as Persephone’s story, and the Spiced Apricot tea, lush with ripe apricot flavors, cinnamon, and cloves.
We buy these teas from Wegman’s and, according to Eastern Shore Tea Company (http://easternshoretea.com) website, they are also available at Dean & Deluca Stores.
If you also enjoy special teas, or have a tea experience, I’d love to hear about it. What is your favorite tea?
