I’ve been feeling under the weather lately like so many of us in this unpredictable climate.  To try and shake this malaise, I stayed in for the most part, this week playing catch up on all the “boring” “mundane” (sarcasm) things one finds themselves doing under the circumstances. I caught up on some tea reading, wrote a few posts, corrected my existing work and drank lots of tea 🙂

As life would have it, I had to go out today. After putting them off, a pile of must do errands lay before me.  That’s one thing about commitment, it has a way of getting me going. Of course, when I left the house it was somewhat dismal but promising to go one way or the other. I posted my parcels at the local post office, picked up some sundries then boarded the train. When I reached my destination it was pouring rain. With an optimistic attitude, I, had chosen not to bring an umbrella.

I must say there is a certain beauty about rainy days here in autumn.  The reflection of the pools of standing rain on the concrete, yellow taxicabs buzzing by, the shades of gold, red and brown adorning the trees.

 

Like tea leaves unfolding in a clear cup becoming brighter as they recover.

 

 

My jaunt took me into midtown where it’s beginning to look a lot like the Holidays, the decorations going up and others awaiting reveal.

 

 

 

Passing the windows I couldn’t resist taking photos, those I thought some of you might enjoy.

Sans umbrella and drenched I made my way to my destination. Once there I took care of my duties and then off to the next stop, Englewood, New Jersey, about an hour away. The one thing I was sure of, that kept me motivated:

Knowing there would be a cup of tea at the end of the journey.

I called the proprietor and stated I was on my way.

There is something about the concept of welcome that synonymous with a cup of tea whether as an individual experience or with others.

When I arrived at TeaFields, the proprietor had two pots of Assam tea waiting for me, what joy!  She offered her menu from which I chose the Chicken Pot Pie Soup to help counter my dampened condition. While waiting for my order I poured the Assam Reserve. Wow, what a nice mellow cup, with a nutty nose and very little astringency.  My second cup was a basic Assam which was not my “cup of tea” after such a  pleasurable first cup of Reserve.

My soup

came shortly afterwards and served at a perfect temperature for immediate consumption and her second in command inquired if I would like some bread or crackers to accompany the soup (great service from an establishment that was almost closing). I noticed while there a few more people came in and the service was just as good without any indication that it was closing time.

 

I spent time enjoying the fare in between snippets of conversation with the owners who make a habit of extending themselves to their patrons and sharing that warm feeling of welcome. I overheard exchanges inquiring about family members, patrons coming in slightly rushed, looking for that last cup of the day, taking the time for small talk to get re-centered all without the proprietor missing a beat readying their order. This type of service, though many would consider “a thing of the past” in our ever increasing fast paced world, is what made cafes and restaurants great.  Like in the “good ole days” people want a place where “Everybody Knows Your Name”.  Let’s keep that tradition going. (Disclaimer: yes the owner is a friend of mine, but even as a friend I was blown away when I arrived and the tea was ready, especially when the cafe is so busy, Thanks Erica)

 

TeaFields

Voted Consumer Choice one of the Best of Bergen 2011

46 North Dean Street

Englewood, New Jersey 07631

201-541-0765

www.theteafields.com