Brad Lichtenstein 9/29/19 Brad Lichtenstein 9/29/19

Matcha Travels through London and Nice

This year my trip around the globe took me to London and to Nice! Such an amazing trip, yet a tug of war arises within that leaves me deeply struggling to reconcile the two sides - the one side of me that LOVES travel, seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, discovering new teahouses in which to sip an afternoon away, and the socially, environmentally conscious side that knows I am contributing to climate change no matter how may carbon credits to offset my footprint I purchase. Meditating on my personal and direct impact leaves me questioning and searching.

I was only in London for a few days, so I had to pack as much matcha tasting in as possible, given that I had other plans in the city. Prior to landing, I received only a few suggestions from some of my matcha loving friends on social media of places to visit. London is not the first place you think of visiting for Japanese teas. Had I longed for traditional English high tea, my cup would have runneth over. However, London is the home of one of my first matcha loves - the Matchaeologist. While they do not have a physical store, several of their products are stocked by specialist tea and coffee shops throughout London (like WA Cafe, a small, independent Japanese patisserie making Japanese breads and pastries daily on-site in their Covent Gardens location). Before my departure, I messaged the Matchaeologist and they shared how they often provide free next-day shipping to UK hotels. I was so tempted, but I was already traveling with my stash of their matcha, and I anticipated purchasing new brands during my travels, which I did.

We arrived at 8 AM in Trafalgar Square, dropped off our bags at our hotel, and headed to the TKTS booth to get tickets for a show that evening. Along the way we passed Japan Center and stopped in for a quick matcha latte with soy milk, which was unremarkable, before standing in line. Later that evening, before the show, I stopped into Tsujiri at their Soho location. Sadly I didn’t get to stop at their other location. This storefront lacked the elegance and aesthetic evident in the photos of the their other locations. Most of the patrons that evening were partaking in all the matcha-flavored, dairy delights, but alas, as a dairy-free, gluten-free person, I cannot. However, I was able to get a hardy chawan of matcha and a vegan, Houjicha-flavored dark chocolate bar. I was a tad disappointed, despite it being their higher tier matcha. I find found it a bit flat and bitter with a bit of a stale smell. Still, it was my first official chawan in London. The chocolate bar was fantastic and did not make it until intermission, which was my intention.

Before my spa and massage at the wonderful Corinthia Hotel London, I managed to grab a spot of breakfast accompanied by a very creamy, smooth and delicious, although a tad sweet, almond milk matcha latte. I must say, I fancied the glass cups in which these were served.

Later that evening, we popped over to Harrod’s, mostly to see the whole spectacle of the establishment. The gyokuro I had was a beautiful color, but the temperature of the water was a bit too hot and perhaps steeped a few seconds too long. Still the presentation was lovely, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the people sipping tea and just taking some leisure time to chat and relax over a cup of tea.

Then I found Katsute100 and I was in heaven. Walking in I knew I found a place I could settled in for a cozy late morning, just taking my time to taste the matcha, teas and Japanese delicacies. Just as the website says, time moves slowly here and I felt unhurried and peaceful. Had I been without a schedule, I would have spent several more hours than I had, drinking tea and writing in the table in the front seating area, looking out the window at the people walking by. The smaller sitting area in the back room feels even more cozy and intimate.

Not only was their limited Heritage matcha smooth, light, buttery and without any bitterness, but their organic ceremonial grade was also light and creamy, despite a tad bit of bitterness. Still the umami finish lingered on my tongue. I purchased some of their ceremonial grade for the rest of my travels.

Had I not been traveling to France after London, I most certainly would have purchased 1 or 2 of the incredible chawan for sale. In fact, upon my return to Seattle, I did find the incredible chawan perfect for fall - autumnal colored leaves and gold-leave painted on the front and inside of the bowl. Captivating.

And of course, the incredibly delicious desserts, which they bake themselves. Whatever was gluten and dairy-free, I ordered, and ate eagerly and with satisfaction, especially the Ichigo Daifuku. YUM!!!! A great accompaniment to the matcha and their incredibly fresh, umami rich gyokuro.

On my next to last night in London, I surprisingly found Minamoto Kitchoan on Strand within a few blocks of my hotel room, despite the fact it did not come up on my search of matcha near my location. The next morning, eager to try a good bowl of pure matcha, no latte, I was served up a frothy paper cup full of matcha. This is primarily a Japanese Confectionery but they offer matcha for takeaway. I was then informed that in their other location in Piccadilly you can actually sit at the single table and drink from a real chawan. With my vigor renewed after emptying the contents of my paper cup, I hiked up to the other location. Matcha is always better in a chawan, but both times the taste was very clean and free from bitterness, but with less of a umami finish. Still, this was higher quality matcha.

Walking to dinner on the last night in the city, my vision caught a storefront with minimalist design, with white walls and a simple font. I turned to discover another treasure, Japan House on Kensington’s High Street. Having some time before my reservations, I went to explore. At the very front of the store is a bar that serves a simple, clean whisked matcha, again served in tiny paper cups. I sipped on my matcha, fresh, clean and bright with good umami, as I wandered about the store. As they post on their website, Japan House is “the new cultural home of Japan in London,” and carries a wide array of art, design, technology and food. Had I not had dinner plans I would have tried their restaurant upstairs.

Since I was still traveling, one item I had not qualms about purchasing was this wooden chawan from Japan House in London. Luckily I had little fear of it breaking. Far from any classic ceramic chawan I have, this bowl doesn’t have the heft and weight to which I am accustom, which makes the entire experience new. Drinking matcha from this chawan then becomes a meditation on lightness and ease. Rather than connect with earth, I try and connect with upward movement, like the trees reaching toward the Sun, and I ask myself, Where is the lightness in my life?

Unfortunately our time was short in London. I was unable to attend several workshops and classes on meditation and meditation and tea that I found once I was in the city. In the future, I will be eager to discover more about the meditation community.

But now, ONWARD TO FRANCE

and …

NICE!!

Unlike London, I could not find a place that served a simple bowl of matcha rather than a matcha latte. However that didn’t keep me from my morning ritual of meditation and matcha, as I was traveling with my utensils. Since I have broken my wooden chasen traveling with it before, I opted to bring my electric whisk - not the same, but it served me well in these incidences.

What was also vastly different from my standard morning routine was the outstanding view. We were staying in a lovely Airbnb in the Port of Nice. Our host had these cute espresso cups, so I would make my matcha and pour it into one, then go sit on the tiny terrace and take in this awe inspiring view. This was my first time to the Mediterranean and I see what all the fuss is about. I have never seen water that blue. These meditation moments were rarely with my eyes closed as I was awash in new sights, sounds, smells and sensation (the heat, the breeze, etc.).

On the first day, however, I had my first matcha latte and just a short ways away from my Airbnb. Badaboom Bistro, a vegan restaurant served up a thick, fully, creamy and satisfying matcha latte with almond and coconut milk. Even so, their vegan cakes and the creme au chocolate made with cashews was absolutely outstanding. I chatted with the lovely owner, Barbara, who has been in Nice for over 16 years (originally from Washington, DC). She shared with me some “sans gluten” and dairy recommendations. If you are needing some wholesome vegan food, please visit Badaboom while in Nice.

I did not find much more in the way of matcha in Nice. But… somewhere in Monaco… wondering how an establishment of fine dining might serve their version of a matcha almond milk latte, I ordered one. Not the best matcha latte, by any means, however, the presentation was lovely.

However my spouse wanted to see Monaco, so we rented a car and drove from Nice! Talk about a meditation practice. I have not driven a stick shift in years, but the skill returned fairly quickly. But the drive itself… First the windy, often single-lane, roads along the French hillside. Yes, it was stunning, when I could tear my eyes away from the road. Then the crazy streets of Monaco with all their merging and exiting lanes weaving in and out with no apparent reason. I practiced my breathing the entire drive and there and back. I don’t think I needed the matcha to keep me awake and focused for the return drive. That night I had dreams of driving all night long.

My trip to London was filled with more matcha experiences, while my trip to Nice provided me more meditation moments - such as staring at the calm, azure waters for hours. Overall, my trip was incredible. Seeing a lack of tea and matcha in Nice, perhaps I should open a meditation and matcha studio there. What do you think?

Brad Lichtenstein 8/30/17 Brad Lichtenstein 8/30/17

Matcha Mike & BYOH Matcha

The moment I decided to visit Copenhagen, I knew a trip to BYOH Matcha was on my itinerary. How it could it not be? After all, BYOH is the “No 1 Leading Supplier of Matcha in Scandinavia.” Of course I was going!

Commuting by bike, as is the way in Copenhagen, I discovered the storefront when my eye caught a glimpse of the pinkish-purplish sign on the sidewalk, which on the one side read, You had me at matcha, and on the other, Choose happyness and drink matcha! This was obviously a place for me.

Just a few steps down and I found myself in a small space, which immediately conjured up memories of Holy Matcha in San Diego, a space decorated in millennial pink and white, with large green leaved flora print covering the walls. Matcha Mike, the founder of this establishment, said he was inspired by their aesthetic, yet his walls are more purple and thankfully, given the size of his space, the floral pattern is only used as background for the wall menus. The Holy Matcha space is much larger and can use such bolder themes.

Michael Kristensen, aka Matcha Mike, stood behind the counter and graciously answered my barrage of questions, eager to share his venture into the world of matcha. His initial spark occurred while on a trip to California in 2013 as an elite tennis player. At the time he was consuming coffee and energy drinks, like Red Bull, but suffered from fatigue, poor sleep, energy crashes, and general aches and pains. That all changed when someone introduced him to matcha. Surprisingly and suddenly, he had more energy throughout the day, his body ached less, and he slept better. That was all it took to create a lifestyle shift. With improved vitality, he gave up all of those other vices, returned to Denmark and embarked on a path to bring matcha to the people.

Currently he distributes his matcha to over 100 outlets in Denmark, and in his small shop he sells three different grades of organic matcha, as well as individual packets of instant matcha (unfortunately while only minute amounts, these do contain soluble fiber for water absorption). Currently, plans are in motion to sell matcha drinks to none other than 7-11 in Denmark (if you are from the States and like I, you would never have dreamed 7-11 would carry healthy food items like chia seed pudding, paleo salads with quinoa and fresh salmon, and more, but it does. I actually bought a few prepackaged meals to take back to my flat and they were satisfying and rather tasty - keep in mind, my expectations for 7-11 are quite low).

At BYOH, Matcha Mike makes his own homemade cashew milk, so I was eager to try a hot matcha latte, and it didn’t disappoint. It was delicious, and perhaps one of the best cashew milks I have ever tasted. Smooth and rich, it did not overpower the matcha. Not wanting to overindulge, I returned the following day to try the cold version over ice. I have never been a fan of cold tea. Over the decades, friends, including teahouse owners, have tried to change my opinion by offering me their favorite iced tea, yet rarely have I been won over, even during hot summer afternoons. I find cold tea lacking in flavor and depth. Since this concoction was primarily cashew milk, I thoroughly enjoyed it and consumed it all too quickly.

Mike prefers cashew over almond, and even cow, milk due to its lower calcium content. According to Mike, too much calcium makes the matcha bitter and prevents absorption of nutrients. Calcium and caffeine have an interesting dynamic, as well. First, caffeine causes your body to excrete calcium, so the more caffeine you consume, the greater your calcium excretion. Second, caffeine further blocks your body's ability to absorb calcium. If you are hoping to get your daily dose of calcium via your matcha latte, this is most likely not going to happen. A 2007 study showed that the proteins in cow’s milk bind with the catechins in tea, thereby blocking their absorption. In a 2013 European study the impact of dietary proteins in soy milk was shown to also block absorption of catechin in green tea. The recommendation then is to use a milk substitute that is low in calcium and protein (such as cashew or coconut milk), or at the very least select one without any added calcium, in order to obtain the benefits of the phytonutrients in matcha, if that is the goal.

I did not have a simple bowl of matcha at BYOH, or any of several matcha items on menu, so I am unable to speak to those. I did, however, purchase a few packages of the highest grade organic matcha to take home. Today I opened the resealable bag and transferred the powder into one of my air tight containers and let it breathe for a bit. Both the color and aroma were much flatter than anticipated. The powder was quite fine, sifted well, and whisked easily. However, a slight bitterness is the note that lingers, and any umami flavor was not very pronounced. While I am pleased to find another organic matcha source, even this premium grade is one I will probably use for lattes or cooking.

Still, for all you matcha lovers out there, when in Copenhagen, please visit BYOH and Matcha Mike for one of the most delicious matcha lattes you can find, hot or cold!

Brad Lichtenstein 8/21/17 Brad Lichtenstein 8/21/17

On the Hunt for Matcha (and animals) in South Africa

I never dreamt I would travel to South Africa, yet here I am, sipping matcha and sitting on a deck at the Ezulwini Game Lodge in the Balule Nature Reserve (part of the Greater Kruger Nature Reserve) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Monkeys are playing in the trees within ten feet of where I sit. As is customary for all my travel, foreign or domestic, I carried a supply of tea with me. I worried about taking my bamboo whisk for fear of breaking it, but my issues were resolved when my good friend, in whom I have instilled a newfound addiction, I mean love, for matcha, bought me an electric whisk from DavidsTea (which I think they have now discontinued). While not my favorite whisking method, this electric device is perfect for travel. With a thick cover for easy storage and packing, it also functions as a vessel in which to make your matcha (I simply cannot bring myself to use a synthetic container of any sort, since I believe it destroys the flavor, and I was fortunate to find teacups in every place I stayed).

So here I am, drinking matcha, waiting for the sun to rise and listening to the world come to life. My meditation for the past 4 mornings (and evenings) involved sitting for three hour stretches of time in an open-aired Land Rover, as our guide drove us through the bush on the “hunt” for some animals of South Africa. All of this land outside of the Kruger Nature Reserve, according to one of my guides, is private property, and was primarily hunting lodges where people killed big game as trophies. That all changed 2 decades ago when one of the lodge owners wanted to protect the wildlife, and believed another form of tourism could better help the conservation efforts. They asked the neighboring lodges to drop their fences, to end killing and poaching, and to support nature. Most of the people in the area agreed and now these protected animals are beginning to thrive once more. Sadly, poachers still manage to make their way into these protected, usually seeking the endangered black rhinoceros. In many forms of traditional medicine, rhino horn has been touted for numerous medicinal properties, such as healing inflammatory conditions (arthritis, gout, and fever), GI disturbances (nausea, vomiting and food poisoning), but also headaches, anxiety, and hallucinations. Even though 1n 1993 China banned the trade of rhino horn, the demand for rhino horn is still exists. In fact, as I was leaving the lodge I heard of poachers into Greater Kruger killing some rhinoceros.

On these long drives I practiced being as present as possible to this new and extraordinary moment. Breathing in the fresh cool morning air was invigorating. Riding along, often in silence, I observed my breath and reminded myself to breathe in life - to breathe in the life of this particular time and place, to breathe in the energy of the plants and animals (and people) around me and allow their spirit to fill my lungs, becoming a part of me. As I exhaled, I breathed out gratitude and appreciation for this land. If constriction or tightness crept in to my breathing, I returned to my intention - to fully be present and breathe this moment.

These safari drives were also a meditation on my other senses as well. The arid winter landscape with its brittle grass and trees dazzled my eyes as they changed colors throughout the day from sunrise to sunset. And the animals! Although the trackers and guides spotted most of the animals, scanning the horizon and dirt below to detect any signs of movement became an enjoyable, deliberate and focused meditation in and of itself. Once discovered they would drive us as close a possible, often within a few feet, and I would stare, wide-eyed in awe and wonder at these amazing beings in their natural habitat. Watching a den of sleeping lions, engulfed by a herd of cape buffalo, or surrounded by elephants, including a few newborns, was breathtaking, and furthered my sense of wonder and appreciation.

Before going on safari, however, I spent three days in Cape Town, on the "hunt" for something else - a new locale in my never ending pursuit of matcha. We stayed in Bantry Bay and the location included a view diametrically opposite of the one from my deck in the bush. At Bantry Bay, I had a expansive and equally awe inspiring view of the powerful waves of the Atlantic. Nothing is more calming to me than being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves on the shore. I arrived at my lodgings around 11 PM, after a grueling 24 hours of air travel, and tried sleeping to align my internal clocks with the local time. Somewhat successful, I woke the next day hungry for breakfast. I pulled up my handy list I compiled weeks ago of potential matcha-carrying establishments, and surprisingly the first one was a mere 5 minute walk from my apartment. The Scheckter’s Raw restaurant not only delivered on the matcha front, they had a tasty and healthy breakfast. First off, I ordered an organic matcha almond milk latte. This matcha was much lighter and thinner than the matcha lattes I make or have in the states. However, the almond milk was less sweet. I did not get a sense of bitterness and the color was a pale green. I must have enjoyed it since I ordered a second one before I left, and went back the next day for another. They had other matcha-flavored items on the menu, but my ecstasy at seeing matcha pancakes was short lived, when I found out they contained gluten! Sigh…regardless, I was delighted to discover other healthy, whole food, gluten-free options, like the quinoa porridge made with organic peanut butter, strawberries, bananas and a combination of almond and coconut milk, and a touch of vanilla. Like its name, this was hearty and fulfilling. Yes I highly recommend this place.

Matcha almond milk lattes at Raw Sheckter's

After a sobering visit to Robben Island, we wandered through the V&A Waterfront in search of food, and stumbled across their Food Market. The very first booth I saw sold ice cream, and had non-dairy, coconut matcha ice cream! I wanted to dive right in, but knew I had to eat something more substantial first to justify getting two scoops (for the second I chose peanut butter coconut ice cream - if you haven’t tried this combination, I highly recommend it). While enticing, I wanted the matcha flavor to be a bit more bold and pronounced, but I recognize this might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Original T Bag Designs in V & A Waterfront

One stop I was certain to make on this trip was to the Original T Bag Designs store in the V & A Waterfront. Initiated by Jill Heyes who moved to South Africa in 1996 with her husband and daughters, she was shocked and overwhelmed by the abject poverty of the people living in settlement of Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay. Wanting to make a difference, she began teaching the women hand craft skills so they could make something to sell and support themselves financially. Word got out and more and more women came to learn, and the community of woman grew who began teaching one another. The first attempt at art work involved paper mache items, but that was not as successful. Eventually the idea of using something readily available and abundant - used tea bags emerged. Original T Bag Designs concept is to take recycled teabags, dry, empty, iron and then pain them and turn them into functional art products like stationary, wooden boxes, trays, coasters, dish cloths, bracelets and more. Of course, I purchased several items for myself and for gifts. Who knew that my beloved drink could be used to help women gain some independence and help support themselves or their families? Tea can, indeed, change lives. Please remember that any time you are ready to discard your teabag into the trash (please compost if you can, or better yet, make some art).

The last of my matcha discoveries came the next day when I visited Long Street searching for Lady Bonins Tea shop. The driver found 13 Long Street, so I hoped out of the car, naturally assuming that number 12 was nearby, merely across the street. To my consternation, not only could I not see any numbers on the store fronts, no tea establishment was in sight. After wandering several blocks and crossing a major intersection, I reversed direction, and returned back to my drop off location. I continued in the other direction for several more blocks and decided to give up. Perhaps there is another Long Street, I wondered. Deciding to wander around since I was in the area, a block later I found myself facing a sign for Lady Bonins Tea. I asked the gentleman behind the counter about the address, but he explained that the numbers weren’t necessarily sequential. While that defies my concept of logic, I am just glad I found it.

What a find! According to the website, Jessica, aka Lady Bonin, established her business in 2010 as Cape Town’s first food truck and the world’s first Tea Caravan with the mission of bringing organic loose leaf tea, sourced directly from growers who practice sustainable farming and are community driven. Combining her passion for tea and socio-environmental justice fills my heart with such joy. Jessica recognizes that tea can be a significant vehicle for impacting health of individuals, communities, the environment, and the planet! Hopefully if all of us support biodynamic farming and other sustainability efforts, along with living wages for all, monopolistic tea farming corporations that fail to support the land or the people who harvest their tea will gradually decline. Thank you, Jessica, for making a difference in the lives of some many people.

And let’s not forget the shop! The space is divided into three subsections. When you walk in, the first section is the storefront, with one wall lined with all the teas for purchase. The opposite wall has the menu above the counter where they make your tea. In the middle area is somewhat of a small outdoor patio with streaming sunlight, while in the back is more seating and a tea bar where they offer tea tastings and matcha preparation (sadly I was unaware they needed advanced notice or I would have scheduled it). I adore this space and could envision myself sitting in the back for hours talking with friends over some amazing tea.

Lady Bonins Tea - Tea Bar in the back of the store

Once again, I ordered a matcha latte with almond milk. Even before tasting it, I purchased a container of their organic matcha since I loved the packaging, which shares just a bit about matcha's brief history. I did not ask the gentleman behind the counter about the quality, but I believe this was culinary grade. Organic production of matcha is very difficult on the plant, and keeping the soil rich enough to ensuring a powder that is vibrantly deep green in color without any bitterness is challenging. The color here was a bit flatter greener and I did detect more bitterness even through the almond milk. The label did not mention anything about the grade, and I have yet to open it, so I know more once I return to The States. Still, I want to support Lady Bonin and their efforts to make a difference in the world. I only regret not purchasing more of their tea, like sencha, dragonwell or any of their rooibos teas. Lady Bonin, let me know when you ship to the states or open a store there. I will support you!

Matcha almond milk lattes at Lady Bonins Tea

For now, I will drink my ceremonial matcha, prepare for my last day in the bush, give thanks for such an incredible opportunity.

Brad Lichtenstein 6/15/17 Brad Lichtenstein 6/15/17

O-My, I Love O-5Tea

A month ago I was invited to speak at the naturopathic medical school in Vancouver, BC about my some of my favorite topic, mind-body medicine & the healing power of the breath. As is typical before any travel I take, I jumped online and googled "teahouses in the Vancouver area". Since neither close to my hotel nor the school, I was resolved to spend my remaining time in Canada drinking in the beauty that O-Five Tea Bar was, before returning to Seattle, and I am oh so glad I did.

Being mid-day on a Wednesday, and armed with my gift of parking karma, I found a spot directly in front of the storefront. When I got out of my car, however, I became slightly disoriented when I looked up to see a DavidsTea in front of me. Immediately my heart sank, and I feared that O5Tea had been purchased by the larger company or was put out of business since people might mistaken one tea store for the other. However, looking around I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized that O5Tea was still there. I have nothing against DavidsTea. How could I? A day earlier, I found one of their locations a block from my hotel, and grabbed myself a quick matcha latte before heading to teach. I have visited their establishment on several occasions when traveling, when unable to find a teahouse, or when I am on the go and crave a matcha latte. It is never a replacement for my morning matcha meditation ritual, yet it is still enjoyable. And I can appreciate that DavidsTea and other such chain stores are exposing more and more people to the joy of tea. That said, O5Tea is in another league.

First of all, O5Tea is not your typical shop. It is a teahouse which pays attention to every detail. They are Obsessed with the Origin or source of their tea (the O of O5), and they are passionate about and care deeply about the earth from which the tea is grown as well as the people who farm the tea. Believing in harmony and balance, the 5 stands for the elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and the Void.

Due to their respect for balance, harmony and the elements, O5Tea encourages the meditative experience of tea. Walking through the door, the calm energy is palpable. The lighting is cool, the colors and materials (wood) are rich and deep. No cold or sterile feeling with bright fluorescent lights at all. This is where you can sit and savor the entire tea experience, and not just grab a paper cup of tea while on the run.

As a matcha-holic, I felt as if I entered a matcha nirvana. Not only do they have numerous chawans on display, you are able to select the chawan in which you would like your matcha served, which only enhanced the overall experience. Being able to spend time holding, feeling and examining the bowls that called to me initiated the meditative experience. At first making a selection was daunting since each and every bowl was a stunning work of art. Yet quieting myself, I was drawn to a specific few. Each had its own story and I was please to know others would be standing on this spot, repeating this experience of taking time to be present and examine the vessel in which they will drink their tea.

Of course the chawan was not the most important selection in the overall process. I still had to choose my matcha. Fortunately my options were not as numerous. With only four on the menu, I still struggled nonetheless. Thankfully with a recommendation from Jacob who was preparing my matcha, and I settled on two - the organic Kirishima and the Okumidori. Then I sat down at the only table by the window, and patiently waited as my elixirs were prepared.

To my table were delivered two intoxicating bowls of thick, rich and vibrant green matcha. Whenever there is organic matcha to be tasted, I must try it, and the Kirishima did not disappoint. It was smooth and creamy with just a slight bitterness, yet it had a lovely sweet vegetal finish which lingered. I loved it. Then I tried the single cultivar Okumidori which whisked into such a rich broth, with a thick creama, and an intense smoothness without any astringency. The finish lasted quite some time and I could feel myself exhaling fully. Of course I couldn't leave Canada without my own supply. I wish I had stayed longer to try the other two matchas on the menu. Were they half as incredible as these... I can't even imagine!

You can select the chawan you want to use for your matcha. Each are a work of art.

Of course O5Tea serves more than just matcha. They carries a selection of greens, senchas, oolongs, blacks, pu erhs, and even kombucha. And of course, they know the land on which all the teas were grown, and the farms cared for it. Since I fell in love with the Kirishima matcha, I did decide to purchase a few grams of the Kanyamidori sencha from the same farm as well without even tasting it. Once at home, I made a pot and was intoxicated by its subtle aroma and sweet and earthy refined taste.

I appreciate all that O5Tea has to offer. If you are a tea drinker of any variety, when in Vancouver, you must visit this place. I promise you won't be disappointed. You can also order online which I plan to do soon as my supply is dwindling.

What I love about high quality matcha is not just the unique, incredible, and layered flavor profile, but also the way I feel mentally, emotionally and physically after a few sips. As the Zen monks, samurai and shogun have all recognized, matcha brings clarity to the mind-body. The entire process, from selecting the chawan, to drinking the matcha was an act of mindful attention. The matchas from O5 were incredible, and I with each sip I could feel my entire mind-body respond, as if exhaling completely and fully, releasing any tension and tightness. My mind clears and I am focused. This is not to say such clarity is absent the rest of the day; it is just enhanced.

An important point about daily meditation practice, which includes my matcha ritual, is that it trains and re-wires the mind-body to respond in a particular way. If you want to cultivate peace of mind, mindful presence or even compassion, you must practice. As I sit here writing this, all my years of practice enable me to recall that sensation of release, even without tea, allowing me to settle a bit more.

One breath practice I often use to further that release of tension is to imagine the breath like a healing wave, traveling throughout my mind-body to the places that require attention. I envision my tension (physical, mental or emotional) as the seashore riddled with footprints, seaweed or small shells. This healing breath washes over those places of tension, wipes them clean, then carries any debris out to the vast eternal ocean and transforms it to peace. Thus with each inhale, I invite in healing and peace, and with each exhale, my mind-body softens and soothes.

Walking into O5Tea was like breathing in the healing wave. My mind-body calmed, I settled, and I enjoyed the experience. The next time you sit down with your bowl of matcha or cup of tea, my you find peace and tranquility in the moment.

Brad Lichtenstein 4/4/17 Brad Lichtenstein 4/4/17

Striking matcha "(pink)gold" in San Diego - Holy Matcha!

One of the major downsides of traveling for me is not having access to good quality tea, let alone matcha. Never knowing what the “tea scene” will be at any given destination, I make certain to carry an ample supply of premium Japanese sencha and a strainer with me at all times. After all, how can one survive on a diet of teabag tea, right? That said, one of the most enjoyable parts of travel for me is the discovery of new teahouses. I love to see the myriad of ways people present and serve tea, the physical design and layout of the space, the beautiful teaware, and the array of menu of options and ways to infuse tea in food. To brace myself from disappointment, I never expect to find establishments that serve matcha, and remain ecstatic if I can simply find a place that carries quality loose leaf tea. Why put myself through such distress?

That all changed last week when I traveled to San Diego for a behavioral medicine conference where I presented (twice - once about naturopathic medicine and the other on determining the appropriate mind-body medicine approach that works best for the individual - the meditation portion of this blog). In preparation, I did my research and read about the newly opened store focused not on loose leaf tea, but…yes…MATCHA!!! I couldn’t wait to try it out. And try it out I did. Luckily, my colleague, Cyndi, a current resident of San Diego with whom I presented willingly indulged my obsession and drove us to the North Park neighborhood to Holy Matcha, and as we parked and faced the storefront, we were greeted by a splash of bright pink. Happily, I am a fan of millennial pink (yes, that is a thing. My friend shared this NewYorkTimes article about it), since you cannot escape the color. From the wall tiles, to the matcha bowls, to the plates, to the menus, to the roses on the table - all is pink. Against a contrast of vibrant floral wall paper, I get a very South Beach/Art Deco vibe. And yes, I love the pink chawan (although I forgot to purchase one when there). The deep rich green of the matcha filling the pink bowl takes me back to one of my favorite preppie color schemes of the 80s.

The matcha counter where the magic happens

Matcha donuts - they were all gone a day later!

We wanted to sample everything on the menu, and of the course of two visits, we did. I started at the top - their highest quality ceremonial matcha, whisked to a full bodied froth and presented in one of those bright pink chawan. While I tend to be personally a bit heavier handed with my matcha scoops, this was delicious - the right flavor combination, not bitter, with a lovely umami. Within the next couple of hours, we consumes matcha lattes with almond milk, gluten free matcha donuts (not very paleo of me, but I had to!), matcha chia seed pudding with coconut milk, almond milk yogurt with berries and matcha, and finally a special of the week - matcha flavored horchata. All gluten and dairy free, and all amazing. I would have liked more of a pronounced matcha flavor in the yogurt, but still it was delicious. Returning the next day we tried their premium grade matcha (less expensive price point than the ceremonial, and yet equally lovely), followed by their matcha lemonade. This was the only item with which I was less than thrilled. The flavors were a bit off to me, and I found myself comparing it to some very lovely matcha lemonade I had here in Seattle at Remedy Tea. However, I loved everything else, particularly appreciative of being able to find a place that serves quality matcha in a chawan whisked by hand with a real bamboo chasen. Heaven! Atop several of the food items, you would find powdered matcha words, such as Holy or Matcha!, which were poured through a stencil. I love this finishing touch (probably because I got to consume some straight matcha powder off my plate or mix it in with my yogurt).

Matcha lemonade, premium matcha, and matcha lemonade

Gluten free- dairy free matcha donut - paleo and keto diets be damned!

The first day we showed up around a 3 PM on a Thursday afternoon and the entire space was packed with groups of people. This was not a place at this time of single customers sitting alone working or consuming matcha. I couldn’t get a sense of how many were locals or visitors, who, like myself, read about this interesting new place. I also wonder how many were there specifically for matcha. Most were on their phones, taking selfies or snapping images of the matcha, food, wallpaper or neon sign. I began to worry that this might be seen as the new hip destination spot from which to add posts to your Instagram account, overlooking the quality of the matcha and food. During our first visit, one particular group of 4 young women all sitting around the same table didn’t speak or look at one another for more than 15 - 20 minutes (yes I was observing this phenomenon), all with their faces glued to the screens. Of course they were not the only group displaying this behavior. The next day we returned around the same time and it was a bit more mellow, yet almost every seat was taken. Now before you call me a hypocrite, let me state my case: I was there truly for the matcha, and to share my love of matcha with my friend (and the world). The entire visit was an experience. With each photo taken, Cyndi and I would review them, discuss them and hence, engage with one another. After the moment of picture gathering had past, we put our phones away to direct our attention to the matcha, food and one another.

Another added bonus was talking with owner and founder, Geraldine Ridaura. She was eager to share her inspiration for Holy Matcha, and her ideas about various items on the menu. She is sweet and helpful, but we may have actually bonded over our photos of our furry babies - our cats! Equally helpful, making us feel so welcomed and at home was Taylor. Despite running around, whisking up bowls of precious elixir, and severing all the customers, she made a point to repeatedly check in with us and solicit our opinions about each items we were tasting. Cyndi and I offered to be sample tasters for any new items they are considering adding to their menu (strong suggestion #1 - keep the matcha horchata). I’m available, and it would give me incentive to return to San Diego with more regularity!

Thank you Holy Matcha for being my matcha haven in a southern Californian tea desert, and exposing more people to one of my loves - matcha. I appreciate the gluten and dairy free offerings to round out the experience. I will be back, if not just to purchase a pink chawan!

Brad Lichtenstein 4/2/17 Brad Lichtenstein 4/2/17

Steeped in Tea - How Teahouse Kuan Yin Initiated Me Into the World Tea

When I was choosing a naturopathic medical school back in 1991, my options were limited to two in the US - Bastyr University, then named John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, in Seattle, WA, and National College of Naturopathic Medicine, or NCNM, as it was called then, located in Portland, OR. While several issues influenced my decision, one factor that swayed me towards Seattle was my discovery of Teahouse Kuan Yin. Little did I know that this Teahouse, established by Miranda Pirzada and Frank Miller, opened its doors only one year prior to my arrival. I still remember the night after my admissions interview at Bastyr, strolling down 45th Street in the Wallingford neighborhood, contemplating my future and my potential move to Seattle, when I stumbling upon the delightful storefront. In the early evening, it was rather busy with people. At that time, Kuan Yin was connected to the adjacent store, Wide World Books & Maps, through a set of opened shoji screens. People would browse through travel books then return to a seat in the teahouse to pour over their purchases while pouring themselves a cup a tea. Never a coffee drinker, I brewed pots of tea and drank it for hours as I studied for the MCATs earlier that summer. Still, a teahouse was something out of the ordinary for this Pittsburgh raised boy.

That fall I enrolled at Bastyr for naturopathic medical school and spent countless hours at Kuan Yin. I studied there, learning my required coursework, but also receiving a sustained education in tea. I thought I knew about tea, and even thought I liked tea, but I had no idea. Oh, the learning curve! Quickly I recognized I could never go back to Lipton again (I must confess that more often than I care to admit, I ingest some poor excuses for “green tea” made from…gasp...tea bags. However, now that my collection of travel tea bottles has grown, I rarely find myself without loose leaf tea - of course, drinking from glass or metal bottle bares its own set of issues, too.. ). I came to learn the difference between reds (blacks), oolongs, greens, and whites. I discovered my ignorance for calling herbal preparations teas. I learned about proper amounts, steeping times, water temperatures, and serving methods. In those early days, I was still consuming black teas, but as my palate developed and I was able to distinguish the subtleties of flavors, I range expanded, and I started carrying loose leaf tea and a tea strainer whenever and wherever I traveled. The thought of visiting my parents in Pittsburgh without my “stash” seemed like being banished to hell with nothing more than a Stash tea and lukewarm water.

My time in Kuan Yin was meditative, even if studying, alone or with a colleagues. The mere act of having a pot of tea on the table which you had to steep and pour elevated the energy. This was in a time before laptops were ubiquitous, and reading and writing involved paper. Even though my fellow tea drinkers were involved in their own pursuits (reading, journaling, knitting, drawing, etc.), a palpable sense of community pervaded the air, and I never felt as if people were utterly absent from the room, as if the screen to which they were glued sucked out all of their life force only leaving their empty vacant body present. Back then, people actually talked to one another, either to the stranger sitting next to them, or to the person with whom they were sitting. Case in point, this week while visiting a new tea spot, I watched a group of 4 friends spend 15 minutes sitting next to each other never saying a word, each glued to their phones. And they were not the only ones. As more and more people and groups shuffled into the spot, many people didn’t TALK to one another. While I did spend some time taking pictures of the environment, the tea presentation and food, I would quickly show them to my companion and we then put our devices away and savored the matcha before us.

The world of tea is expanding as more people are learning about the art of tea. This summer Teahouse Kuan Yin, my first tea school, closed their physical location, and I grieved. Over the years it, and I, changed, yet I will always be grateful to Miranda and Frank for opening the teahouse, to Jim and Marcus for keeping it going, to the numerous employees who have have served me some excellent tea, and to all the people who have joined me there for hours of deep, meaningful and transformative conversations. Thank you all.

Brad Lichtenstein 1/11/17 Brad Lichtenstein 1/11/17

Samovar Tea & Chai Providing Green Ecstasy Tea & Loving Others

How joyous to receive belated birthday wishes. I get to celebrate all over again. Yet more importantly, I am reminded of the deep, powerful, healing connections I share with others. My heart breaks that many people tell me of their profound sense of isolation and loneliness. I consider myself exceptionally fortunate, for I feel safe in the knowledge that I can rely on my support group. Yet, I need to remember that relationships require tending, just like plants, infants, and...tea. Leave the tea unattended, and the cup can be ruined. You need to understand your tea, what it requires. Does it thrive in boiling water? Would it prefer a quick cold rinse first? Does it like to be steeped for several minutes or for several rounds? You must listen to the tea lest it become bitter and unpalatable.

My good friend, Christy surprised me with a some Green Ecstasy tea by Samovar Tea & Chai. I recently discovered their San Francisco store front a few months ago during a trip to the Bay Area. Wandering around Japantown, I decided I need to visit as many tea houses serving matcha, in any form, as I could within 2 hours, and Samovar was one of them..

Unlike a typical genmaicha matcha, this is an organic green tea from Kagoshima, Japan infused with matcha. The tea is a beautiful vibrant green. The packaging instructs you to cover the leaves with cold water for a minute before steeping with boiling water for 2 minutes, however, I found cooler temperatures, like 170°, made it less bitter, even with the cold bath. I can see readily see this tea becoming one of my mid-afternoon tea meditations, perfect for these current cold, gray Seattle wintry days.

As I sat down with this tea, the second part of Christy's gift, a book by one of our favorite artists, Brain Andreas, Bring Your Life Back to Life. A Guide to Effortless Joy, and discovered today's mediation:

When you finally

let people love you

exactly the way they do,

it's pretty easy to see

that's all

they've ever been

trying to do

the whole time.

How often are we guilty of saying, "If you really loved me you would _____ (put your dishes in the sink, never ask me that question, know when I need help, ask me about my day...). I have a mantra I share with patient: "Relationships are conditional; love can be unconditional." To assume a partner doesn't love you because they fails to put their dishes in the sink is misguided, and just plain inaccurate. The behavior - leaving dishes on the counter or on the coffee table - has nothing to do with the capacity or willingness to love. While this could become q condition of the relationship, it should never be confused with the motivation or ability to love. When we make love conditional, we are blind to the gifts of love already surrounding us.

I am so grateful for all the amazing people in my life! Thank you for loving me the way you do.

Brad Lichtenstein 9/4/16 Brad Lichtenstein 9/4/16

Remedy Teas

Is it Fall in Seattle already? On this cool, 55°F crisp morning, with the sun ducking in and out from behind the clouds, I feel nostalgic. Is it age or the time of year? I remind myself how this happens to me every year as soon as I detect the daylight hours waning (yes, I start mourning the end of summer in July!).

Years ago, Remedy Tea was my Sunday morning ritual: first, with my good friend, Jason, and then my meeting headquarters with my friend, Stephanie. Living further north now, in a teahouse desert, Lake Forest Park, I forgot what it was like to arrive here early on a Sunday morning, long before the bustling of people seeking brunch. Without agenda for once, I can sit and sip my matcha (I always prefer a ceramic bowl over glass cups since it alters the taste for me) and have space to breathe!

While I do indeed go to teahouses and sit on my laptop doing work, the joy for me is in social engagement - talking to friends about life and what matters most to us. And what can be better than to do so over a cup of tea. In my dream teahouse, I imagine not having wifi. I am sure I would receive numerous complaints, yet the hope is to recapture the idea of the European cafe where people truly see one another and connect. Oh, how I love to dream.