>>> my son, his fiancee, and myself were looking forward to visiting the tea
>>> gallery on allen street today- our experience was less than
>>> satisfactory- i had heard so many good things about this teashop-but we
>>> were very disapponted- instead of being graciously invited into the tea
>>> shop we were treated rather rudely-we wanted to have a cup of tea-this
>>> was not offered to us-we were asked f we wanted tea tastng at $24 --we
>>> did not want anything for free this was not what we were
>>> expectng-Michael Plant and friends always have good things to say about
>>> the the tea gallery- we left and wlll not return- joanne r.

>> Joanne, Hup ho, I see my name! Sorry to hear about your unpleasant
>> experience. You know, The Tea Gallery is a tea and teaware shop, not a
>> sit-down-and-drink-tea shop for the most part. Did you make it clear to
>> the person you spoke with that you wanted to come in and drink tea
>> because you had heard about the shop? Perhaps that would have been more
>> productive. Can you be more specific about the rudeness you mention?
>> The situation you describe doesn't sound rude on the face of it. Again,
>> sorry you walked away unhappy. I should add that I have no financial
>> interest in the shop, I'm a custumer. Michael

> I need an explanation of what exactly is a tea and teaware shop? what
> type of experiences did u have have? Beside calling ahead of time-what
> should I expect- everytime u go to the store do u purchase tea-and then
> leave or do u sit and chat with owner over several cups of tea?

> I apologize-i t was not my intent to imply that u were an owner-just a
> customer- and someone whose opinions i value-

Yes, I realize you know that I don't own the shop; that was a standard disclaimer for people whose minds that thought might have crossed. You are right on one count at least: The Tea Gallery does not fit easily into any of the usual business models. It is also possible that the owner was having a difficult day since the behavior you describe is not usual with him. As had been mentioned by others, they do not serve cups of tea or glasses of iced tea; instead they prepare tea in a traditional Chinese way, which requires patience and time. It is for that reason I suspect that Michael offered you a tea session (at the usual fee) rather than a cup of tea. I agree that these things might have been made clearer for you and your guests.
Michael