There is an art to pairing tea that connects with the spirit of steeping well beyond the aroma of the brewed tea and the first sip. The steeped tea can elevate the flavor of what's on your plate and even change the flavor of the tea in a deliciously exciting way. You may be surprised by somersaulting taste buds. A rich goat cheese paired with a grassy, astringent sencha green tea brings out the subtly sweeter notes lingering with the sip. And suddenly the fresh, grassiness of the goat cheese seems to be shining brighter than ever. Beyond the dairy delights, I jump at the chance to pair savory and sweet baked goods with tea that can take the shape of a morning welcome, an afternoon spirit lifter or a new take on happy hour.
So in honor of seeking duos that are better together, I hope that you will join me on April 28th for a springtime tea and baked goods pairing class at Metropolitan Bakery's Cafe (right near Rittenhouse Square) from 6:00-7:30pm. $30 tickets include 4 teas perfectly paired with Metropolitan's infamous savory and sweet baked goods with a parting gift. To sign up for the class, please call 1.877.41.BREAD.
As I continue to welcome spring's arrival, I've selected one tea to chill and three warm brews to feature during the evening class to anchor us even more in this month of blossoms and green awakenings. From herbaceous sencha green tea, toasted genmaicha green tea to an oolong that will sweep your senses into a garden ripe with fragrant blossoms, and then ending with an earl grey that will make you think twice with its green tea base and rhubarb twist, winter doldrums will seem like a forgotten dream as spring simmers. And I'll be sure to share how to perfectly steep each tea and my tea 101 foundations that set up a steep for success.
Pairings were carefully selected during a meeting of the minds and taste buds with Wendy Born and Jessie Harris of Metropolitan. While I don't want to spoil every detail of the pairing surprise, keep in mind that you'll bite into wedges of focaccia, bread baked with edible treasures inside, crumbling bars with jam gems and a parisian pleasure that's light enough to float away in the spring sky. Buttery crumbles will melt into sips of warm tea, and with your eyes closed you might just think that you ordered a latte. But that's just the beginning...
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