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Michael Plant

On 07/27/2008 12:32:09 wrote:

>>>> 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

> I am disappointed with Michael's explanation- I was asking him for his
> experience when he goes to the tea gallery?

I am sorry my thoughts "disappoint" you; others had answered your question admirably well, and I felt, and feel, no need to reiterate. Visiting The Tea Gallery is always a delightful experience for me, even at those times when the owners do not have time to sit down and prepare tea. The shop is so full of wonderous teaware and tea, I enjoy just browsing on occasion. (Did you notice the five foot shelf of tea and teaware books? They are out in full view.) In other words, I go with the flow. You can treat tea shops as you like. No more on this topic from me.
Michael