Sorry to inundate you all with my cluelessness on NY and it's
Chinatown, but I have one last question. I have heard mention of Ten
Ren on this NG a number of times and just realized that it is located
right where I will be in NYC at the end of this week... I leave
Thursday.

What are my best purchases to make here? What would be your top *must
purchase* teas? (can be for Ten Ren or any other tea shop in NYC) I do
want to try some bubble tea as well, since I've been kicking myself for
passing it up at a restaraunt in Penn State last summer.

I'm just looking for some last minute ideas or teas that I may not have
thought of, and any advice about Ten Ren is helpful too. I know I've
searched back and there are many mentions of it positive and negative.

So far, I have Mott Street as my main destination with Canal and
Mullberry streets as well. Peking Duck House, Ten Ren, a few standard
Chinatown shops and little Italy. I'm not sure about the Tea Gallery,
because it seems to be very highly acclaimed but a bit counter to my
personal sensibilities and outlook on tea. Also a trip to the Empire
State building and the Statue of Liberty are in the cards... which
leaves us a day and a half to just explore. Probably Central Park,
Times Square, etc. I've thought about hitting TeaNY only because it is
owned by Moby and personal interests not so much the tea/vegan stuff.

Thanks!
- Dominic

> Sorry to inundate you all with my cluelessness on NY and it's
> Chinatown, but I have one last question.

Why not go to some other shops while in NYC? Check out Franchia for the
food and the tea. Check their website:
www.franchia.com

And why not check out Takashimaya? A friend of mine brought me some
wonderful cakes that are excellent with tea from there. Really terrific
stuff. Of course, they have Japanese tea, and all that other stuff.

Takashimaya
693 Fifth Avenue at 54th Street
New York, NY 10022
(212)350-0100

Check out this review he
http://newyorkmetro.com/listings/res.../tea-box-cafe/


And if you're in Chinatown, check out some of the bakeries there too as
well.

Guangxi has a lot of bakeries, but they're nothing to get excited
about. The baked goods in Chinatown taste much better. But they make
bowls of rice vermicelli noodle soup here that are just fantastic.

Anyway, if I were to visit NYC, I would certainly visit these places.

niisonge wrote:
> > Sorry to inundate you all with my cluelessness on NY and it's
> > Chinatown, but I have one last question.
>
> Why not go to some other shops while in NYC?

Good tips all around Niisonge. I think Chinese bakeries are terrible
in general but fortunately the Chinese food there is so good that one
barely misses them.

Dominic I asked a Chinatown buddy where to go for traditional Chinese
medicine and he said that he thinks the doctor (store, really) that he
went to growing up is at Grand and Mott.

I don't know if Ten Ren lets you try, but the other tea places (Tea
Gallery?) probably do - I would just sample as much as you can and then
buy what you like.

Have a great time!

Alex wrote:
> niisonge wrote:
> > > Sorry to inundate you all with my cluelessness on NY and it's
> > > Chinatown, but I have one last question.
> >
> > Why not go to some other shops while in NYC?
>
> Good tips all around Niisonge. I think Chinese bakeries are terrible
> in general but fortunately the Chinese food there is so good that one
> barely misses them.

They are fine tips, however, I need to confine my shops to the three
streets I mentioned and nearby area. Mott, Canal, and Mullberry. I do
plan on hitting many shops (actually spending a day and a half at least
in that area) By no means is Ten Ren it, I was just looking to find out
if Ten Ren is particularly good for any specific types of tea or have
any exclusive finds.

> Dominic I asked a Chinatown buddy where to go for traditional Chinese
> medicine and he said that he thinks the doctor (store, really) that he
> went to growing up is at Grand and Mott.

I think I'm off the Chinese medicine idea since the numerous comments
about lead and other toxic substances. I may still give it a shot, and
Mott/Grand is right where I'll be. We'll see, I may still give it a
shot. (probably will, I live dangerously

> I don't know if Ten Ren lets you try, but the other tea places (Tea
> Gallery?) probably do - I would just sample as much as you can and then
> buy what you like.

Yes Ten Ren offers free samples. I'm sure other shops do too, and like
I said I will be hitting any and every smaller shop I can for good buys
and such.

> Have a great time!

I plan on it! This will be my first time in NYC and I have always
wanted to go there.

I'm still open to hearing specific types of tea/ shops that I should
not miss. I'd really hate to miss the opportunity to pick up some
unique and good teas while there. Anyone with specifics or their
personal favorites, please speak up.

Thanks!
- Dominic

> I said I will be hitting any and every smaller shop I can for good buys
> and such.

If you want good buys, try the Chinese supermarkets first. They usually
have a whole range of teas to choose from, including herbal ones. Some
might be kinds that you haven't tried yet. Most are pretty inexpensive.
At least look in a few supermarkets first, to get an idea. And go to
the supermarkets that are busy, not the ones that don't have so many
customers. Hey, it might not be the best tea, but it's drinkable, and
affordable.

When I want to buy some tea that's truely special and be of right
price, I would not buy from Ten Ren. I don't know the TR store in NY,
but from most of the posts, it's probably not any better than those in
Toronto.

I would try to locate smaller, non-franchise tea stores to buy teas
from. The sales/ owners there would usually be more friendly and more
willing to spend quality time with customers.

BUT, Ten Ren should not be a bad place for bubble tea (but then of
course, that depends on the young lad who mixes the drinks). I'd
suggest, if you're still in the experimenting stage, go for the plain
bubble milk tea (with black tea). In Toronto they have a Tie Guan Yin
milk tea which is surprisingly good... if they have it also in NY,
that'd be a good choice too.

Katie Tam


> What are my best purchases to make here? What would be your top *must
> purchase* teas? (can be for Ten Ren or any other tea shop in NYC) I do
> want to try some bubble tea as well, since I've been kicking myself for
> passing it up at a restaraunt in Penn State last summer.

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

I'm in a college town recently and came across a store that sold all
the necessary tea paraphernalia. I even picked up a nice big tea ball
for the Brown Betty. They had a limited selection of commercial teas
but I did pickup a 500g tin of Roberts Campbell's Perfect Tea from
Dublin. Never know what you'll find in the Brick and Mortars.

Jim

PS Bubble tea is big with the college crowd. Every coffee shop I've
been in can make it. I'd like to see the look on your face when you
see the shelves with tea. My advice look for the apothecary glass jars
with various teas.

Dominic T. wrote:
....
> 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

"Dominic T." > wrote in message
ups.com...
>
> 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.
>
Dominic, do you live anywhere near Philadelphia?

Dean

Dominic T. > wrote:
>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.

They are a Taiwanese company, and they sell only tea grown in Taiwan.
Sometimes they claim to sell only teas they grow on their own farms.

If you go there, try the Oriental Beauty tea. Stay away from the other
black teas and the lapsang souchong. Try the lowest and second-lowest
grade tikuanyin and maybe one of the other oolongs. Try the osmanthus
tea... even if you don't like scented teas.

If you have only a few minutes, go for the Oriental Beauty and the
Osmanthus.
--scott


--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

DPM wrote:
> "Dominic T." > wrote in message
> ups.com...
> >
> > 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.
> >
> Dominic, do you live anywhere near Philadelphia?
>
> Dean

Nope, other side near Pittsburgh. I wish because the drive to NY would
be significantly shorter though.

- Dominic

Space Cowboy wrote:
> I'm in a college town recently and came across a store that sold all
> the necessary tea paraphernalia. I even picked up a nice big tea ball
> for the Brown Betty. They had a limited selection of commercial teas
> but I did pickup a 500g tin of Roberts Campbell's Perfect Tea from
> Dublin. Never know what you'll find in the Brick and Mortars.
>
> Jim
>
> PS Bubble tea is big with the college crowd. Every coffee shop I've
> been in can make it. I'd like to see the look on your face when you
> see the shelves with tea. My advice look for the apothecary glass jars
> with various teas.

Yeah it was at Penn State near State College (We are...) and the first
time I saw it. I was a bit leary of the "balls" in the unknown fluid
that didn't really resemble tea to me with an oversized straw... and
when I asked the woman selling it she stated that they were "zhen zhu"
which I had no idea of... hence why I passed on it. But now that I know
what it is I'm looking forward to trying it.

I'm sure I'll go into some sort of shock from overload when I step into
Chinatown, its like a dream come true. And compared to the small and
basic places I buy tea locally it will be unimaginable. Heh, it's tough
living in the middle of nowhere where I'm the only person for miles who
has any interest in tea and seen as strange for not drinking coffee
like normal people, or at least tea in bags... Pittsburgh is not a real
diverse or cultural area. I can't wait. I'm heading home from work,
finishing packing, and going to try to leave by about 5am tomorrow
morning to get there by noon-1pm hopefully.

I'll post when I get back Monday or Tuesday with some info and photos
of the trip. Thanks again to all that offered some guidance.

- Dominic

The Pu'er LiveJournal had a great series of photographs of one
contributor's tea-trips around various cities. Do you have any plans
for something a little similar? It's always fascinating to see what's
available in cities that we've never been to, and you never know - they
might form the basis for someone else's trip in the future.

Have a good time, anyway!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

Dominic, For trips to the city, I would go to Ten Ren, but they tend
to be a little pricey. I would probably get their King's Tea Green(3rd
or 2nd Grade) for Chinese/Taiwanese. But this board is right, there
are other great places, and I would for sure stop at Takashimaya
(downstairs Tea Box) and Itoen for interesting loose teas.

A
http://blog.ateava.com/


Dominic T. wrote:
> Sorry to inundate you all with my cluelessness on NY and it's
> Chinatown, but I have one last question. I have heard mention of Ten
> Ren on this NG a number of times and just realized that it is located
> right where I will be in NYC at the end of this week... I leave
> Thursday.
>
> What are my best purchases to make here? What would be your top *must
> purchase* teas? (can be for Ten Ren or any other tea shop in NYC) I do
> want to try some bubble tea as well, since I've been kicking myself for
> passing it up at a restaraunt in Penn State last summer.
>
> I'm just looking for some last minute ideas or teas that I may not have
> thought of, and any advice about Ten Ren is helpful too. I know I've
> searched back and there are many mentions of it positive and negative.
>
> So far, I have Mott Street as my main destination with Canal and
> Mullberry streets as well. Peking Duck House, Ten Ren, a few standard
> Chinatown shops and little Italy. I'm not sure about the Tea Gallery,
> because it seems to be very highly acclaimed but a bit counter to my
> personal sensibilities and outlook on tea. Also a trip to the Empire
> State building and the Statue of Liberty are in the cards... which
> leaves us a day and a half to just explore. Probably Central Park,
> Times Square, etc. I've thought about hitting TeaNY only because it is
> owned by Moby and personal interests not so much the tea/vegan stuff.
>
> Thanks!
> - Dominic

"Dominic T." > wrote in message
oups.com...
> > >
> > Dominic, do you live anywhere near Philadelphia?
> >
> > Dean
>
> Nope, other side near Pittsburgh. I wish because the drive to NY would
> be significantly shorter though.
>
> - Dominic
>
The reason I ask is because there's a good tea shop in Philly at 4th and
Bainbridge (I think) called House of Tea. Nice selection, although prices
are fairly high. The woman who runs the shop is idiosyncratic but
knowledgeable, and if you show her that you are more than the
run-of-the-mill customer looking for Constant Comment, she'll dig some
treats out of her stash. I got some nice Taiwan jade and Wuyi oolongs from
her that way that were great.

Dean