seule771

A review of Harvest Coop Market

I have not had many opportunities to frequent the market that I am accustomed to and when I do get an opportunity I take it. I had to be in Cambridge, MA and one of the places I stopped in was the Harvest Coop Market. It is across the street from where I knew it to be and this location is smaller than previous store.

They provide organically grown food to the community and strive to carry all that is required by their members. It is run by volunteers for the most part. This is the store that I purchased the Chaga Mushroom Tea and several other teas; some oolong and green tea.

I have always preferred smaller store to giant super markets or chain stores but unfortunately for me; I must go to the stores that I am taken since I have no income of mine own. I am ridiculed when out shopping with husband is what I mean since most women are independent earners or the state gives them something if they have children etc.

The Harvest Coop Market may not be for everyone.

ALDI Food Market
241 New Lancaster Road
Leominster, MA 01453
www.ALDI.us
Store hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 am until 8:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am until 7:00 pm

A review of ALDI’s Food Market

We found out about this market from another customer while we were grocery shopping at Market Basket; she suggested we try ALDI’s which had just opened in Leominster, MA

ALDI’s prices are low and the store seems to have a selected brand and not the usual name brand seen at stores like Market Basket. ALDI’s is more like a warehouse and not necessarily family oriented. You have to bring your own bags or buy their bags for 10 cents each and you must bag your own grocery.

You get a cart that you pay for with a quarter, which is returned when you put the carriage back. So you don’t end up with the carriage you began with because when in line it is given to the customer in front of you and insisting on using the one you have is muted. It is business as yet it is personal. Not personable.

This week they had boxes of green tea and green tea with Ginseng and lemon; as well as Orange Pekoe Teas. This is not a store that I would recommend since I would not use it of mine own choosing. I don’t think they are nice. Nice is a character trait and nothing to do with having a sound business and good practice.

The Wine Vine
142 Highland Street
Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 797-9463
www.WineVine.org
info@WineVine.org
Worcester, MA
Owner: Sang & Camille Chhoeuk
Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday
10 AM to 8 PM

A review of The Wine Vine

This Wine Vine offers many products and services which is listed on their business cards. They are friendly and approachable but they let you peruse to your liking and if you have questions they are there to answer. I found the store to be well stocked. I would have liked to attend their Friday night wine tasting event that they had but I did not.
Some products and special services they offer are listed:

Products: Special Services:
Wine & Brew Wine seminars
Cheese & Bread Free wine tasting
Tea & Chocolate Private tasting loft
Glasses & Decanteurs Food and wine pairing
Temp Controlled Wine Custom gift baskets
Wine/Brew Making Kits Operated by local owners
Specialty foods & sauces Corporate gifts
Crafted candies and incense Gift certificates
Locally made products Special events
Custom wine racks Local delivery
Wine accessories

EXOTIC LOOSE LEAF TEAS OFFERED:
– TEAVANA
- TEALUXE
- PORTSMOUTH
- LOCALLY MADE
- MEM TEAS
SILKEN SACHET & BLOOMING TEAS:
- Harney & Sons

THE WINE VINE’S LOCALLY MADE LOOSE TEAS FROM CENTRAL MASS:
ONLY $3.95 PER 4OZ WINDOW TIN!!!
Or Jumbo Pouches for only $7.95

COMPLETE TEA ACCESSORIES, TEAPOTS & TEACUP SETS:
- make your own tea bags
- infusers & defusers
- fresh local honey & rock cane sugar
- teapots with permanent loose tea filters
- tea sets, trivets & tea serving trays
- tea biscuits, cookies & biscottis

I hope to visit again to try some of the Hawaiian teas that they stock and some of the green teas as well. They stock the following brand of teas: Harney and Sons, Tevana Teas, and The Wine Vine brand of teas.

**A review of Price Rite Market
www.priceritesupermarkets.com
Impossibly, Incredibly, Inconceivably Low Prices Everyday!

I visited this grocery store in Worcester, MA over the weekend and found that they have teas and not just iced tea; and very inexpensive. They are in packages of ten tea bags for .99 cents. I only purchased one of each kind that they had. The tea brand is by Badia Spices, Inc. and they carry such teas as: Green Tea; Chamomile & Anise Tea; Yerba Mate; and Mint Tea.
The Badia line of teas is: Sips that soothes and replenish!

Badia Spices Inc.
www.badiaspices.com

For over 30 years, Badia Spices has brought to market the best ingredients from all corners of the world, making it a favorite among every type of cook, from newbies to foodies. Rich in flavor, aroma and color, our products are as appealing in taste as they are in value.

Each is perfectly packaged to seal in the pure flavor and freshness of the ingredient, enhancing any meal whether a classic mainstay or culinary novelty.

**A review of Worcester University Café at College library

This university café is in the library to the side of it. It is a good size café with large screen television and what looks like a fire place. They serve coffee and tea as well as sandwiches, bagels, salads and fresh pastries. It all looks very appetizing. I have only had their tea. They carry the Tazo brand tea and they serve chai teas as well.

As alumni of the college it is nice to see the changes that have taken place on campus. There seems to be no immediate employment for some folks, yet it is good to see construction being done; new building rising or repairs/maintenance to dorms and libraries.

I mean the children of those who stayed at home perhaps are now coming forth to help the failing work force by using what is being built and maintained.

A Review of Organo Gold
I became aware of this company during a visit to the home of a former co-worker who is an independent seller of the Organo Gold product line. My friend Carol is an Organo Gold Independent Distributor and she had made mention of this to me sometime ago (last year). Anyhow, she gave me many samples of this company’s product: Gourmet Mocha, Gourmet Latte, Gourmet Hot Chocolate and their Organic Green Tea.

During my visit with her I had a cup of the Gourmet Latte and this was simply divine. I poured the content of one pouch into the mug she provided me with and she then added boiling water to my mug and I stirred until the contents were dissolved. What I had was a frothy and very enjoyable drink; needing not a thing since it was both rich and creamy. I decided to have a second cup of this latte since it was so very good.

As stated from their website:
Organo Gold is a global family that is growing and thriving every day. A family that is caring and compassionate and believes that the knowledge of Ganoderma should be in the hands of people world-wide. It’s a family that cares about you.

Central St Market
76 Central Street
West Boylston, MA 01523

This is another shop I wondered into while waiting for the library to open. This is a meat and specialty food store that carries wines as well. They have tea shelves filled with K-cups from Mountain Roasters Coffee, Celestial Seasonings tea packs, etc.

I did not purchase anything whilst there; although the man behind the counter did say I should save some money for them next time were I to visit. I am not sure that it is an area that I am welcome at since I don’t belong anywhere; I just show up and people tend to not know what to make of me. I don’t seem to know my place.

If I am at a store and they serve/sells teas I try to make a mentioning of it. That is all as they are not tea shops or tea stores.

It is a lovely store, truly!

Darby’s Bakery
www.darbysbakery.com
76 Central Street
West Boylston, MA 01583

Store hours: Tuesday-Friday 7- 6; Saturday 8-5; Sunday 8:30-2:30

This bakery shop is family owned and their products are all handmade using no additives or preservatives. The shop offers a wide variety of breads, cakes, pastries, pastas and ice cream. For beverages they serve coffee house blend and teas like Lipton Teas, and Bigelow Teas and Mighty Leaf Teas. I did not sample any of the teas available. I stopped in since they were opened, while waiting for library down the street to open. I did sample some of their pastries as I purchased a hermit bar and a cinnamon bun which was good except I would have like them warm (fresh out of the oven).

The bakery is very busy with many customers phoning in their orders and stopping in to retrieve them.
I would have liked to try the Eggnog Tea by Bigelow and the Pumpkin Spiced Tea but I kept thinking of the cost for a cup of tea that you fix yourself costing $2.00 for a tea bag and you take a cup and put the bag adding the hot water and voila you have tea. I imagined this as I did not purchase any tea.

This is not a tea shop by any means. It is a bakery store that has teas, coffees, hot chocolate and fines pastries and desserts. It seemed like a nice place to stop in and have a snack with no seating available, there is a bench outside the door that one could sit at since the shop is small.

The Worcester Public Library-
The Library Bookstore
http://www.worcpublib.org/support/bookstore.html
3 Salem Square
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 799-1686

Description: “The Library Bookstore is located at the parking lot entrance of the Worcester Public Library. The store sells high quality used books and other media, book-related gifts, office supplies, and Worcester-related items. All proceeds from the store support programs at the Main Library and its branches. Friends of the Worcester Public Library get 10% off purchase in the store. Volunteers receive a 25% discount on used books.”
(worcpublib.org/support/bookstore.html)

Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday 10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:30-5:30*

This bookshop is lovely and quaint; I have visited this shop several times and today decided to treat myself to a cup of tea. They have the Keurig brewing system and one just has to purchase the K-cups (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or cider) and bring it to the machine; place a cup underneath it and hit the start button and within about 30 seconds you have a lovely, hot cup of tea.

I selected the India Spice Chai Tea and the tea’s aroma was that of fragrant spice of Cardamom, cloves and cinnamon; teas’ color was like dark chestnut and when I take a sip of the tea, the spices are there to meet me. It is warmth. I was being greedy as I added several packets of white sugar to the tea. I stirred and stirred it until it dissolved and took my tea with me. I drink this tea throughout the day; I tried to make the cup last that is all.

In all, I have enjoyed drinking tea made using the K-cups Brewing Machine and they have all being most enjoyable. I am somewhat familiar with the Celestial Seasonings® Brand and this India Spice Chai is made by Celestial Seasonings Tea.

The tea has lovely spicy aroma, tea’s color was rightly for the chai…that darken chestnut making for a lovely malty Assam tea. Tea is smooth and sweetly with a complex layering of spices like cinnamon, cloves and cardamom with hints of nutmeg giving it that vanilla bean quality.

The book store has many wonderful treasures that one can find as gifts for friends, relatives and for oneself; for all occasions the bookstore can be for gathering of folks wanting to spend sometime while waiting for an event to begin at the library, or to have a snack while researching at the library. So indulge in this shop and take in all that it has to offer.

The Massachusetts Conference for Women
415 Summer Street
Boston MA 02210
(617) 954-2000
www.MAConferenceForWomen.org

The Massachusetts Conference for Women is committed to your health and wellbeing. Opened all day, the Pavilion featured, expert’s speakers, all the while providing a comfortable and peaceful relaxation in their luxurious lounge, complimentary chair massages, and many health screening was made available to attendees of the conference. This is one of the many experiences that one could benefit from by having attended this event.

What is to be known of the conference is: This event is an exceptional opportunity for women of all backgrounds to come together for a day of networking, learning and career development. It is to be noted that no matter where you are in your career path, the conference was to provide inspiration and the tools for helping to foster development and success.

I was a volunteer and upon visiting the dinning hall for their luncheon I noticed they had on each table a bottle of Tejava Unsweetened Iced tea. I did not sample this. I did however get to have a lovely cup of Tazo’s Calm –Herbal Infusion—while waiting in the volunteer room where they had a box of tea samples like Tetley tea, Lipton tea and Tazo tea, they had coffee as well.

This is not a tea room visit, not by any means. I am simply sharing a tea experience while volunteering at The Massachusetts Conference for Women. Thank you!

Mullens Herbal Tea House
3 Worcester Road
Barre, MA 01005
(978) 355-2157
http://www.mullensherbalteahouse.com

Description
Mullen’s Herbal Tea House is a family owned and operated business that specializes in Private Functions, 5 course Themed Teas, and Herbal Luncheons. We have over a 100 varieties of different Teas and many tea accessories, for your afternoon tea! We have many wonderful homemade culinary delights, baked goods and Spa Teas and tea soaps available for gifts as well!

A review of open house visit: Mullens Herbal Tea House
I am friends with Mullens Herbal Tea House on Facebook and I received their open house invite and I accepted tentatively and fortunately I was able to attend this event. We arrived there shortly after 1:00 p.m. and stayed for nearly two hours; actually we left thinking that it was almost time to close when in fact the clock on the wall had not been changed for daylight savings. We realized this when we got in our car to find out what time it actually was.

I am saying since while at the Mullens Herbal Tea House all was calm and so very peaceful that you simply did not want to leave.
When we got there we were not sure what to do. I did not believe that there was a charge and yet since we were not greeted or asked to be helped this sort of put me on the defense as if not welcome. Once I started to take some photos of the house and experience its beauty it did not seem to matter, other than that I was visiting another tea shop, tea house and it was decorated beautifully. Lots of floral arrangements, many teapots and tea images everywhere and the table spread was outstanding with sweets; delights of all kinds with offering of either Chai Spiced tea or black tea.
We went upstairs to view more of this fairy land and found more goodies with soap fairies, teapots, purses and jewelry and one room filled with tea and images of Santa and snowmen. In this room I found a lovely Christmas tea as the price was right. I also found a lovely charm bracelet filled with teapots, and other tea accessories.

We went back down to the main room and paid for our items and decided to stay and have some tea and treats. We found a corner table and added another chair to it and sat down. I was nervous but relaxed with the warmth of the Chai tea as it was very sweet and smooth and yes hot. I had two cups of this chai knowing all the while that I would pay for this the next day but in all it was worth every morsel.

I am happy to have finally visited this Herbal tea shop. I have viewed them from my Facebook page and at times I was not sure what sort of people they were. I don’t truly know but the experience was very nice.
The tea house is filled with their own brand of teas and herbs and they are rightly located in the center of Barre, MA with a Duncan Donuts, Asian restaurant, Pizza shop and several other small business shops in the area. I just think it is a good locale for business to grow since there are others in the area.

For rating this open house I would give it a five star, once I got past thinking they were not welcoming and simply dived in for the moment. Live in the moment of activities and take in the beauty offered in this tea house as the hostesses may not warm up to you right away or you to them but in time the two blend as one to getting and receiving what is needed by both parties.

Thank you to Sarah and Judy for sending the invite to my Facebook page; it was nice to meet and view your tea house. Lovely young ladies I might add.

A review of store visit: Living Earth Natural Food & Supplement

I finally paid a visit to Living Earth market and realized that I had visited them before; years earlier, at least this is what husband said. “We came here once before.” My memory is shoddy with all that is happening around me; lots of unpleasantness.

The market is very small and has a restaurant as well. But we only stopped in to view and purchased a few items. They carry lots of fruits and vegetables and there is a partial aisle for tea: Tea Forte teas, Mighty Leaf teas, Choice Teas, Celestial Seasoning teas, and many other teas. I purchased a few inexpensive teas as I tend to since no money of mine own. I got some cheap green tea, Ginseng tea, and a Gunpowder green tea; all for less than $3.00; not bad at all. As the character before you is quite inept since no income and what do I do all day long?

The folks at Living Earth are not very different from other places we’ve shop. What do I mean; nothing, it is a grocery store for those favoring organic food I suppose. They do have a wonderful newsletter that I had subscribed to earlier this year.

I hope that I can visit them again and perhaps be more receptive of what they are about.

seule771 hasn't written a review for this place yet.

Shaws Market
1175 Main Street
Clinton, MA 01510
www.shaws.com

I have shopped at Shaws Market in the past and this weekend we thought to visit them and get our groceries there for a change. I immediately went to their tea aisle to view what they had. All the organic items are in what is call the Wild Harvest.
This store is very clean and professional and spacious, which is something that is lacking with some other grocers. I did view their tea aisle and found it most interesting and selected several teas for purchase: 100% Organic & Pure Green Tea and several Argo Tea (bottle tea); and health food as well as a lovely lavender soap and an aromatherapy essentials. Yes, I splurged.
I like Shaws Market and hope to return without folks following me as they tend to do when out; always someone must be present to mock me since they I don’t have money of mine own. So sad!

Hannaford Supermarkets
SUPERMARKET & PHARMACY

I came to be in this supermarket after visiting a bead expo show in Marlborough, MA after which we decided to stop in and get some groceries. They are costly, so husband was hesitant but willing. Anyhow, once I found the tea aisle, I scooted down on the floor to read the many teas they carried. As there were many that I was not familiar with; like Newman’s Own Tea Premium Black Tea and Newman’s Own Green Tea. I was very surprised at this.
I did purchase several teas that I had seen other steepster reviewers viewed/tried and with this season for wanting a cup of spice tea I thought I would try some as well. And yes, the hubby allowed me to purchase what I selected: Oregon Chai, Guayaki Yerba Mate, and a Fennel Seed Tea by Alvita. I did not get the Newman’s Own Premium Teas since I have so many store brand premium teas and I wanted something a bit different.
Hannaford Supermarkets are spacious and environmental friendly stores. They carry many items from around the globe and price wise I think they are lower in cost than Super Star Market or Stop and Shop and perhaps equaling in value with Shaw’s Market/grocers.
-————————
I did another visit to this market for 2013
We visited Hannaford Market again after having attended the Innovative Bead Expo just nearby where the market is located at. Hannaford Market remains to be a lovely and clean store and pricing wise it is best affording those with two incomes.

I did purchase one bottle of mint green iced tea and this Masala Chai Tea and some other goodies since husband was being generous.
I took a photo of their mural which reminds me a bit of Trader Joe’s store mural; only this one is bigger/wider. The only similarity is that they both a mural on their interior wall, that is all.

Price Chopper
www.pricechopper.com
72 Pullman St.
Worcester, MA 01606
508) 854-8474

Manager: Mary Barone
Co-Manager: Mike Camiolo
Hours
Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm Monday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Tuesday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Thursday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Saturday: 9:00am – 7:00pm

Price Choppers motto: Healthy, delicious food starts with making informed decisions. Bring out your inner gourmet and learn more about selecting the best ingredients and preparing nutritious, restaurant-worthy meals.

Pricing wise this market is a bit more than the usual grocery store we normally frequented, but not wanting to travel further, we just stopped in there to get a few items. I don’t enjoy grocery shopping since I perceive folks doing things where ever that I am. It is an illness since they don’t do things; our store receipt stated that a Bob Murphy as store manager, yet on line something else is depicted. Or the store has several managers.

All grocers have tea shelves full of teas from all sorts of distributors. I did snap a photo of their tea aisle and not sure why since I have not submitted to doing this at other stores. This is not a tea shop review; I am noting a place where I purchased some teas.

Main Street Nutrition
219 Main Street
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 893-6490
www.mainstreetnutrition.com

“Bridging the gap between the science of nutrition and the art of helping others.”

Main Street Nutrition offers complete focus on wellness, nutritional assessment, individualized approach and preventive care.

Natural Marketplace
G. Daniels Plaza
471 South Broadway #2
Salem, NH 03079
Phone: (603) 893-2893
Fax: (603) 893-1388

During one of my daring jaunts from Methuen, MA I attempted to venture further into New Hampshire’s Main Street and while there I took notice of this shop and decided to stop and peruse.

It looks sparse when one first enters, but as you slowly take in the shelves and realized it is not crowded, it is a big space and the shelves are fully stock with teas: Numi Teas, Pu-erh Teas, Three Leaf Teas, Ayuverdic Teas, Yogi Teas and there is the herbs section with leaf teas in the jars for selection. The aromatherapy section and elixirs; the natural beauty section, the vitamins/supplements section and toward the back there are the bottled tea: Teas tea, Honest Tea, rice crackers, nutritional bars, ice cream, rice and soy drinks etc.

As stated it is a Natural Market focusing on wellness.

I was able to take photos of their tea shelves and herbal area. The teas carried are more than reasonably price. I was over whelmed and had no money to make a purchase, I am sorry to say. I hope to return and purchase some Pu-erh teas and the Three Leaf Detox tea or the Laxative tea; all for under $5.00 dollars.

It is shame I stumble unto this goldmine when I am planning on leaving the area. It is most sad. But I can say I was there once.

Cobweb Consignment & Gifts
385 CS Broadway
Salem, NH
(800) 509- 0135
(603) 685-3030
Email: cobwebconsignment@hotmail.com

Cobweb is an eclectic mixture of collectibles for decorating one’s home or humble abode. I became interested in Cobweb for the tea it was to have carried. During my tea researching last year, I came across a newspaper article on Brenda Ghorashi, who lectures on the importance of tea and the benefit it offers.

I sent several emails and we exchange correspondences but I was never to attend her lectures or tea presentations. Finally, I took myself to the Cobweb store to see for myself what it is about. I was able to take some photos of the store and was told they don’t carry teas any longer; they had a few remaining: Canadian Tea, Maple Leaf and one house blend by Brenda Ghorashi, proprietress of The Tea Parlour, can lecture on the benefits of teas at your next meeting, conference, or tea party.

I did not have money during this visit. I hope to return and purchase some of the Maple Canadian Tea. Maybe!

The Boston Tea Stop
54 JFK St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood: Harvard Square
617) 945-0017

Tea shop is small and cozy…making it a place to stop in for smoothie bubble tea and play a video game or talk with friends or watch the big screen television on corner wall. Or simply purchase your milk, smoothie, black tea, honey bubble tea and take it with you for your jaunts in the square.

The service is very efficient; you place order and pay for it and by the time you are seated your order is ready and it is so very good.

Thank you for the experience.

Miso Market
http://miso-market-asian.com/
(617) 945-7789
963 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140

It is fine market with most stocks at reasonable pricing. Store is very spacious and shelves are fully stocked.

I visited this store on several occasions and the other day, I made a point to do my grocery shopping there; which I do not get to do often. I rely on husband income. Anyhow, I purchased several Ito En teas, a wonderful Green Tea Soy-milk made by Kikkoman and I must remember to get more next time I am around the area. This soy-milk is very similar to the Green Ice-cream tea that I had at the Japonaise Café several weeks earlier at the Porter Exchange Building, as they had a power outage and this made me walk the extra round to the Miso Market on opposite end of Porter. Not far.

Please keep this location and grow and welcome me again. Thank you.

This is not a review, but a notice for The Grand Opening and Festive s…

The Grand opening was last month, with offer to sample New Hampshire’s freshly baked foods and tea from the iced tea fountains, share conversation amongst friends, but most of all…and to enjoy a taste of tranquility!

Take a moment to enjoy the fascinating and relaxing experience of an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony (noon). Visit throughout the day with local artists, authors, and health and business professionals to learn about the great talents our community has to offer.

I have yet to visit this new location. But do give it a try!

Willard House & Clock Museum
www.willardhouse.org
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. or by appointment
Closed: Monday & Tuesdays and major holidays
(508) 839-3500
11 Willard Street
North Grafton, MA 01536
______________________________

I was fortunate to experience an Iced Tea Social at Willard House & Clock Museum this past Saturday. The museum offers tea events in the Main Gallery of the museum and reservation is to be made if wanting to attend.

I phoned and reserved my spot for this activity, as it was a first for me. I was not sure what to expect socially, I mean. Anyhow, the idea was to spend a quiet, relaxing summer afternoon with a tall glass of iced tea and period refreshments.

I got there just in time and was greeted by the museum director Meredith, who insisted I sit at the front table where some ladies were already seated and having their teas and socializing. The ladies all seem to know each other from The Grafton Senior Center. Their table had one seat left and so it became mine.

I sat down and introduced myself and the ladies did the same (Annette, Barbara, Judith & Pauline [Paula]). At least this was my recollection of their names…after making some comments on how I remember things which at times is annoying.

Meredith came over to ask me which tea would I take; sweetened black tea, unsweetened or green tea? I selected the Green Iced Tea. She returned with a tall glass filled with iced and tea. It looked more like lemonade upon sight but when I tasted it there was no tartness as lemonade would have. It was green tea, sweetened and there in the background lingered some other notes that I could not discern…not mint either.

It was nice tea and I kept wondering if it was powdered tea or cooked tea than made into iced tea. I forgot or never got a chance to ask. They had said when I made the reservation a menu of sort might be provided but nothing was handed out.

I sampled some of the small desserts/refreshments they offered: small bite size peach cobbler, Danish, tart, and there was a bowl of fruit salad with blueberry sauce to pass around but I sampled only the desserts and had none of the fruit salad.

Behind us, there was another table with several ladies and I kept turning around to speak with them and not to be rude I said, in seeing the back of someone’s head. Perhaps best, with the way I look. That table had two seats remaining and much later on another couple arrived and was seated with those ladies. And of course I had to think of my father-in-law for some reason.

In all the experience was lovely. A tour of the museum was offered and we were broken up into several groups and we got to learn about this family of clock makers, who originally were shoe makers (shoe cobblers) I prefer this term best. It seems that Benjamin Willard traveled to Connecticut where he learned about making clocks and when he returned to Grafton, he opted to devote his time to the making of clocks. In his lifetime he received three patents. His most famous clock is The Time Measurement Piece which we all know as the Banjo Clock.

The tour ended in the museum gift shop where I purchased a couple of small items; I had eyed during an earlier visit.

This museum is a lovely place and setting for having teas and social gathering. I am thankful for finally being able to attend a social tea event. Thank you!

Japonaise Bakery& Café
www.japonaisebakery.com

1815 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: (617) 547-5531

I frequented the Porter Exchange Arcade the other day and visited this bakery shop filled with goodies; desserts and breads.

It is a small kiosk like store across from several Korean restaurant style booths that is to be found there as well.

I know that they sell ice-cream as well and I had wanted to sample their Green tea ice cream, so I ordered some…a small cup and while waiting I notice that they carried Ito En iced teas; so I retrieved two bottles of the Ito En tea (Golden Oolong & Oi Ocha Green Tea) from the glass case refrigerator and took this to the counter and the girl gave me my Green tea ice cream. I had tried to get her to fill the small cup with extra since so costly. Anyhow, I handed the cash I had been trying not to spend. I knew once walking into the Exchange I would be spending money. That is why it is best to not enter places when not wanting to spend money.

She placed the two bottles of tea in a bag and I ask her to double it since I was walking. I took my change and one of their business cards and proceeded to leave with my ice cream in hand. I took a scoop and the sweetness with the creaminess was most surprising. It is rich and smooth and filling. It did not take me long while walking to my next errand to finish the ice cream.

The Green Tea ice-cream was very good and next time I am there I must try their Ginger ice-cream. Perhaps a large if not a pint, well one can hope.

I now realize that I did not get a receipt with my purchase…maybe because I did not tip the girl and took my change instead of putting in their tipping cup.

A review of Heath’s Tea Room

http://www.heathstearoom.com
Email: heath@heathstearoom.com

Hours 2012
Fri, Sat, Sun, & Mon: 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dinner or high tea by reservation only, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Reservation accepted up to 6:00 p.m.
Relax and enjoy our room until 8:00 p.m.

Heath’s Tea Room is a family run business: (Kimberlie and Michael O’Connell, Brian and Fatima Heath are Kimberlie’s parents) serving lunches and Afternoon Teas in the best English tradition. Serving homemade specials such as quiche, soups and salads. Their afternoon Teas menu offers a choice of either Queen Catherine’s Delight (a three-tier presentation featuring an assortment of six tea sandwiches, a freshly baked scone with preserves, a sampling of three tea treats and a two-cup pot of tea $19.95 per person. Or you select The Dartmouth, which is a two-tier presentation featuring an assortment of six tea sandwiches, a freshly baked scone with preserves and a two-cup pot of tea. $15.95 per person.

Heath’s Tea Room is available for private functions for up to 50 people!

The tea room includes a small gift shop choosing from fine English china teapots that are made in & imported from England, assortment of books, jewelry, unique gift items and assorted teas.

Tea Selections:
Black Teas:
Afternoon Apricot, Classic Assam, Organic Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast
Ginger Darjeeling Peach and Irish Breakfast.
Green Teas:
Dragon’s Well, Jasmine Green, Organic Sencha, Wild Blueberry
Oolong Teas: Oolong Peach
White Teas: Papaya Ginger, White Peony
Rooibos Teas: Rooibos Organic
Herbal Teas: Cool Mint, Chamomile
Decaffeinated Teas: Decaf Ceylon Breakfast

I had been exchanging email with the owners for the past year, so I was happy to finally be able to visit this tea room. It is a lovely space with high beam ceiling, kind of barn like or a ships galley perhaps. It is cozy; offers Bridal and Baby Showers, Social Clubs Meetings, Business Meetings, Fashion Shows, Fund Raisers and Private Catering.

I purchased a small tea tin by The Boston Tea Company and Kimberlie gave me a few samples of the teas she carries. I also purchased a lovely cookbook –style magazine that I hope to include in my next blog along with reviews of their teas.

In all a good visit and thank you for having us!

Bazaar on Cambridge Street
Royal Delicacies at Peasant Prices

Bazaar on Cambridge Street is fully equipped supermarket for gourmands. Easily accessible from both Cambridge Street and Brighton Ave. and has parking lots at both entrances. They have the freshness of produce department with exceptional selection and quality.

On website they carry the Mozums Tea brand…Karkade Tea, Raspberry Tea, Rosehip Tea, Strawberry Tea, Green Peppermint Tea and Lemon Tea all for under $2.00 for a box of 20 tea bags.

I have not visited this Bazaar but it is one of two Bazaar Delicacies to be found in the New England area. I have shopped at their Brookline Store on Beacon Street.

A review of Bazaar International Gourmet
Royal Delicacies at Peasant Prices

I visited this store to purchase some Russian Teas. It is located on Beacon Street in Brookline, MA next to Petropol Russian Book Store. The store is a mini-market with fruits, vegetable and cooked/prepared food to go. The pricing is so very affordable and reflects their slogan: “Royal Delicacies at Peasant Prices. The have wonderful selections of breads and deserts baked fresh, daily.
Bazaar’s first international food store was opened in Boston in 1982, with their latest door opening in 2004. It is said to truly understand the store it must be done in person. The smell, the look, the variety and freshness of their products do overwhelm the senses.

Bazaar carries all sorts of smoked fish, caviar, candies, chocolates, and cakes. Has a very large selection of beers and wines. It is a take-out food haven.

Their tea shelves are filled with such teas as:
Twinning Tea
Ahmad Tea
Favorit Iced Tea (Alpine Iced Tea, or Green Iced Tea)
Akbar Earl Grey
Princess Noori Teas
They carry several type of dieter’s tea as well:
Senna Green Tea, a Herbal Infusion
Peppermint Green Tea

I tend to go over board when I visit a teashop or store; in that I purchase far too many and then feel guilty for spending so much on tea.

Daily Bagel Café

It was not by choice that I stumbled into this café early on Sunday morning. I was to be volunteering at the Mass Poet Festival being held over in Salem, MA this past weekend. I was to report there at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. I did as much with the help of my husband who dropped me off and I walked down to where I was told to report. A change in plan, a note was left to report to the Museum Mall next door or nearby. I tend to get lost easily, so it was good another volunteer came by and we walked over there together.
Not at all a good start to the day, and volunteering out of goodness of heart. Since my presence was not needed this early, so it seems or I was not dressed appropriately (others wearing jeans and t-shirts); I was to be a greeter at this event and since it was a demand on dress code I dressed as I normally do. I wore a dress as I had done the day prior when I volunteered, except I was wearing a skirt.

I was waiting around in the corridor of this empty mall since all the stores were closed. I noticed an open sign and decided to go sit in there and sulk in private. I saw that it was a bagel store and as I approached the counter I saw that they had several boxes of Harney & Sons Teas. I decided to order a cup of tea (Harney’s Organic Passion Plum) and a bagel. I noticed the display and asked if I could take some photos and I did as much while waiting for the bagel to be warmed in toaster.

I took my order and proceeded to sit. I took one of their menus (I asked for this as well) and in viewing it I noted quite a selection of bagel sandwiches: bacon or sausage; vegetarian with egg; Roast Beef and Egg; and there is even one called The Bayou (Andouille sausage, two fried eggs & cheese served with your choice of bagel) for $3.75.
For beverages they offered: Milk, chocolate milk, vitamin water, fresh brewed coffee, Assorted Teas (Harney & Sons Earl Grey, Green Sencha, Darjeeling and Herbal teas like this Organic Passion Plum tea). They carried Chai as well as Iced tea and Fountain Soda. I did not notice this, as I was too upset.

The tea was very hot and refreshing in curbing my anger/disappointment. I arrived on time for an event and was treated as if I had done something wrong. Anyhow, all I could make of the tea is the plum flavoring as it was very prominent through and through. I did enjoy the tea for its warmth, but I did not like being used as I had been and continued to be used all day long, most of life it seems. It was a good cup of tea for what it was worth.

I am often reminded during times like this: “no one said life is easy” and we have hemlock as a remedy.

I visited this Map Room Café last year and thought to stop in again and purchase another sampler tea bag of Harney & Sons Tea. I purchased their Pearl Jasmine Tea (single silken sachet). I hope it will be as depicted by other tea reviewers; since all have said wonderful things about most Jasmine teas.

The Map Room Café seems to always be busy with folks either ordering or seating idly reading the paper or a book. And the side room where the Catered Affair restaurant is found seemed busy as well. I have not been in there, but can see into it.

These are all great landmarks of Boston, Massachusetts to be treasured and enjoyed by tourists as well as those residing in this state.

I took great pain to know they had raised the price of the tea bag; as I paid I asked the cashier if it was not less last year and quoted the price and she gladly confirmed this.

Quality is the same but the price is higher. I should note that the weather was lovely. There is a courtyard to be found outside of the two buildings connecting the library or should I say that comprises the library. The courtyard has a lovely water fountain, and plenty of Italian statues and columns. It is lovely and one feels or should feel privileged to be in it.

Cambridge Naturals is health food store that carries Numi Teas, and many other teas. I have frequented this store over the years to purchase supplements or to have a healthy snack. I was happy to purchase this iced tea by Numi.

I mentioned always the places I find that carries a variety of teas…iced, brewed and already packaged teas.

In wanting all things naturally good, a visit to Cambridge Naturals would suffice.

A review for Williams-Sonoma
Copley Place

This store carries the finest in culinary tools and products. It is a well-known brand name. This store was recommended to me because they carried The Marriage Frère Teas. So I went there to have a look. I noticed they carry many of Harney & Sons Teas and some Chai teas as well. They had this Chai Trio brand and it seemed to have been put out for me since perhaps they knew I was going to be there. Weird!

I remembered as I was perusing the teas, some man walked past me and around me to view up close what was on shelves. I suspect he was part of whatever was being played out. What I experience is not real. Anyhow, they have a whole section for cookbooks and as part of their April Culinary Activities on April 11, 2012 and their April cookbook club presenter will be Giada De Laurentiis of Weeknights with Giada will be there for a book signing.

Featured recipes and tasting menu:
Asparagus Soup with Herbed Goat Cheese
Crispy Chicken with Rosemary-Lemon Salt
Pasta alla Formiana
Broccoli Rabe with Pecorino and Lemon
Chocolate Mascarpone Pound Cake

The fee for this event is $75 per person; includes cookbook with signed bookplate 10% discount the night of the class. I was wondering why it cost so much until I saw and read the menu; so perhaps that is why.

I did take some photos of the shop upon entering and speaking with the store manager and a sale associates. Since I was purchasing the Chai Trio Tea, I had to ask them about preference for making it: with milk/soy or without? The sale associates said she liked it mainly with milk, not half or slim but whole milk and could have it either cold or warm. I could tell that she liked Chais.

I did see several items of interest, like The Beekman Boys Lavender Goat soap for $10.00 and there was this Kinfolk magazine that I mistook as a free sample book to take but this cost $18.00; I only was able to purchase the Chai tea.