OpenRoad Driver Volume 13 Issue 1 | Page 97

Volume 13 Issue 1 » 97 THE URBAN TEA MERCHANT “The right way to have tea is just the way you like to have it.” Reza Nasooti, Urban Tea Merchant’s Tea Sommelier and Director of Business Development If there was one word to perfectly describe the Urban Tea Merchant, that word would no doubt be “experience.” The olfactory experience begins with an inviting aroma as you enter their lavish tea salon and boutique. That comes as no surprise, as the Urban Tea Merchant is the exclusive Canadian distributor of TWG Tea, one of the world’s finest luxury tea brands. Tea is most definitely at the centre of everyday business at the Urban Tea Merchant. The quality of their teas is second to none, and every little detail matters. Even the tea bags are hand sewn one by one – yes, hand sewn – and made with 100% natural cotton to ensure that flavour isn’t altered in any way. Photo courtesy of TWG Tea And if you’re looking to enjoy more than just tea, the Urban Tea Merchant is also one of the best places in Vancouver to have afternoon tea. Offered daily, their tea service features a selection of menus – from seasonal menus like Sakura Tea Service or Festive Tea Service to recurring signature menus like the Pacific Route Tea Set or Traditional Tea Set. AFTERNOON TEA VS. HIGH TEA - THE DIFFERENCE Did you know that afternoon tea and high tea are not s y no ny mou s ? I n m a ny pl ac e s around the world, the terms “ a fte r no o n te a” a nd “ h i g h te a” have b e e n u s e d i nte rc ha nge ably, when in fact the two refer to ve r y d i ffe r e nt t h i ng s . Af te r no o n tea was originally conceptualized a n d e nj o y e d b y t h e w e a l t h y c l a s s i n E ngland . It was me ant to be s erved between 4:00 and 6:00 pm as a l ight a fte r noon me al . High tea, however, was traditionally served between 5:00 and 7:00 pm as the evening supper for the working class, often consisting o f me at i f av a i l abl e , ve ge t abl e dishes, bread, and a simple dessert. One thing that speaks to the significance of tea at the Urban Tea Merchant is their effort to incorporate tea into their food menus. What results is a unique “tea gastronomy experience” – handcrafted, scrumptious tea-infused cuisine paired with your choice of a premium TWG Tea. So how about some freshly baked scones with 1837 Black Tea Jelly, made with TWG Tea’s renowned signature 1837 Black Tea, or a savoury chicken cone infused with their TWG Tea’s smoky Imperial Lapsang Souchong tea? I say yes, please! Urban Tea Merchant 1070 West Georgia Street, Vancouver (604) 692-0071 urbantea.com