artofthepair

[artofthepair]

It’s another rainy day at home and days like this, you want comfort items.  For me, that could a good stew or rich soup.  Sometimes, It’s a lovely cup of homemade hot chocolate.  However, most of the time, I reach for a cup of tea to savor (and hold on to the mug to warm up cold hands).  This is exactly how I felt when I decided to review Yunnan Sourcing’s High Mountain Red Ai Lao. 

I have to admit that this brew through me off a bit.  Don’t get me wrong as it’s a great blend that you should try.  This one was different.  My first brew was at 195 F for 3 minutes and the brew showed depth and good flavors.  But something was missing.  The next brew was at 205F for the three minutes.  That made a world of a difference. 

This is another lovely entry tea for several reasons:

It’s easy to drink and sip on.

It’s a clean blend of aromas and flavors that I believe everyone will enjoy.

It’s not fruity as sometimes you want the change from bergamot in a typical Earl Grey.

It has some interesting Asian notes not found in other teas I’ve reviewed.

I’m always about showcasing different teas and this falls perfectly into that category.  It’s just a different blend that I really think everyone should try.  This is now one of the teas I travel with to relax to at the end of a day or sip on during an event.  More importantly, I know that when the weather is warmer, this will make a fantastic iced tea with its lovely flavor hints.

Head over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s review and others.  Enjoy the new search function to make it easier to find items on my site.  However, just enjoy today with a  great cup of tea.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #blacktea #oolong #classic #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #eggroll  #wontonsoup #poached #wildgame chicken #chicken #almond cookies #pepperridgefarms #milanocookies #spicenpans #asianfood #stirfry

[artofthepair]

Someone recently asked me about how I know a tea is good.  Well by trying it of course!  To me, this is the same as walking into a restaurant you have never tried before.  Yes, there can be some apprehension, but I only see excitement.  I’m happy to report that the majority of time, I’ve been happy with everything I’ve tried and rarely have been disappointed.

However, the more I travel, the more I realize that there are vast differences in flavors, and qualities.  Even among a particular style of tea, I’ve found a host of variability in aromas and tastes.  Please note this is not a bad thing.  It’s helped me open my eyes to new options and I’m learning so much more.  As I write and give you my reviews, I’m attempting to be consistent to help you pick something you like.

The last two weeks’ reviews have been Dragonwell style teas.  This week, take a look at the ArtofthePair.com at my review of Cultured Cup’s Dragonwell Grade 3.  This is a brew that I plan to sit outside with in my insulted mug to watch sunsets.  This is a fantastic brew that’s delicate on the profile but will stand up to a variety of Spring options.

Head over to look at both reviews and let me know what you think.

#tea #greentea #dragonwell #blacktea #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #teasource #chevre #cheese #veal #cucumbers #asparagus #peas

[artofthepair]

It’s been a while since posting but trust me, my tea consumption has not waived.  Thanks for everyone who reached out checking on me and following the blog.  It makes me feel fantastic hearing from you. 

For work, its High School Culinary Competition time so I’m travelling.  Early mornings means that I need something stout to wake me up and get me going.  Teasource’s Iron River Assam 2nd Flush is perfect for this.

It was a cold day when I pulled this tea out to brew and it was an incredible deep, rich cup.  From the first sip, you knew it had depth and structure and instantly reminded me of a Barolo with similar notes.  This full-bodied blend has a beautiful contrast before brewing and after on the aroma profile.  Once it’s brewed, you are in for a ride.  It’s heavy toasted oak notes in the aroma and flavor are incredible.  It’s dry but has plenty of acidity making you return for multiple sips.

Frankly, I just fell in love with it.  The chef side instantly starting to think of lettuce wraps, game meats and bittersweet chocolate.  As the weather warms up, I know that I will make some of this in an iced tea to go with my smoked meats and sausages. 

Head over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this review and others.  Leave me notes of new teas and tea shops to try on my travels and I will keep sending reviews.  The next few week’s reviews I’m super pumped about.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #blacktea #barolo #assam #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #teasource #smokedmeats #smoker #BBQ #culinary

[artofthepair]

Wintertime normally brings me to braised meats, rich stews and warming black tea.  However, I needed a change for some variety and excitement.  As I dug through my tea stash, I found a hidden gem from Yunnan Sourcing.  I pulled out their package of Purple Varietal Yue Guang Bai White and said why not? 

Have you ever had what I call the head slapping moment and say to yourself, why did I not try this sooner?  This tea… straight up I should have tried a long time ago.  And I’m sad that I didn’t.  This is an excellent multi-dimensional white tea which such lovely complexity.  Beautiful notes of sugarcane, fruits and floral notes greet your first sip.  This moves to an incredible biscuit flavor with lovely fruit and alfalfa hints to tie everything together.

Head on over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s review.  The ’21 vintage may be gone soon so I plan on getting some more quickly.  You should as well as this one paired with summer vegetables, Dover sole and cheeses will be an amazing pairing to enjoy.  Heck, just chill out with a cup of this brew to slow down and enjoy life.  Totally worth it.

WWW.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #blacktea #cheese #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #whitetea #Yunnansourcing

[artofthepair]

Traveling has its advantages.  It allows me to see this great country, meet phenomenal people who are becoming friends, and explore the occasional tea shop.  A few weeks ago in Seattle, I was able to visit the famous Pike’s Place Market and explore.  Trust me, it’s worth the visit for the variety of foods and great shopping.

I was able to visit World Spice; a great spice shop in the market and decided to pick up their Earl Grey blend.  This has a beautiful aroma of classic Earl Grey with beautiful notes of bergamot.  It was a little light on the brew but you can steep it longer to gain more strength.  I was disappointed until I started to think about it.  This brew is a great price for an introductory Earl Grey for someone getting into loose teas.  More important, I can’t wait for the weather to be over 60 F so I can sun brew this and enjoy it.

Head over to the ArtofthePair.com to check this review out and see my food pairings for this tea.  Also, I’ve started a new addition to the reviews.  Every beverage has a personality to it so I will share my initial thought of what each beverage is saying to me.  Yes, it’s a bit of fun but also will help to tap into our emotions more.  Plus, I would love to hear your thoughts to see if you agree with me.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #blacktea #orange #earlgrey #classic #salmon #blackberries #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #citrus #oranges #bloodoranges #orangechicken #spicenpans #asianfood #stirfry

[artofthepair]

Traveling has its advantages.  It allows me to see this great country, meet phenomenal people who are becoming friends, and explore the occasional tea shop.  A few weeks ago in Seattle, I was able to visit the famous Pike’s Place Market and explore.  Trust me, it’s worth the visit for the variety of foods and great shopping.

I was able to visit World Spice; a great spice shop in the market and decided to pick up their Earl Grey blend.  This has a beautiful aroma of classic Earl Grey with beautiful notes of bergamot.  It was a little light on the brew but you can steep it longer to gain more strength.  I was disappointed until I started to think about it.  This brew is a great price for an introductory Earl Grey for someone getting into loose teas.  More important, I can’t wait for the weather to be over 60 F so I can sun brew this and enjoy it.

Head over to the ArtofthePair.com to check this review out and see my food pairings for this tea.  Also, I’ve started a new addition to the reviews.  Every beverage has a personality to it so I will share my initial thought of what each beverage is saying to me.  Yes, it’s a bit of fun but also will help to tap into our emotions more.  Plus, I would love to hear your thoughts to see if you agree with me.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #blacktea #orange #earlgrey #classic #salmon #blackberries #tealover #tealovers #beverage #beverages #somm #sommlife #sommelier #chef #chefs #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #foodie #citrus #oranges #bloodoranges #orangechicken #spicenpans #asianfood #stirfry

[artofthepair]

I love great wine.  I think we all do.  However, there is always what I call the ‘Search’ or the task of finding something that fits your price range and your taste profile.  As a Sommelier, I’m always open to taste everything to constantly learn.  But I do understand the daunting task of going to a store and looking at the shelf attempting to pick something out from a label, region or what I call the lovely greeting card script on the back label.

I recently felt a bit of that frustration trying to find a Grenache for part two’s article.  I had already listed Grenache’s beautiful characteristics in a previous article.  Now the task was to find one.  This week at the ArtofthePair.com, come with me as I navigate a winter storm for you to find a lovely bottle to showcase.  Even though it was hard to find, this Grenache was a great deal.  Now the question was, would it stand up to my craving of a thick ribeye and French fries.

Check out this week’s article, and leave me your comments. 😊

 www.ArtofthePair.com

#redwine #wine #grenache #sommelier #sommlife #somm #beverage #beverages #chef #chefs #Michiganwinter #winter #ribeye #frenchfries

[artofthepair]

It’s a perfect day in MI with the weather being over 40 F.  Do you know what that means?  As a Chef and Texan, I have to cook something outside over fire.  Tonight’s selection will be some brisket burnt ends but what tea can stand up to it?  ITeaworld has the answer.

Timing is everything and this tea review was perfect timing for it to be in the rotation to share with you.  Their Lapsang Souchong brew shows amazing depth, deep smoky malt along with a big structure in the mouthfeel and body to stand up to smoked meats.  It’s an amazing tea that is a great price per cup along with showcasing rich flavors. 

Pop over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s review and my suggestions for pairing.  This is one that you will want to check out and have on hand for the upcoming grilling months.  For me, that’s all year round if I can dig out the smoker.  😊

WWW.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #tealife #tealover #tealifestyle #blacktea #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #chef #chefs #beverages #beverage #sommelier #teasommelier #texsom #smokedmeats #brisket #burntends #pizza #woodfiredpizza #lapsangsouchong #souchong

[artofthepair]

It’s a perfect day in MI with the weather being over 40 F.  Do you know what that means?  As a Chef and Texan, I have to cook something outside over fire.  Tonight’s selection will be some brisket burnt ends but what tea can stand up to it?  ITeaworld has the answer.

Timing is everything and this tea review was perfect timing for it to be in the rotation to share with you.  Their Lapsang Souchong brew shows amazing depth, deep smoky malt along with a big structure in the mouthfeel and body to stand up to smoked meats.  It’s an amazing tea that is a great price per cup along with showcasing rich flavors. 

Pop over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this week’s review and my suggestions for pairing.  This is one that you will want to check out and have on hand for the upcoming grilling months.  For me, that’s all year round if I can dig out the smoker.  😊

WWW.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #tealife #tealover #tealifestyle #blacktea #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #chef #chefs #beverages #beverage #sommelier #teasommelier #texsom #smokedmeats #brisket #burntends #pizza #woodfiredpizza #lapsangsouchong #souchong

[artofthepair]

I used to think that you could never have too much tea but now my view on this is changing.  As much as I love all of the loose teas I’ve purchased, a great one will slip through the cracks and not be seen.  I found one of these this week.

It’s cold and rainy here in MI and tea is just the thing to help with the cold.  I found Teagardenia’s Darjeeling Autumn Dew in my inventory and felt it was time to try it.  I should have tried it a long time ago.

This is an amazing find.  Opening the package was a fun exercise of trying to determine why this tea reminded me of fruit salad.  It had so many different fruits intertwined with the malt and a hint of sweetness.  While the aroma was muted a bit when brewed, this has to be one of the smoothest, most delicate teas I’ve had the pleasure of sampling.  From its structure to its flavor profile, it kept screaming at me to pair it with fried chicken, pot pie, eclairs, and fresh fruit tarts with infused pastry cream.

Drop on by the ArtofthePair.com to take a look at this great find.  Sadly, they are out of it right now and I’m hoping they will bring it back.  This one is an amazing find.  The moral of the story:  keep drinking your tea to enjoy these moments of bliss.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #tealife #tealover #tealifestyle #blacktea #darjeeling #autumn #fall #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #chef #chefs #beverages #beverage #sommelier #teasommelier #texsom #potpie #friedchicken #fruittart #eclairs

[artofthepair]

I used to think that you could never have too much tea but now my view on this is changing.  As much as I love all of the loose teas I’ve purchased, a great one will slip through the cracks and not be seen.  I found one of these this week.

It’s cold and rainy here in MI and tea is just the thing to help with the cold.  I found Teagardenia’s Darjeeling Autumn Dew in my inventory and felt it was time to try it.  I should have tried it a long time ago.

This is an amazing find.  Opening the package was a fun exercise of trying to determine why this tea reminded me of fruit salad.  It had so many different fruits intertwined with the malt and a hint of sweetness.  While the aroma was muted a bit when brewed, this has to be one of the smoothest, most delicate teas I’ve had the pleasure of sampling.  From its structure to its flavor profile, it kept screaming at me to pair it with fried chicken, pot pie, eclairs, and fresh fruit tarts with infused pastry cream.

Drop on by the ArtofthePair.com to take a look at this great find.  Sadly, they are out of it right now and I’m hoping they will bring it back.  This one is an amazing find.  The moral of the story:  keep drinking your tea to enjoy these moments of bliss.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #tealife #tealover #tealifestyle #blacktea #darjeeling #autumn #fall #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #chef #chefs #beverages #beverage #sommelier #teasommelier #texsom #potpie #friedchicken #fruittart #eclairs

[artofthepair]

Did I mention that it’s snowing again?  Therefore, why did I post a picture of a Rose wine in January?  There is one reason and that is to discuss Grenache.  This lower approachable tannin grape is so versatile that I forget it’s many uses.

First of all, Grenache makes an incredible rose especially from the region of Tavel, France.  To me, it’s the benchmark of what Rose should be.  Fruity, good acid to clean the palate and quite refreshing.  I used to consume a great deal of this living in Texas. 

However, it’s not just about Rose wine.  Grenache makes an incredible, enjoyable red wine that pairs beautifully with the flavors from the Med region.  Great red plum, berries, herbs and hints of leather and spice make it a winning package.  These are also highly affordable options that can stand on their own as well.

This week at the ArtofthePair.com, I take a look at grenache to give you some brief pointers on the grape itself.  Coming soon, I sample a few options to help highlight what you can find in the bottle.  While the weather may be causing some issues, I’ll gladly sip on the reds until it warms up to fully enjoy Roses in the summer months

www.ArtofthePair.com

#grenache #rose #tavel  #rioja #spanishwine #redwine #redwinelover #beverage #beverages #sommelier #chef #chefs #culinary #culinaryarts #foodlovers #foodies #food #foodie #foodblogger #foodblog

[artofthepair]

I love MI weather (high sarcasm inserted please). Honestly, I love the snow. It's when the temperatures in the single digits is when I have an issue. This week, I've been sheltered in place drinking a great amount of tea and hot chocolate.

When it's this cold, lighter brews go off to the side and I reach for deeper blends. I love Puer from its richness to deep tobacco, toasted malt flavor profile. It's been some time since I've had one as I ran out of my favorite Puer from a closed vendor. Therefore, I decided to try Teasource's Down to Earth blend.

This is an incredible entry to Puer as the aromas and flavors are so inviting. This tea shocked me with its depth. Trust me, you need this in your tea stash. It's inexpensive but a great tea for beginners to Puer.

Snowball over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this review and see this week's review. Teasource has a great option for every day Puer drinking.

#tea #tealife #tealover #tealifestyle #blacktea #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #chef #chefs #beverages #beverage #sommelier #teasommelier #toffee #tobacco #puer #tannin

[artofthepair]

I love MI weather (high sarcasm inserted please). Honestly, I love the snow. It's when the temperatures in the single digits is when I have an issue. This week, I've been sheltered in place drinking a great amount of tea and hot chocolate.

When it's this cold, lighter brews go off to the side and I reach for deeper blends. I love Puer from its richness to deep tobacco, toasted malt flavor profile. It's been some time since I've had one as I ran out of my favorite Puer from a closed vendor. Therefore, I decided to try Teasource's Down to Earth blend.

This is an incredible entry to Puer as the aromas and flavors are so inviting. This tea shocked me with its depth. Trust me, you need this in your tea stash. It's inexpensive but a great tea for beginners to Puer.

Snowball over to the ArtofthePair.com to check out this review and see this week's review. Teasource has a great option for every day Puer drinking. #tea #tealife #tealover #tealifestyle #blacktea #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #chef #chefs #beverages #beverage #sommelier #teasommelier #toffee #tobacco #puer #tannin

[artofthepair]

In my hands is an incredible find of a wine. I recently went on the hunt to track down and purchase some Gran Reserva Tempranillos. Why? These wines are pre-aged by the winemaker, have lovely fruit and balanced acidity and finish with lovely soft tannins. I love pairing these with chicken, pork, duck and roasted mushroom dishes. This week at the ArtofthePair.com, I give a quick exploit on my recent trip to Total Wine to find this and other selections. Gran Reservas are exceptionally affordable and are such easy drinking. Happy New Year everyone. 

WWW.artofthepair.com #tempranillowine #tempranillo #granreserva #spanishwine #rioja #riojawine #somm #sommlife #sommelier #winelovers #winelovers🍷 #winelover🍷 #wine #winetasting #winetastings #redwine #beverage #beveragephotography #beverages #foodie #foodblogger #food

[artofthepair]

I love rich black teas and Yunnan Sourcing has provided another great one. This brew is filled with smoky rich malt tones allowing it to pair with red meats.

The temp dropped a bit this week in Michigan, so my timing was perfect to review this rich brew from Yunnan Sourcing. Their Premium AA Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong is an incredible pine smoked black tea with amazing depth.

My initial thought was that this tea was one dimensional, but I was wrong. This tea has great acidity, body, and integrated smooth mouthfeel with rich flavors of smoked toasted malt, tobacco, and grilled/smoked meats.

Pairing this will be fun. I happened to just smoke some Canadian bacon and it was a perfect pairing. This tea will work with game meats like duck and ostrich but pair well with a steak or pork burnt ends.

Just know that this is a great value. It's like a meal in the glass. Head over to ArtofthePair.com to check out this review to consider purchasing this blend. It's truly worth it for the price.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #tealife #tealover #tealifestyle #blacktea #food #fall #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #chef #chefs #beverages #beverage #sommelier #teasommelier #darjeeling #teaaddict #tealife #tealoverforlife #teatime #teadrinkersofinstagram #teareview #teabrewing #tealifestyle #smokedtea #smokedmeat #artofthepair

[artofthepair]

I love rich black teas and Yunnan Sourcing has provided another great one. This brew is filled with smoky rich malt tones allowing it to pair with red meats.

The temp dropped a bit this week in Michigan, so my timing was perfect to review this rich brew from Yunnan Sourcing. Their Premium AA Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong is an incredible pine smoked black tea with amazing depth.

My initial thought was that this tea was one dimensional, but I was wrong. This tea has great acidity, body, and integrated smooth mouthfeel with rich flavors of smoked toasted malt, tobacco, and grilled/smoked meats.

Pairing this will be fun. I happened to just smoke some Canadian bacon and it was a perfect pairing. This tea will work with game meats like duck and ostrich but pair well with a steak or pork burnt ends.

Just know that this is a great value. It's like a meal in the glass. Head over to ArtofthePair.com to check out this review to consider purchasing this blend. It's truly worth it for the price.

www.ArtofthePair.com

#tea #tealife #tealover #tealifestyle #blacktea #food #fall #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #chef #chefs #beverages #beverage #sommelier #teasommelier #darjeeling #teaaddict #tealife #tealoverforlife #teatime #teadrinkersofinstagram #teareview #teabrewing #tealifestyle #smokedtea #smokedmeat #artofthepair