A few days ago my dear friend at The Tea Lovers Archives wrote a post about an unexpected day of tea finds in Manhattan.
I was so interested in her finds, being a native New Yorker I sometimes believe I have seen and done it all. Typical of New York it is impossible to make such a grandiose statement. New York is ever changing and I have bypassed many gems thinking the certain places would not interest me.
My friends’ journey was just one such case in point. Let’s begin with the wonderful day we recreated.
We met late afternoon at an arranged spot with a short distance to our destinations.
On my way I happened to pass a new little shop near 57th street that offered one of my many weaknesses, cupcakes. These mini bites were right up my alley though I dared not dabble as we had definitive plans to have an assortment of treats on our days journey.
Note I will stop by at another time to sample these sweet bites.
After getting to the correct bus stop we were on our way first stop Leo Kaplan LTD, Scott Jacobson Gallery to see an incredible ceramics and teapot collection. These pieces are works of art that are so special and come with hefty price tags. Truly collector’s items by master potters like Wedgwood and Whieldon. Each teapot reflects a story as many of these seemed to have been commissioned indicated by either dates or scenes.
This piece is spectacular, and one of my favorites created by Thomas Whieldon, Whieldon was known for making the Tortoiseshell Ware. He produced this product by applying the copper and manganese compounds to a cream-coloured earthenware in order to stain it. Almost immediately after staining the piece would be coated with a clear glaze so as to maintain its solid texture.*
Another item of interest was this Wedgewood Basalt Rum Kettle, circa 1790 England.
The next stop was off to Radiance Tea Shop to their new east side 50st street location. I had to stop by and record the lovely Tulips along the way at Park Avenue.
The new Radiance location, slightly smaller that the west side shop, is lovely. We arrived late afternoon so we basically had a full run of the café.
I always appreciate that this teashop has lots of tea books for sale and of course I picked up two for my library that have been on my wish list. I justified this purchase by recording I saved shipping charges.
BTW do I spy a copy of our own TeaPages offering on the table “A Tea Reader”
I ordered the aged pu-erh for my tea choice. I had reviewed the menu I knew the sticky pork buns would have a sweet base so I wanted a strong tea to stand up to my meal. I followed this appetizer with Fried Mushrooms which were delicious.
We sat and chatted relaxed and restored, so much so we both mentioned if there was a chaise lounge nearby we would be tempted to lie back read our new books and gently fall asleep. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
We reluctantly got ready to go off to our next destination Macarons.
So I enjoy a good Macaron every now and then though I certainly was not prepared for the awesome finds at this shop. These morsels pack a punch of flavor much more than any I have ever had. I even remarked to my friend The matcha macaron was not laced with matcha but loaded.
I had to take a box home as the box had my name on it (figuratively speaking).
Our last destination and the impetuous for our meeting was to attend a talk and tasting at the 92nd Street Y, given by Francine Segan food historian. The description below is from her website and will require a future blog post of it’s own.
The Art of Dining: The Table At Downton Abbey
Talk & Tasting
Thursday, April 25
7:00 – 8:30 PM
An amusing ramp thru this fascinating time period when high society was at its peak. A time of calling cards, horse drawn coaches, high tea, cotillions, lawn parties, formal dinners… a time when even picnics were served on fine china.
Discover the sorts of foods, elaborate etiquette, and enchanting entertainments enjoyed then. Francine’s vivid descriptions of formal dinner parties, cotillions, and elegant picnics will transport you back in time. Learn the 19th century meanings of giving a lady a tulip instead a rose; discover the most popular toasts of the 1890s: and when it was proper to remove your gloves or tip your hat.
Highlights of the talk include:
- Trivia contest on the uses for now-obsolete objects from the era
- Tasting of a popular 19th century tidbits
- Handouts of unique recipes of the era
- Demonstrations on creating 19th century garnished
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Whieldon
Another delightful day, Thanks Darlene!
· Permalink
oooh, I’d love to go on a New York tea adventure. Looks like you had fun!
· Permalink
What a wonderful afternoon. Love the cearmics
· Permalink
I do agree with @thedevotea.
The ceramics look very nice.
· Permalink
What a perfect day! I can’t even begin to decide which moment is my favorite. I’d want to live them all! Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through your written words.
· Permalink
Such a fun day filled with visual and culinary treats. I love macaroons and make them myself from time to time. Yours here look amazing. So do the teaware pics you posted of the teapots. How nice you saw @teapages book. One day I’ll tag along with you on of these outings.