Tea on the road - Monterey

While I miss my morning matcha ritual, I am still able to enjoy a descent cup of sencha. Sitting on the porch of our hotel room overlooking Del Monte Golf Course in Monterey, I am currently sipping organic sencha Okuyutaka from Yuuki-Cha, brewed directly in Nakahara hagi cup using the finum brewing basket. No kyusu, scale or thermometer (the later I rarely use any way); just eyedballed the leaves and used hot water from the hotel's club lounge for a quick steep. 

New Year - New Teas

Started the new year with organic matcha from Den's Tea (Saemidori varietal from Nishio, Aichi, first flush). It was creamy, smooth and delicious. 

Matcha in "In Praise of Shadows" chawan by D. Michael Coffee

Shortly after that enjoyed a pot of French Breakfast Tea from Mariage Freres, bought at their store while in Paris last October but had left unopened in our tea cupboard until today.   

French Breakfast

Oriental beauty from Floating Tea Leaves after lunch. I liked its roasted and honey flavor. 

Oriental Beauty