On my trip across the country, I stopped mostly at smaller tea businesses filled with charm and community. My visit to Boulder included a larger, glossier tea house with the potential unrealized for greatness on an international scale. Excerpt from the review:
After visiting Seven Cups in Denver, my husband Marko and I drove to the famed Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse in Boulder, Colo. I had read rave reviews of it, and I do not disagree with them. However, Dushanbe wasn’t what I expected. While I would recommend it to others, I doubt I will return.
I can sum it up this way: People are sometimes surprised that the World Tea Expo is in Las Vegas. They say, “Vegas isn’t a tea town,” but they mean, “Vegas seems too glitzy and hollow to capture how I feel tea should be.” Boulder feels more like a tea town, but if there is ever a tea house on the Vegas Strip, it will be something like the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
This was a rather controversial review. Personally, I think it was balanced and that the tea industry is grown enough to handle reviews that do more than pat backs, but, hey, to each his own! Read more on World Tea News.
Showing posts with label Vegas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vegas. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
World Tea Expo
This post is dedicated to the World Tea Expo. It was, as usual, fantastic. Here are a few highlights from my week in Vegas, from the Expo and otherwise:
Seeing so many tea people -- I love learning about what everyone is up to, talking tea and connecting with people and ideas in the industry. Connections took the forms of chatting between classes, touring the show floor, interviewing like mad, holding a TweetUp, sending the obligatory "where are you now" texts to find fellow attendees... I only wish I'd had more time to spend with everyone!
Trying new teas -- ITO EN's new shincha (sold out already), Hawaii-grown teas from Sherri Miller, oolongs from Teas, Etc. and much more... Along with the people, this is one of my favorite things about the Expo each year!
Interviews -- I held about two dozen interviews over the course of the Expo. Some were informal talks, some were sit-down-with-a-recorder interviews and some were video interviews. The videos were with notables like James Norwood Pratt, Jane Pettigrew, Bruce Richardson, Kevin Rose and Steve Schwartz. They'll start showing up on World Tea News soon.
Classes -- My favorite class was Rona Tison's Japanese green tea cupping course. Tasty! A few of my other favorites were with Charles Cain (TeaGschwendner USA), Michale Cramer (Adagio) and Elisabeth Knottingham (The Teacup in Seattle, WA), who held a fantastic class on hiring and keeping great employees.
Leaving the Strip -- Sometimes Vegas is just so... Vegas-y. This year, I got off the strip on a few occasions. Downtown Vegas' First Friday with my husband, my World Tea News boss and her husband (and his beautiful flower shop, set to open soon) was fantastic. Red Rock Canyon was gorgeous! And tapas with the Gamila Teastick crew was was tastier (and cheaper) than most of the strip fare.
What was your favorite part of the Expo? What are you looking forward to about next year?
Seeing so many tea people -- I love learning about what everyone is up to, talking tea and connecting with people and ideas in the industry. Connections took the forms of chatting between classes, touring the show floor, interviewing like mad, holding a TweetUp, sending the obligatory "where are you now" texts to find fellow attendees... I only wish I'd had more time to spend with everyone!
Trying new teas -- ITO EN's new shincha (sold out already), Hawaii-grown teas from Sherri Miller, oolongs from Teas, Etc. and much more... Along with the people, this is one of my favorite things about the Expo each year!
Interviews -- I held about two dozen interviews over the course of the Expo. Some were informal talks, some were sit-down-with-a-recorder interviews and some were video interviews. The videos were with notables like James Norwood Pratt, Jane Pettigrew, Bruce Richardson, Kevin Rose and Steve Schwartz. They'll start showing up on World Tea News soon.
Classes -- My favorite class was Rona Tison's Japanese green tea cupping course. Tasty! A few of my other favorites were with Charles Cain (TeaGschwendner USA), Michale Cramer (Adagio) and Elisabeth Knottingham (The Teacup in Seattle, WA), who held a fantastic class on hiring and keeping great employees.
Leaving the Strip -- Sometimes Vegas is just so... Vegas-y. This year, I got off the strip on a few occasions. Downtown Vegas' First Friday with my husband, my World Tea News boss and her husband (and his beautiful flower shop, set to open soon) was fantastic. Red Rock Canyon was gorgeous! And tapas with the Gamila Teastick crew was was tastier (and cheaper) than most of the strip fare.
What was your favorite part of the Expo? What are you looking forward to about next year?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sen So'Oku, Chanoyu "Rock Star"
I recently had the chance to interview tea master Sen So'Oku, who Rona Tison ("The Matriarch of ITO EN") dubbed a tea "rock star." Fun! Here's an excerpt (where WTN = me):
WTN: Have the reasons for studying tea changed?
Sen: Several generations ago, people learned the way of tea to learn etiquette and how to behave, but today people are interested in learning in order to acquire knowledge about tea and art, in order to enjoy.
WTN: Is there a renaissance of tea culture in Japan?
Sen: There is a lot of interest in tea. Magazines for young people that have nothing to do with traditional art and tea are doing stories about tea ceremonies. You could call it trendy or a mini-boom, but there are many people in creative businesses, like art directors, art curators or artists, who want to get involved in tea.
WTN: Is chanoyu more expressive than it was?
Sen: There was a time when the tea ceremony was very rigid and people’s impression of it was very formal, so young people especially didn’t like it and stayed away from it. That attitude is changing. Now, you can be creative with tea. In order to make a new style or be expressive, you have to have the basic form. I think there will be two directions of tea in the future. One direction is, you keep and protect the tradition of tea. The other is to enjoy the tea in a contemporary setting, to make a special moment in ordinary life.
You can read the full article on World Tea News. He'll be presenting at the World Tea Expo. I saw his lecture and demo at The Japan Center in NYC and I highly recommend you check him out in Vegas!
PS -- It looks like I am a finalist for Top Tea Cocktail, though the final results will be announced next week. Thanks to all of you who voted and passed on the link!!!
WTN: Have the reasons for studying tea changed?
Sen: Several generations ago, people learned the way of tea to learn etiquette and how to behave, but today people are interested in learning in order to acquire knowledge about tea and art, in order to enjoy.
WTN: Is there a renaissance of tea culture in Japan?
Sen: There is a lot of interest in tea. Magazines for young people that have nothing to do with traditional art and tea are doing stories about tea ceremonies. You could call it trendy or a mini-boom, but there are many people in creative businesses, like art directors, art curators or artists, who want to get involved in tea.
WTN: Is chanoyu more expressive than it was?
Sen: There was a time when the tea ceremony was very rigid and people’s impression of it was very formal, so young people especially didn’t like it and stayed away from it. That attitude is changing. Now, you can be creative with tea. In order to make a new style or be expressive, you have to have the basic form. I think there will be two directions of tea in the future. One direction is, you keep and protect the tradition of tea. The other is to enjoy the tea in a contemporary setting, to make a special moment in ordinary life.
You can read the full article on World Tea News. He'll be presenting at the World Tea Expo. I saw his lecture and demo at The Japan Center in NYC and I highly recommend you check him out in Vegas!
PS -- It looks like I am a finalist for Top Tea Cocktail, though the final results will be announced next week. Thanks to all of you who voted and passed on the link!!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
World Tea Expo: Is It For Me?
Most of you who are reading this series of posts on the Expo are probably doing so because either you wanted to go and couldn't or you are trying to decide if you should go in future years. If you fall into the latter category, or if you are planning on attending (or exhibiting or speaking) in the future, this post will be of use to you. I spoke with a number of people about their feelings on the Expo and found some major trends in their level of satisfaction about attendance. The people who were the happiest about their Expo experience fell into some of the following categories:
People who are strongly (and I mean strongly) considering opening a tea business
Those who were only toying with the idea seemed more overwhelmed than anything else. Those who knew the basics of tea and had some kind of business outline fared much better. If you're not fairly sure you want to take the plunge, consider waiting another year to attend.
People who are in the planning stages of opening a tea business and who planned their Expo goals
E.g.: "I will find (and get samples from) at least three exciting new potential vendors, decide on a packaging supplier, and investigate supplementary products, such as chocolates, teaware, and tea-related beauty products."
People who have already opened a tea business, but who have specific reasons for attending the Expo
E.g.: "I need to find three great oolong teas to add to my menu," "I need to learn more in-depth information about several of the topics covered in courses and demos," or "I need source supplementary products that reflect the quality level and attitude/image of my tea business."
People who had booths AND either had booths in the past or attended the Expo before to see how the whole game works
Most people who hadn't investigated which types of booths' products and displays fared best seemed dissatisfied with their exposure level. If you're considering a booth, attend first if at all possible. Note the display styles, the attention to overall design and the details, the logistics of setup, the quantities of samples and info handouts necessary, the numbers of employees manning each booth, etc. If you can't attend, well... I guess the closest second option would be to talk to as many people as you can about it. I'm available for consultation, but my first suggestion is still to go for yourself!
People who spoke about an issue they are both knowledgeable and passionate about
What better feeling than sharing your expertise with a room full of people who want to learn about something you care about? The people who seemed most satisfied with their speaking experience were those who had spoken at the Expo or a similar event before, were well-prepared, and who had been to other Expo lectures/tastings.
People who know the tea basics and are in beginner to intermediate stages of tea knowledge
Of course, this applies for people who are only attending, not speaking or exhibiting. If you are practically a tea master and none of the other reasons for attending apply to you, then you will not gain much by attending. On the flip side, if you are at square one and know nothing about tea, I suggest waiting a year and getting the basics down before you attend.
People who are seeking to network with other tea people
It can be a very social event just as tea can be a very socially-based industry and, for better or worse, both can be just as much about who you know as what you know.
People who can plan well AND go with the flow
A difficult balance, but necessary for such a large event. Some people were very frustrated with bureaucratic errors, unexpected circumstances, changes of plans, etc. Sure, it's expensive and you had to travel all the way from wherever and blah blah blah. Still, if you can't just drink a cup of tea, relax, and get over it, this may not be the best tea event for you. There ARE other tea events out there!
People who don't completely despise Vegas
It's a polarizing town, for sure. If you hate it, try to ignore it or find SOMETHING you like about it outside the Expo, even if it only your hotel room's bathtub. (I found Red Rock, Cirque du Soleil's Love, and time with friends as focal points to balance out the bright lights, gambling addicts, and overall sleaze.)
Another interesting trend with satisfaction and attendance I noticed has to do with repeat attendees. It seems that the first year, people are going to be a little overwhelmed regardless. (As I said before, you can reduce that by preparing well or by waiting another year to attend.) When people return to the Expo, it seems that they know what to expect and how to get what they want out of it. This can lead to increased satisfaction with the event. However, if they don't want very much out of it (remember what I said about specific goals before), they find it to be a waste of time and money. My suggestion--don't feel that you have to attend every year! If you need something urgently and can't find it on your own or you have a big enough "grocery list" for your business, go for it. Otherwise, wait until your trip is warranted. You'll feel a lot happier that way, I promise.
People who are strongly (and I mean strongly) considering opening a tea business
Those who were only toying with the idea seemed more overwhelmed than anything else. Those who knew the basics of tea and had some kind of business outline fared much better. If you're not fairly sure you want to take the plunge, consider waiting another year to attend.
People who are in the planning stages of opening a tea business and who planned their Expo goals
E.g.: "I will find (and get samples from) at least three exciting new potential vendors, decide on a packaging supplier, and investigate supplementary products, such as chocolates, teaware, and tea-related beauty products."
People who have already opened a tea business, but who have specific reasons for attending the Expo
E.g.: "I need to find three great oolong teas to add to my menu," "I need to learn more in-depth information about several of the topics covered in courses and demos," or "I need source supplementary products that reflect the quality level and attitude/image of my tea business."
People who had booths AND either had booths in the past or attended the Expo before to see how the whole game works
Most people who hadn't investigated which types of booths' products and displays fared best seemed dissatisfied with their exposure level. If you're considering a booth, attend first if at all possible. Note the display styles, the attention to overall design and the details, the logistics of setup, the quantities of samples and info handouts necessary, the numbers of employees manning each booth, etc. If you can't attend, well... I guess the closest second option would be to talk to as many people as you can about it. I'm available for consultation, but my first suggestion is still to go for yourself!
People who spoke about an issue they are both knowledgeable and passionate about
What better feeling than sharing your expertise with a room full of people who want to learn about something you care about? The people who seemed most satisfied with their speaking experience were those who had spoken at the Expo or a similar event before, were well-prepared, and who had been to other Expo lectures/tastings.
People who know the tea basics and are in beginner to intermediate stages of tea knowledge
Of course, this applies for people who are only attending, not speaking or exhibiting. If you are practically a tea master and none of the other reasons for attending apply to you, then you will not gain much by attending. On the flip side, if you are at square one and know nothing about tea, I suggest waiting a year and getting the basics down before you attend.
People who are seeking to network with other tea people
It can be a very social event just as tea can be a very socially-based industry and, for better or worse, both can be just as much about who you know as what you know.
People who can plan well AND go with the flow
A difficult balance, but necessary for such a large event. Some people were very frustrated with bureaucratic errors, unexpected circumstances, changes of plans, etc. Sure, it's expensive and you had to travel all the way from wherever and blah blah blah. Still, if you can't just drink a cup of tea, relax, and get over it, this may not be the best tea event for you. There ARE other tea events out there!
People who don't completely despise Vegas
It's a polarizing town, for sure. If you hate it, try to ignore it or find SOMETHING you like about it outside the Expo, even if it only your hotel room's bathtub. (I found Red Rock, Cirque du Soleil's Love, and time with friends as focal points to balance out the bright lights, gambling addicts, and overall sleaze.)
Another interesting trend with satisfaction and attendance I noticed has to do with repeat attendees. It seems that the first year, people are going to be a little overwhelmed regardless. (As I said before, you can reduce that by preparing well or by waiting another year to attend.) When people return to the Expo, it seems that they know what to expect and how to get what they want out of it. This can lead to increased satisfaction with the event. However, if they don't want very much out of it (remember what I said about specific goals before), they find it to be a waste of time and money. My suggestion--don't feel that you have to attend every year! If you need something urgently and can't find it on your own or you have a big enough "grocery list" for your business, go for it. Otherwise, wait until your trip is warranted. You'll feel a lot happier that way, I promise.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Last Day in Vegas
Visited Qua (the spa at Ceasar's Palace) for the steamroom, sauna, and tea lounge. Saw some Vegas sights. Arrived at the airport for a red-eye flight. I won't be posting tomorrow (I'll be sleeping), but I'll share some more Expo info when I'm settled back into NYC.
Monday, June 2, 2008
World Tea Expo, Day 3
After a night of Vegas-style revelry, I managed to sleep through two of my classes and just make it to Rona Tison's course on online social networking as a form of marketing. (Great class, BTW. And she was kind enough to mention my blog during her lecture.) The exhibit hall was open in the afternoon, but I had seen everything I needed to see, so I decided to visit Red Rock while alI was in the area. Afterward--sleep, and lots of it. I wish I hadn't missed the courses in the AM, but this is my first time in Vegas and last night was really fun... Next year I'll have to be more responsible. :)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
World Tea Expo, Day 2
Random notes for the day:
Trends:
Many more young people in attendance than last year
Lots of tea factories, fair trade farmers' alliances, and plantations in booths (increased ability to source directly)
More organics
Class:
Tea and Meditation by the authors of Tea Here Now, very interesting presentation on the connections between the two
Highlights:
Meeting James Norwood Pratt
Getting to see all the booths up close
Snagging samples of some fantastic shaped/flowering teas
Talking tea with other tea people
Buying some recent translations on Chinese and Taiwanese teas (particularly oolong and pu-erh)
It was an incredibly full day. I'm taking a moment to relax in my hotel room (if you can call blogging relaxing!) and then I'm off to dinner with Rajah Banerjee of Makaibari and a night on the town with a bunch of tea kids. Fun! More tomorrow...
Trends:
Many more young people in attendance than last year
Lots of tea factories, fair trade farmers' alliances, and plantations in booths (increased ability to source directly)
More organics
Class:
Tea and Meditation by the authors of Tea Here Now, very interesting presentation on the connections between the two
Highlights:
Meeting James Norwood Pratt
Getting to see all the booths up close
Snagging samples of some fantastic shaped/flowering teas
Talking tea with other tea people
Buying some recent translations on Chinese and Taiwanese teas (particularly oolong and pu-erh)
It was an incredibly full day. I'm taking a moment to relax in my hotel room (if you can call blogging relaxing!) and then I'm off to dinner with Rajah Banerjee of Makaibari and a night on the town with a bunch of tea kids. Fun! More tomorrow...
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Vegas, Baby!
I'm about to leave for the airport and fly out to Vegas for The World Tea Expo. Never been to Vegas before and can't say I'm thrilled about visiting the city itself, but I am very much looking forward to the Expo, the teabar at Qua, and catching up with/meeting new tea people. I'll be doing short posts via iPhone during the Expo, and then filling in the details, photos, and links after I return. More soon!
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