Tea is simple, just leaves and water, but to the tea lover it’s simply a delicious, healthy way to relax.
This quote pretty much sums up my own philosophy of tea. My morning starts with a ginger lemon green tea, followed by a cup of milky tea with my breakfast which is preceded by marjoram or Kehva { kashmiri tea of cinnamon green cardamom and unprocessed green tea leaves}. For the evening it is black tea with hint of lemon and honey and I usually hit the sack after a relaxing cup of chamomile tea helps my sleeping disorders)
Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company! So true if you happen to be a tea lover like me.
It’s our common love for tea that has created a special bond between me and my friend Anamika singh who is Master Tea taster and Tea connoisseur, having spent a major chunk of her life in her father’s tea garden Anamika is a walking talking encyclopedia on tea.
When I first met her, it was an instant connect i.e. of tea {I can drink gazillion cups of tea everyday} and we started talking about tea and its different varieties. And when you hear her speaking about tea, her love and passion shows in her sparkling eyes and beautiful smile.
Last week Anamika introduced in the market few of her speciality tea blends by the name of Anandini Himalya Tea {Some really unusual and interesting flavours and combination of herbs and flowers} which will be available in select outlets to begin with.
On the same evening she in association with Chef at large conducted a tea and food pairing session at Lodhi Restaurant a beautiful garden restaurant overlooking lodhi gardens. A vibrant and serene restaurant surrounded by lush greens all around with a splash of colors provided by colors used in the Decor`.
Understanding Finer Nuances of Exotic Teas With Tea Connoisseur Anamika Singh and Chef at large.
After brief introduction about the event by Anamika Singh and Sid khullar (of
chef at large), We were served this beautiful looking iced green tea infused with rose petals and mint as a welcome drink. It was a refreshing blend with dominant taste of rose and subtle aftertaste of mint (not a dominant flavour which generally is the case).
On the menu were speciality tea paired with a food which complements that particular tea. Anamika’s second blend which was Green tea chamomile and rose hip was served with Asparagus tips and Romanian toast with mustard Parmesan emulsion which perfectly complemented the flavour of green tea. For non-vegetarians there was Grilled sole with butter and parmesan was served (which Sangeeta says was excellent).
Rhododendron and himalyan tulsi infusion in green tea which was served as main course came in beautiful white tea cups and was paired with pickled mozzarella and fresh tomato with pesto. Sour rhododendron flowers with sharp taste of pesto compliments each other very beautifully, perfect marriage of flavours.
For non vegetarians there was gruyere spinach and sun dried tomato quiche. By this time I was already in the bliss and transported into of tea heaven. Anamika started talking about various health benefits based on catchins and tannins present in various types of teas and our fourth tea for the evening arrived with falafel, hummus and pita bread for vegetarians and coriander lamb kebab for non- vegetarians.
This full bodied tea helps to mellow down the spiciness of falafel with the sweetness of rose petals and lemon balm. Just a whiff of this tea was enough to transport you to another world.
As no meal is complete without sweet finish, very thoughtfully paired first flush tea with lavender and lemon grass was served with a mildly sweet cheese cake, that was perfect in the texture and perfect ending for a perfect five course tea evening {each of them with their distinctive characteristic fragrance and flavours}.
The mild flavours of fresh ingredients paired with delicious food in a serene place that pretty much sums up my evening enjoyed in beautiful company of Sangeeta and Sushmita. Thanks Mr Favicol (Sid), Anamika and Sevara hospitality for putting up this great event and inviting me over for a great evening. Signing off with some more photographs of the Event.
I went for a tea tasting session myself last week. Beautiful moody photos!
Beautiful post Rekha.
It was an awesome evening sipping some great teas.
I’d like to go for a tea tasting session. It sounds like fun.
Beautifully covered Rekha. So whimsical and relaxing, and so much information! Missed the session!
wow! would’ve been a lovely experience am sure! lovely pics as well! cheers to the cuppa!
wow! would’ve been a lovely experience! well-covered I agree with Deeba!
cheers to the cuppa!