niisonge wrote:
> > I would try to locate smaller, non-franchise tea stores to buy teas
> > from. .
>
> I agree, Ten Ren tends to be generic. They have a lot of stores in
> Toronto - but they all sell the same tea. If you buy from Ten Ren, only
> buy Taiwan teas, because it's a Taiwan tea store. And the mid-priced
> boxed, packaged teas to me are the best value.

Great! This was along the lines of what I was looking for, a bit of
inside info. I didn;t know they specialized in Taiwanese teas.

> But on the other hand, if you visit a lot of independently owned tea
> stores, the teas will be different from store to store, so you can buy
> the ones that interest you most.

Without a doubt I will be spending the majority of my time in the small
shops. That's more my speed. I tend to value the local shops and their
people more than a chain or high-class environment. I am a very down to
earth person and not hung up on pretentiousness or trends. I come from
a family of lower/middle class means and while I have managed to
elevate myself and my means I have never lost touch with my real roots.
I value a cup of average tea with a shopkeeper far above a cup of
ultra-high-end tea in a snooty tea shop.

My interest in tea is not focused on gathering an impressive list, but
on tea that I enjoy and have a story or a memory attached. I tend to
buy mid-grade teas and a few upper end ones each year to try out, and
almost without exception none of the expensive ones hold my attention
for very long. I liken it to my love of Kukicha, a tea made from
essentially twigs that was given to the common workers and peasents and
viewed as junk... now it can be highly sought after.

>
> > BUT, Ten Ren should not be a bad place for bubble tea
> Bubble tea, milk tea, iced tea from Ten Ren or some of those other
> shops tastes ok, but I also think it's not really that great either.
> Just to get out once in a while, and have a drink there is ok, but I
> can make better tasting tea drinks at home.

Bubble tea is just something I've wanted to try and not available where
I live. I passed on it last year at a place that was selling it because
I had no idea what it was and it seemed a bit strange... now that I
know what it is though I want to try it. The other day I was trying to
use up a Starbucks gift card and found they had a green tea
frappuchino... it was made with real Matcha and was actually very
enjoyable. I'd suggest trying one out if you get a chance...

Where I live in PA my options are limited, so most of my purchases are
from online... This is my one time to actually first-hand enjoy
shopping for tea. The sights, smells, people, etc. That is where the
Internet fails, and is something I really look forward to. I'm like a
kid before Christmas.

Thanks,
- Dominic