Tea-Filled Weekend in Toronto: Part 1

Last weekend (August 9-11) started off with a lecture at The Tea Emporium on Friday presented by the Tea Association of Canada.

James Norwood Pratt is the world renowned San Francisco based tea author and expert acknowledged to be the person that helped bring about North America's present Tea Renaissance.   Originally from North Carolina "Norwood", as he likes to be referred to, is every bit the Southern gentleman; charming, enthusiastic, soft spoken and a dynamic story teller.

He just recently updated "The Ultimate Tea Lover's Treasury" first published in 1982.

"Tea is humanity's favourite habit. We drink it because it makes us feel good and it is good for you".  The audience mainly consisted of Tea Association members.

The hour and half lecture went through the basics covering the six types of teas - White, Green, Yellow, Oolong, Black, and Puerh.  It was an engaging refresher.

Then came autograph time! I missed my chance to pick up the "Tea Dictionary" last year at the World Tea Expo, so this lecture and book signing was a prime opportunity!  This book's for me!

Photo: R. Drolet

and this one's for my friend, Raymonde, who's also a Certified Tea Sommelier

Valerie (James Norwood Pratt's lovely wife), Shabnam (owner of The Tea Emporium), Louise (President of the Tea Association of Canada), me and Norwood

Photo: R. Drolet

This lecture was only the start of last weekend's tea-filled adventures.  Watch for Part 2 as the tea adventures continued at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre with the Tea!Chai!The! Festival, which was part of the Fusion Cooking Festival celebrating Pan Asian sights, sounds and tastes!