Books! 2008 (so far)

I know I haven't done a book review post in ages. Does that mean I'm not reading? Hardly! I simply relegated my reviews to Library Thing, the site where I keep record of all the books I've owned. So, through the miracle of cut & paste technology, here are some of the reviews I've posted there:


Emily Post: Daughter of the Gilded Age, Mistress of American Manners… by Laura Claridge

My idea of Emily Post had in the past been of a stiff, exacting, grey woman, who shouts "elbows off the table!" when you thought you could relax. (I guess it's been a while since I actually peered into her books). Laura Claridge's biography of the etiquette expert set me straight.

Through this book I was taken through the charmed life of the daughter of a hard-working architect (and throughout the telling of his story I found myself saying out loud: he designed THAT? wow), and into a world where breeding was everything, and new money was tolerated condescendingly. I wondered how a girl surrounded by calling cards and debutante balls would become the "mistress of manners" for the everyday reader.

Though it is true that Emily Post never had to experience poverty first hand, her life certainly did go through changes that took massive adjustments in her life, all of which she faced with grace. A public and embarrassing divorce was the turning point. Emily Post started to focus on writing, thus becoming a career woman of sorts. Though her novels were only moderately successful, she showed an ability to adapt to a modernizing society, with its breakdown of class and rigid Victorian structures. With an industriousness learned from her father, along with a combination of a Southern and New York upbringing, she eventually reinvented herself as the most well-known etiquette writer to this day; an architect of manners.

Claridge's writing was well paced and enjoyable. She seemed to be pleased with her subject, while neither gushing about her abilities or harping on her faults. Altogether, it's well balanced. I also found it pleasantly informative about one of the most intriguing time periods in American history. A welcome subject for a life story, I am both glad it was written and surprised at the dearth of biographies about such an important woman of the past century.


Cassandra and Jane: A Jane Austen Novel (Jane Austen)… by Jill Pitkeathley

I tend to be wary of Jane Austen fiction not actually written by Jane Austen. Fan fiction is usually outright disappointing, and I'd prefer to reread Sense and Sensibility or Persuasion instead. Still, when I found Cassandra and Jane, I decided to give it a go, as I'm a big fan of sister relationships.

I enjoyed it, in a sort of historical novel way. Thankfully Pitkeathley does not overdramatize the romantic relationship both sisters were involved in, though I believe she did imagine one courtship of Jane's that I am not familar with. Though at times Jane's sharp wit and slight bitterness are underscored more than I'd like, it's not really out of harmony with what small information we do have about Jane Austen.

Though obviously the main character of the story is Jane Austen, it is narrated from Cassandra's point of view (who history knows even less about though she outlived Jane by decades). Cassandra seems to hold Jane in awe, though tempering this with some jealousy from time to time. This makes her seem more human, I think,than the docile patient sister whose only known life drama of her own was the death of a fiancee.

As a massive Jane Austen fan and (almost) scholar of her life and work, I'd put this work higher up than the fan fiction and "sequels" and almost on a par with my favorite biographies of her. I loved feeling like I was sitting in the room with the Austen family as Jane read scenes of her latest writings to the happy audience, and felt the pain of an intelligent woman frustrated at the lack of financial independence in the late 18th, early 19th century England. The sister's conversations seem realistic enough to me (I have two close sisters of my own) while corresponding to the time period as Jane Austen described it, which is no mean feat considering the author owns to not having sisters.


Sea of Poppies: A Novel by Amitav Ghosh

Sea of Poppies has a vibrant cast of characters, placed in India and the Indian Ocean during the time preceding the Opium Wars. The main character it seems is the ship, the Ibis, where almost everyone ends up by the end of the novel. Then there's a mulatto son of an American slave woman who comes up in the world a bit, a Raj who falls down in the world quite a lot, a wife of an opium addict, a French orphan, and perhaps some pirates.

I was able to keep track of the cast without getting overwhelmed - it was slightly more difficult to understand the local words peppered throughout the dialogue and description. Although there is a glossary in the back of the book, at times I had to ask my (fortunately) Hindi-speaking sisters for an explanation after a line or two threw me. Still, it was infinitely less annoying than say, Wuthering Heights, where certain choppy lines made me want to hurl the novel off a cliff.

Otherwise, it's certainly a page-turner, though without giving anything away, the ending was abrupt. It left me wanting to know how things would turn out for some of the sea travellers. Perhaps the author wanted us to use our imagination along with his hints interspersed throughout the story.

Certainly this is one I'd recommend for anyone interested in historical novels, especially those centered around India in British colonial times.


The Other Queen: A Novel by Philippa Gregory

The Other Queen covers the early years of Mary, Queen of Scots' time in England. The story is told from the points of view of Bess (known as Bess of Hardwick in history books), her husband George, Earl of Shrewsbury, and Mary. At times this varied first person reminded me of those reality shows, when the participants tell the camera how they really feel about their situation.

I had fun with this book. These particular years of Tudor history are not the ones most familiar to me, so I didn't see much in historical inaccuracy. Sometimes I felt too many pages were put into the difficulties of keeping Mary in the care of the Shrewsburys, which ending up translating into Bess grumbling over finances in every chapter, Mary whining about her rights as a queen, and George being daft and insisting on honor. Perhaps this was the point of the book, though. The tension of the married couple when Mary proves to be too charming to resist was covered, though not in any lurid details.

It was interesting to see how tense things got between the North of England and the Elizabethan government run by Cecil and his spy network. If anything, The Other Queen made me want to delve in the 1570's a little more. It also makes me wonder just how beautiful Mary was, because the artwork of the time didn't quite show this to me.

Occasionally I rolled my eyes over the little insights into the future (not counting the massive one via George in the end). Bess seems to see a future for women that would have been quite blurry in the 16th century. Having a very young Anthony Babington promise Mary that he'd help her to the point of calling his own future efforts "The Babington Plot" was the one moment where I groaned out loud.

In terms of Philippa Gregory books, I didn't feel like as many liberties were taken as in "The Other Boleyn Girl", though I think I liked The Boleyn Inheritence marginally more than The Other Queen.



The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

This story takes us into late 19th Century New York, where the upper class families are set in their ways and quite protective of them. Newland Archer is a young man among this group, all ready to marry, when the arrival of his fiancee's cousin throws his perspectives into disarray. Ellen Olenska thinks she is escaping from her past and her unhappy marriage into an understanding family and forward-thinking society, but she finds this is far from reality. The story centers on these two, though from the (changing) point of view of Archer.

Wharton's descriptions are well done; I had an easy time visualizing each situation, and I could even hear the conversations - even the stifled ones. Certain characterizations were really funny - Catherine Mingott cut a really legendary figure. Newland is almost an idealist, but comes out like a deflated balloon after a while. The story is romantic without really being passionate. I ended up enjoying the story as well as how it turned out, though not feeling at the edge of the seat as I'd thought I'd be by the end. I could see rereading this one, as it's fun to be taken into the glamorous yet constipated society that I could never be a part of.


The Book of Absinthe: A Cultural History by Phil Baker

The Book of Absinthe was written just a few years before its "return" to the US, but it felt up to date. Neither a cautionary tale nor an ode, it is simply a history of the consumption and making of absinthe. Laced with character studies not limited to Wilde and Van Gogh, but especially centered on the "Decadents" of the 1890's, it's quite colorful. Included are excerpts from various writings, from poetry to fiction, and even criminal studies. There is also a review of various brands of absinthe currently out there. What I found most intriguing is the "cultural history"; basically how absinthe is viewed depending on time period and geographic location. For instance, its goth associations in modern US never quite took in the UK. Not a book that put me at the edge of my seat, but good enough. The jury's out on whether I'll actually try absinthe or not.


The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II… by Susan Higginbotham

This is just what a historical novel should be. There are strong characters (even the weak ones, like Edward II, have a presence), descriptive writing, a thorough knowledge of the times - it's all here. Personally, I appreciated that the dialogue was readable - though you know this was centuries ago, there's a comfortable familiarity with the characters so that you don't feel like you're at one a Ren fair watching a joust (some historical novels do this to me.)

I almost felt a sympathy for the most infamous persons of their time - with the exception of Mortimer, who is simply too thick for his own good. (How could you have front row viewing and participation in the fall of Despenser and just keep repeating the same mistakes?) Since the book centers on the life of Eleanor, wife of Hugh le Despenser, there is a more intimate view of one of the most hated famiies of 14th century England. She's also the niece of Edward II, and she is loyal both to her uncle and her husband. This gets her into some difficulty when Queen Isabella and Mortimer take over, but though she does some thing she is ashamed of, her love of family and fierce protectiveness of those she loves even at some cost to her makes her a worthy heroine.

I still can't believe this is one of the first publications of this author, and I look forward to reading the next one.


Excellent Women by Barbara Pym

A fantastic look of life in 1950's London. Mildred Lathbury is a capable woman in her early 30's who is slightly self-deprecating, but certainly not self-loathing. She gets involved (sometimes willingly, sometimes dragged into it) with the lives of her neighbors and fellow church-goers. Written in first person, there is a mix of genuine concern and sarcasm. Though perfectly fine with her own situation as the kind of woman everyone praises but no one marries, she is slightly daunted by the lifestyles of others she comes into contact with and maybe a little resentful of certain other women, like Helena Napier and Allegra Gray.

I in particular was taken by the tea references, for instance Mildred's making tea for everyone as a comfort for others despite not wanting to be known as that kind of person, and the strength of tea varying depending on the situation.

I certainly recommend this one to Anglophiles and satire fans alike, and look forward to reading more of Pym's novels.




Some of these books aren't released yet, they're ARCs (Advance Reviewer's Copy), which I loved because it helped me live up to my dream of being a book reviewer. I noticed there's no tea book reviews here. Looks like I'll have to get busy!

These aren't all the books I've read, just the ones I own and reviewed on LT.

Not tea!

This cracked me up.

Tea Quiz!

You Are White Tea

You are quite delicate and very sensitive. You are easily overwhelmed. Peace and serenity are important to you. You shy away from intensity of any sort. You appreciate a simple quiet moment. You can relax easily without feeling bored. You take the time to enjoy life. Even when things are busy, you make the time.

What Kind of Tea Are You?

It seems I'm white no matter what I do!

Last pic from Boston, really

Bonnie sent me pictures from our now two-month-old day trip to Boston/Cambridge, and I had to include this one. I called it "my one and only attempt to get into Harvard". Well, I didn't get in...I did seem to get some iced tea, though.

MIght be true!

see more pwn and owned pictures

I saw this picture on the failblog, which cracks me up even more than the lol cats. I have to admit, my early scrapbooking ventures should be called that! Well, craptice makes perfect, I guess.



(Maxie and Peach Flavored Black Tea)

You never know what you'll see

On my lunch break on Monday, I was walking past Madison Avenue, and saw a group of people watching something, along with a camera crew. Well, well, I thought, there must be a celebrity nearby, so I looked toward the direction everyone else was looking, and let out an audible gasp. Right across the street was The Burger King! I suppose they were filming a commercial.

I've been vocal enough about how those commercials freak me out. It's the same kind of aversion I have for clowns. Why, of all "celebrities" did I have to see him/it? At first I regretted not having my camera with me that day, but then it occurred to me that I don't need to share what I saw with everyone, they've already been awakened by the king via those nightmarish ads.

Well, it's not the first and it's probably not the last time I'll see a TV or movie personality. I don't really get as excited as I used to about this sort of thing. When I was younger, I reacted like Lucy whenever a famous person was nearby. Now I put it all in perspective. It's a novelty, but my day isn't better or worse from such an encounter.

I did consider making my own commercial, with me serving tea, titled: Wake Up With the Queen. I'm not quite as creepy as the King; well, not usually.

Gifted!

I've got teas...they're multiplying. (Okay even I groaned when I read that over.)

I don't know if you readers know this, but I love tea. No, really, I do. I love drinking (good) tea, whether it's a "true" tea, like Darjeeling and Sencha, or a flavored one like Earl Grey and Mango Indica. I enjoy collecting tea paraphernalia as well, from china to teapots to strainers and other tea implements. I don't tire of books about tea, and hope to finish writing my own tea book (it's even slower going than the gathering together of my poems, and almost as slow as my scrap booking.)

This interest has caught on, and when a well-wisher feels like buying me a gift, it tends to be tea-related. I've mentioned this before, and gasp! Has it been over a year since that post? Well, that was fast!

Within two days of each other, I got a treasure trove of tea gifts. My aunt gave me some beautiful pieces from her china collection, and I must say I can't stop staring at them. It took me a week to put them away, and they won't stay behind cabinet doors for long. I used one of the cup and saucer sets and I felt so elegant that I came quite close to repeating lines from my favorite English classics. I don't think I actually went through with it, though. The next day a friend of mine gave me five different loose teas from the tea room she used to work with, along with a tea tumbler (one of those long cups with the strainer and two different tops so you can brew while you're on the go).

As you can imagine, I'm excited about these new acquisitions, and I am compelled to start having more tea parties. The planning has begun! (The weather must cool down a little, though, as I hate baking in the summer swelter.) But for a while, at least a few months, I really don't need anymore tea things. So if you all are feeling generous toward the Gata...well, you can take me out to a tea room if you'd like, but otherwise, please give me some time to use the fabulous stuff I have first. Thanks!

Really, thanks for all the tea gifts - this goes to nearly everyone I know. I'll do my best to give back, in the only way I know how...tea party!

Filler

I haven't had much to write about recently, and frankly my brain's been a bit muddled between an inordinate amount of book reading and the dreaded July heat wave. I plan to do one of my book review posts soon, and maybe I'll get myself to a tea room and have something to say about that. Actually, I can say I may a lovely iced tea from my recent Whit-tard purchase: "Blueberry Yoghurt". It didn't even require sweetener. Bubuck's gone over to Bon's for mouse patrol. And I've been to the beach once this summer. That beats last year!

There. I've posted in July.

Mystery!

Here's one of the oldest theme songs, or whatever you call this, maybe intro? in my memory. There is a newer version of this, and now I think the show is called Masterpiece Mystery, but nothing beats the shows hosted by Vincent Price.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAmGsM4Dids

I obviously found it on YouTube.

-Can anyone tell me what that woman was moaning about? Even in the newer version she's still carrying on. Ohh! Ohhhhh! Ooooohhhh!

Looking Back, Just a Little Bit

I can't believe this particular picture was taken 5 years ago today...I still have those shoes! This also means that that camera is 5 years old... it's a Canon Rebel 2000, but not a digital. I haven't used it since I got my digital, but I'm not ready to part from it yet. It's got a massive zoom-in lens that my digital doesn't have. Too bad we didn't use it for this picture. Actually, this was the day I woke up and realized I didn't have my camera with me, and I had to run all over Charing Cross Station and the Strand looking for it. Turns out it spent the night in an Internet cafe in Covent Garden. Thankfully the employees were honest, and a really relieved Catherine got on with her day.

Boston Tea Party!

Do you want a Boba or a Freddo? I heard all kinds of different words for tea drinks in Boston that were new to me.

Though there aren't too many places mentioned in the online tea directories, Boston does have a good amount of places to go for a decent cup of tea, hot or iced, pure or sweetened. Perhaps being in the university area lent itself to the need for many types of refreshments. This applies to the nose, too, as we turned a corner and were graced with the all-too-fabulous Lush scent at one point.

Tealuxe was my choice for a tea stop - I'd heard of this place years back, when they opened a branch in Midtown Manhattan. Why didn't it last? Maybe the timing was off, though it wasn't that long ago. We could sure use a place like that in Astoria (though it's nice to have Panera Bread anyway.) Though there wasn't quite as much seating as I'd like to see (okay, we found a cozy little table in the back), it was the perfect tea answer to Starbucks. You could get your tea in a takeaway mug, or even get a pot for your table. I couldn't decide what to choose, so the barristo (is that what they're called?) suggested a caramel creme brulee flavored black tea. It was really sweet, not the kind of thing I normally order, but certainly good and refreshing. However, I preferred Bonnie's Aloha blend. That one almost threw me off my chair. Also, I had a piece of banana bread that was the perfect accompaniment to my tea. Tealuxe also sells loose teas and all types of paraphernalia. I'd stop there again if I were in the neighborhood.

The location was also ideal because it was right near the Curious George bookstore. Besides all kinds of Curious George thingys ranging from washcloths to tea sets to car scent fresheners, there were all kinds of items that kids and nostalgic adults would love. If we'd had more time, I would have been there even longer. It reminded me of the Peter Rabbit store in Covent Garden.

(As a side point, doesn't the Tealuxe sign resemble the Lush logo? Yeah, great minds think alike.)

What the...

No, I haven't been to London recently. It seems Boston used double decker buses for their tours, too. NY does, but these look more authentic. I guess that's what they mean by New England (pauses to let the groans fade out.)

Doesn't Bonnie look happy with her Boba? (That's bubble tea to me.) More on tea in my next post.

Wagamama

Two visits to Wagamama within the space of two weeks, and I'm not even in London! Not a bad deal. This time I was in the Cambridge Branch. I am proud to say I lasted longer than I ever had with chopsticks. I think the thick noodles helped. Here I look like I've been sponsored by Staples. Nope. I just love to give out free publicity. I'm a giving kind of girl. For my lovely meal, I had a ginger-heavy concoction to combat the possible motion sickness on my return bus trip. It seems to have helped. Though I didn't finish the whole thing, it certainly fueled me for a good portion of the day.

Boston, Part One

This is the first in a series of posts about my two day trips to Boston. It turned out to be a city I'd put in my top ten for certain. It's big enough to have variety, but not as crazy as NY, so I did actually feel like I went away.

Here we see my joy at finding a Whittard in the US. (I'm a little miffed at finding out it's pronounced Whit-tard instead of my way of saying it which sounded more like whittle.) They also have a blend-your-own-tea section, though it's kind of pricey.

We also see Daphne joyfully awaiting her healthy meal at Wagamama. What a fantastic place for comfort food! They're also quite accommodating for those with food allergies or dietary requirements. All of this happened at Faneuil Hall, a nice if touristy section full of shops and restaurants (they have their own Cheers).

Looking Back

Some silly moments from London 1998...as we approach the tenth anniversary:


From top, left to right: They Call Me Sinead, What Do You Think?, Bowtie, Catwalk in Covent Garden, I Hate Money, Where the Heck Did I Go?, Ye Olde Kensington Market, Freckles, Hello How Are Ya?

I know most people seeing this are gonna say, huh? Sorry!

Sunday in the Park with Gata

Anyone who was in NY this weekend must agree that the weather could not be improved on. It was perfect! I wasn't feeling too hot on Friday morning, but I forced myself to take a walk. My reasoning was that all year long I complain about the weather, and here my ideal climate's just waiting for me outside - there's no excuse to stay indoors. I must say I felt better afterwards.

On Sunday, I checked out the Superhero exhibit at the Met. It was a little crowded, and you couldn't touch anything, but it was still fun to see. The concept was the influence of superhero/comic book costumes on fashion. I failed to see the relevancy as all the translations into fashion were unrealistic anyway. Anyone wearing such items would be pelted with eye-rolling if they tried to ride the subway. In short, you'd better be able to fly or run really fast if you're caught wearing these outfits.

After such contemplations I took a breather in Central Park. I found a lovely tree near the Great Lawn that had vast amounts of shade - its branches nearly reached the ground. I spent at least two hours sitting there, reading, writing, resting...and realizing you don't always have to hop on a train to reach a relaxing destination. I guess I picked a good time to be there. It wasn't crowded at all, but not alarmingly desolate. I heard the distant sounds of a softball game going on, which was accompanied by the haunting barks of two bloodhounds nearby, but nothing penetrated my sanity. In lieu of having my own backyard, this was pretty acceptable. I ended up walking down to Columbus Circle - must see Borders whenever possible - and I still had energy to do some housework in the evening.

Sure, it's grossly humid out today, but I'm truly grateful for a peaceful weekend in my own City. Yesterday was fine too, but at that point I felt kind of spoiled with all the free time.

(Isabelle, and Mango Indica)

Yeah, me too!

The same weekend Marie had a family reunion, I did too. Here's a few highlights.

I guess it had to happen

Pammie informed me that Lush closed down in the Queens Center Mall. Dag Nabbit! Now I have to go to Manhattan every time I want my fix.

I'm not completely surprised. They'd placed the store between Bath and Body Works and The Body Shop. There was a bit of scent blockage, so the average person may not be drawn in straightaway. Besides, the economy being the way it is, people are probably sacrificing a bath bomb here and there in favor of another gallon of gas. I personally haven't been frequenting Lush the way I used to - simply because I wised up and decided to actually pay some bills!

Lush is still opening all over the US. I doubt the Manhattan stores will close anytime soon - but now I'm considering popping down to Union Square or something and getting at least one of my favorites, just in case.


(Kira, and Orange Pekoe)

I Feel So Accomplished!

No, haven't got my driver's license yet...but I did finish Middlemarch at long last. It look almost fourteen years, but today it's been done. I bought a copy of this book during my first trip to London in 1994, for only one pound. Back then that was worth less than it is now. It's actually one of the few things I still have in my possession from that trip, beside the photos.
I never thought it would take so long to finish Middlemarch - after all, it only took a couple of months to read Les Miserables, and that's even longer. The problem was that I was beset by the Ownership Curse - for years I would rarely finish books I actually owned - there were too many books borrowed from the library that I needed to finish before they were due. In the past year, though, I've been able to get over this problem. I think the new bookshelves had something to do with that. Also, for some reason in the past decade I've read an immense amount of books, but they've rarely been the classics. With the completion of Nicholas Nickleby, it seems I'm back on track.
I'm happy to report I really enjoyed Middlemarch! It's my favorite George Eliot book to date -so far I've read The Mill on the Floss and Adam Bede, and they were kind of depressing in that Thomas Hardy way. Middlemarch was not cheerful, but not miserable either. For those of you that don't mind reading books that are divided into eight books, I recommend giving it a shot. 781 pages later, I feel satisfied in that booknerd kind of way.


(Moofer, and Darjeeling)

Spring and a Lovely Book Jaunt

Besides a yucky soppy Friday, this week has given New Yorkers some of the best weather days of the year. Even when it came close to 80 degrees, it was perfection. There were pleasant breezes all around - and I'm happy to say my feet held up pretty well with all the extra walking I did.

Most of the week I had lunch al fresco. Bonnie and I have covered a lot of territory in midtown Manhattan in the search for decent outdoor lunch areas, and it's not been in vain. Well, Bryant Park is a no-brainer, but if your nerves are a little frazzled it might be avoided. As soon as the climate is lovely, everyone gets the same idea and they crowd the Park, annoyingly loud yuppie conversations included and cigarette in hand...not the best atmosphere for a wound-up lady like myself. As an alternative, we found a quiet little park near the United Nations building that was sparsely occupied. It wasn't empty, but certainly airy enough. Plus, there was enough floral activity going on in there to please the eyes as we ate. The only problem is that it's over a 10 minute walk - good exercise but not enough sitting time. Not the biggest roadblock, of course. Anything is more tolerable with a spring breeze surrounding you, in my opinion. I first realized this in Junior High School. I was sitting in math class, the year before it became my worst subject, but nonetheless not my favorite place to be. It was springtime and I sat near a half-opened window. This fresh slightly warm breeze blew in and it was like I was flying. No, nobody was smoking weed outside, I enjoyed the little wind on its own. From then on I was a firm believer in spring and early autumn.

It used to be when the nice weather came along I'd hit the shops right away. Since I've been able to curtail by shopaholic tendencies this doesn't happen as often. I did, however do a little bookstore browsing in my spring promenading. As a result, I finally visited a bookshop I can't remember every entering. This is the Argosy, a used/antiquarian bookshop on 59th Street. I've passed by this place before, and I even had a book from there - an old book about London which was a gift from a very thoughtful coworker. I never had the guts to in on my own, because I figured it would be expensive and stuffy. This week, though, it occured to me that I cannot possibly leave a New York bookshop unvisited, and if I can mosey around the Met on my own - oh, and go to a Broadway show all by myself, oh yeah, and do afternoon tea on my own, then what's a bookshop? Well, this didn't all pop into my head at once, but it's true. So in I went, and I was enthralled. It was a little bit like how I'd pictured Marks & Co. in 84 Charing Cross Road - full of old, dusty books (I sneezed frequently), and old prints and pictures. And speaking of 84 CCR, I noticed in one glance a number of books Helene Hanff requested in the course of the famous correspondence. Love was all around me! Sadly, the shop was closing for the day, so my browsing time was cut short. I'm glad I saw it, though...so many prettily bound books - especially those little hand held books one might see a character in a Jane Austen adaptation reading. My guess is I'll be back there before long.

Zenobia. (I had to mention a cat at some point didn't I? Oh, and tea - oolong?)

To Bon With Love

Just a little Bubuck fix to hold you over til next time!

Stuff's Changed Since Post #1

I just realized my blog is 3 years old! I started right before I left for my last trip to London and really began in earnest in May 2005. Since then, my life has been turned upside down and side to side, but I've survived. I've had tons of friends move away from NY. There were three major deaths and a few births here and there. I live in the same place but don't live with the same people or cats. Otherwise, I've remained at the same job and retained the same basic measurements. Now, I don't think there's a need to enumerate the other changes: just check the archives.

To quote Queen once again: "The Show Must Go On!"

(Coffee) and Tea Festival 2008

My first one!

I'd wanted to go to the previous ones, a recently instituted institution, but time constraints... (oh yeah, I'm soooo busy) .

Well, I made a special point of going this year, and I was not disappointed. When I first walked into the Metropolitan Pavilion (never knew this place existed) I nearly keeled over with excitement. That would have been a coincidence, as I was just down the block from the first building I ever fainted in (you don't want to know). The Pavilion was full of tea and coffee companies displaying their products, answering questions, and offering samples. My first sample was at the Biscottea table. They make shortbread biscotti with tea ingredients - I think my favorite was the blueberry. Then I looked at some kind of healthy juice that sort of tasted like vitamin enriched grapey wine. After a few more moments of browsing, I headed for the area setup for the talks.

I managed to sit through four presentations, and they ran briskly enough to hold my interest. The first one, from Tafu tea, was technical but helpful. Mr. Tafu came from Japan to show us how to make proper cups of Sencha. Sadly the sound system was lacking, so I didn't get as much out of this one as I would have liked. Still, I was reminded of the importance of brewing green tea with water that hasn't reached boiling point yet. Too bad I can't pull that off at work. Well, the whole purpose of sitting down to a good cup of green tea is one of patience, and taking time out. I'll try to do this on the weekends then.

Next was a very lively presentation about making coffee and tea cocktails. At this point I'd managed to grab a seat in the front, which made it all the more enjoyable. What many know about me (or are beginning to learn) is that besides the placid pick-me-up of tea, I am also enamored of the exciting combinations available in cocktails - and the need for restraint. The kind of good thing about these drinks is that in restaurants and other venues they tend to be pricey, thus limiting me to one if any. But I love to watch these being made, especially when the bartender is creative. Kara Newman gave the presentation, along with Benoit Cornet of Sanctuary Tea - sound familiar? Though my first visit to Sanctuary T out of necessity excluded my ordering a cocktail, I was more than happy to sample Mr. Cornet's creations at the festival. I was not the only one there who had a good deal of fun at this point. I also managed to get a complimentary bottle of a coffee Bailey's type liqueur called "Cafe Boheme". It's a creamy delight.

Following this was a more toned-down talk by Ellen Easton, called "Afternoon Tea for Fun and Profit". I thought it was helpful because some people don't know what they're getting into when trying to open a tea room. She suggested getting experience both in the restaurant and retail industries. That's a good idea, because people who are into tea think they'd like nothing more than to open a tearoom - that it's so much fun. Well, there's a lot more into having such a business than a love of tea. The same goes for opening a bookstore I'd say. Well, I have no such aspirations, but there were good ideas for future tea parties. The history of afternoon tea is fascinating, but most of it I was already familiar with. I would like to try Lady Mendl's tea room now, though.

Next was a part about blending teas, from Tay Tea's Nini Ordoubadi. I loved this, mentally comparing her to an alchemist, though my passion runs deeper for tea than gold. Basically she showed the simple way one can test different mixtures of tea and dried fruits and herbs, to determine what truly blends well together. As someone who has sampled her product, I must say she knows what she's talking about. Tay Tea is based upstate, making me visualize a big kitchenlike studio full of white tasting cups and glass teapots with windows overlooking the lush mountainous countryside. ~Sigh~ but thankfully it's the best part of springtime in NY, where even in the crowded Chelsea streets one can enjoy the blooming trees and return of greenery.

I digress. There was a great deal of purchasing on my part - mostly gift items, as I really do have too much tea at home, but it was such a pleasure to see all the tea companies (okay, and coffee) gathered together. I must do this again next year. I'd love to go to all the Tea Expos nationwide but that's impossible. Still, the one that's a quick subway ride away is not to be missed.

Sanctuary T

My tea goal (there's categories in goals, you know) is to visit every tea shop/tearoom/ in New York. And then....the world! Well, that's kind of impossible. Still, if I can make it here...

When I heard about Sanctuary T, a restaurant that uses tea as an ingredient in many of their offerings, and boasts a rather decent tea selection - and some creative cocktails, I knew I couldn't rest till I'd tried out the place myself. And then I went back to bed. Still, there was a nagging determination as a Tea Queen to make a progress through my lands. So, six months after I'd first learned of this place, I finally hauled my tired rear over there.

Tired and not really in the best condition to sample a restaurant for the first time. I'd been off stomach-wise all week, but there was still an appetite lurking around.

When we got there, I was first of all impressed by its coziness. We had a table toward the back, right next to shelves of tea merch. Not a bad view. The place smelled like a tearoom. I don't know what it is - I guess some kind of fruit tea that permeates every tearoom. It's what I'd imagined fairyland would smell like.

The staff were really accommodating and friendly. I ordered the spring prix fixe, and the soup of the day was tomato. For some reason I thought it would be like the canned variety, which is more like tomato sauce than tomato juice. Sadly, this stuff tasted just like a tomato, which everyone knows is my sworn enemy. Seriously, if I were a superhero, tomatoes would be my Kryptonite. I put the face of death on after just one taste, and the waiter noticed from afar. He offered to bring another soup, a celery root one. Wow. This was more like it. Such a comforting soup, although a bit dangerous for my shaky stomach.

Next came the "main course", which was actually tapas style chicken. It was really good, but not big enough for me (the prix fixe was $33, and I'm not much of a believer in spending tons of money on food unless it's a massive amount of food. Too much dining in Astoria, I guess.) The tea I ordered was an herbal Moroccan Mint. Very nice, very soothing. It was served in a teabag, but a big one of quality. I do prefer a teapot, though.

Daphne had duck, which was delicious from what I hear (I don't eat duck. It's not one of those self-righteous things, but ducks are my favorite birds and I've heard it's greasy anyway.) The chef actually gave her some kind of macaroni cheese with truffle sauce, with his compliments. Gotta love nice chefs.

Finally, for dessert I had a ginger lemongrass citrusy creme brulee. This basically sealed the deal for me. I've always been a fan of creme brulee, and creative ones really rock my world. It wasn't overwhelming, either: the ginger was subtle, just as I like it.

Okay, so 4/5 for me. I think I'd like to try lunch there, as I prefer tea places in the afternoon. Brunch wouldn't be a bad idea either. It's not a tearoom in the traditional scone way - but if they all were, I wouldn't need to see them all, now would I?

Live With Disappointment

I'm not writhing with disappointment, but there are two things that I look forward to every year that aren't happening:

Jasper Fforde isn't coming out with a new book until 2009. I'm going to have to find something else to make me laugh this July. Well, it's been a good six summers (not really, but the books helped.) Maybe this year I'll have to re-read a Fforde.

Then there's Tartan Week. For the past couple of years, the first week of April tourism to Scotland is promoted with all kinds of events in Midtown. The one I've seen is the Scottish Village in Grand Central Terminal. It was a fun place to see during the hectic lunch hour, and I personally thought it was a positive thing - yes, even the shortbread. Now I read that it's being shelved this year. Am I going to have to actual visit Scotland myself? Maybe I'll just curl up with some Robert Burns and a bit of haggis. How cliched is that?

Well, as they say, it's not the end of the world.