tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272525432009-12-25T11:17:18.304-08:00on tea, wine & other (mis)adventures~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-84468555551538483572008-09-15T22:56:00.000-07:002008-09-16T11:00:38.958-07:00

Countrywide. Bear Stearns. IndyMac Bank (my previous employer). Fannie Mae. Freddy Mac. Merrill Lynch. Lehman Brothers. And other lesser known, sad things. All of them are either bankrupt or would have been if no one bailed them out.Who's next? General Motors? Chrysler? Washington Mutual? AIG Sun America? Bank of America?!We thought we, American financiers, mortgage bankers, real estate brokers,

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-40666780463086447202008-09-13T23:38:00.000-07:002008-09-14T23:46:59.537-07:00

On the 11th day (Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008), I ended my tasting of a well-crafted 2004 Wuyi Shuixian oolong that was harvested from a 200+ years old tea bush. If my notes are correct, this prolonged session yielded 21 infusions in the first three days, using gongfu brewing method. And 16 additional lovely cups were extracted through long steepings (9 - 12 hours each) over the next 8 days. That

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-4068601397648731352008-09-10T22:23:00.000-07:002008-09-11T00:20:59.699-07:00

The Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Europe is now turned on. The mission, I heard on the car radio while driving, is to score for Higgs' boson and get a hadron. Wait, or is it that Higgs will show her boson when the scientists collide their large hadrons? The reporter on the radio also said something like, we should all not be afraid of getting sucked by black holes.This was all so confusingly

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-45052016497410585612008-09-08T18:20:00.000-07:002008-09-19T10:35:27.967-07:00

The use of wine terms and allusions for tea has become more popular in the past few years. While I'm not a linguist, my guess is wine terms are increasingly adopted in tea talk because they have a higher likelihood of being understood by those uninitiated in tea but are more familiar with the wine culture (I'll refer to them as "wine-people" for the sake of brevity). Also, perhaps, wine terms

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-60353959172603040632008-09-06T01:09:00.000-07:002008-09-06T01:10:06.028-07:00

Last night, after drinking Toki's yancha oolong brew du nuit (steeped from 9am to 9pm), I decided to look for another yancha tea among my stash to do a comparison tasting, sort of. Aha! I found a pack of vintage 2007 Baishuixiang (100 years fragrance -- BSX) oolong, still vacuum-sealed in its little mylar bag.This tea, among others, was generously given to me by Will and Louise, two of my LA Tea

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-75292952480241556292008-09-05T00:19:00.001-07:002008-09-05T11:27:45.349-07:00

Today, I enter into my 6th day of tasting Toki's Wuyi oolong, which according to his blog was harvested from a 200+ years old Shui Xian bush, and then fired 4 times between May and September of 2004 by a talented tea master in Wuyishan, Fujian Province, China.For the first 3 days (Sunday to Tuesday), I brewed this tea with regular gongfu methods until such point that I had to infuse the tea for

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-27482648096311152272008-09-04T07:59:00.000-07:002008-09-16T10:57:51.150-07:00

All this monkey business ought to stop.Chinese tea factories and companies that produce "monkey-picked" teas would do well from not referring to their employees as monkeys. Ask any business consultant, and they will confirm that it’s an effective policy to boost workers’ morale. It is a right step in the direction of reducing or eliminating employee harassment lawsuits. It is also highly

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-48870802330483392952008-09-03T09:25:00.000-07:002008-09-05T18:11:02.956-07:00

I always welcome with delight the latest quarterly catalog from Upton Tea Imports when it arrives in my mailbox. Even though I rarely order from them, the catalog itself is a good read. It is written like a gazette on tea history accompanied with a broad list of tea and accessory selections.What caught my attention in the Fall 2008 catalog is the short note to the customers on page 3. As a

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-67925928879227170592008-09-02T11:41:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:14:40.981-07:00

We'll be right back after these messages. Do change your channel around in the mean time.● The Leaf issue no. 3 has been published online. Check out the articles!● What is Ddok tea? Find out here.● Jason Fasi (aka: bearsbearsbears) is well on his way to become a master potter. All the best, Jason!● Winexiles is conducting an online tasting of German rieslings (and everything else from Germany

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-23797262957788801332008-09-01T22:03:00.000-07:002008-09-02T08:35:09.179-07:00

Parameter: dry leaves 3/4 pot full , compacted by tapping the pot gently to settle the leaves down. Flash rinse. Gentle stream of boiling-hot water (99-100' C). All time measurement is an approximation, decided by the previous cup's taste and strength.Day 1: brew # 1 - 4 flash steeped. Brew #5 +2 sec. Brew #6-7 +5 sec.Day 2: brew # 8 (flash steeped to heat leaves). Brew #9 +5 sec. Brew #10-11 +7

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-73253097946906645862008-08-31T22:38:00.001-07:002008-09-01T21:46:18.097-07:00

...a tea tasting marathon session, that is.I am conducting my first drawn out, detailed tasting session, which may last for weeks (one tea) if I do it correctly. The tea is a vintage 2004 high-roast Wuyi oolong of undoubtedly top pedigree.Today I brewed the tea for 7 times. It was lovely and full of energy! The vibrancy of the 7th cup left me with little doubt that this tea can endure the long

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-61247736328481457822008-08-30T16:24:00.000-07:002008-08-31T16:16:07.600-07:00

While reading the woes of the world and the bleak financial news on the papers this morning (not to mention Sen. John McCain's puzzling choice for VP), I sipped on what most likely the 20th infusion of 2005 Yichanghao "Ji Pin" sheng pu'er (Houde). Maybe it was the 19th or the 21st brew...I lost count. This last cup was steeped for a good 12 to 13 hours from the evening before. Its aroma and taste

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-4620466481996387832008-08-29T10:45:00.000-07:002008-08-29T13:15:14.720-07:00

I make it a point to obtain some freshly produced Oriental Beauty oolong every summer. This seductive tea is one of my favorite seasonal indulgences. It's quite easy to fall in love with it. The best example that I ever tried made me swoon in adoration as she sang all the low, mid and high notes in symphony.I think the mark of a superior Oriental Beauty oolong is the presence of acidic nose /

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-49954931241956206892008-08-27T10:27:00.000-07:002008-08-27T10:56:59.173-07:00

The Yeoman Warder (a.k.a. Beefeater gin) from last night played a drum in my head. It was imperative that he left immediately before I leave for office. So I resorted to the fresh Baozhong (spring 2008 harvest, Pinglin township, Taiwan), which was generously included by Guang among my recent purchases.Floral and silky smooth. A wonderful morning refreshment. The Yeoman still lingered, though

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-52699597125780957792008-08-26T23:10:00.001-07:002008-08-28T13:47:28.289-07:00

Note: Besakih Temple, Bali, Indonesia. Ngaben (cremation) ceremony per the Balinese Hindu religion. Ending procession began from the restricted upper area of the temple passing into the public area. Quite fortunate to witness it as this doesn't happen every day (such solemn ceremony is not staged or open to outsiders).

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-70076168240932487272008-08-25T17:04:00.000-07:002008-09-05T18:05:45.506-07:00

Drinking tea in a Guangzhou (Canton) teashop, one is bound to be shown many novelty teas by the shopkeeper. I was a newbie at Pu'er back in 2005 (still am today). It was in November of that year during a visit to the old city when I first got introduced to Crab's Feet Pu'er at a teashop on Yue Hwa Road.I was a soft target: a tourist, even though I wear the skin of a Chinese man. Furthermore, my

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-55691596402905182912008-08-25T01:07:00.000-07:002008-08-25T09:08:24.375-07:00

(Light, shadow, and a girl running)Note: taken at the J. Paul Getty museum on Sunday, August 24th, 2008. About 5pm. The running child: Sophia, my ever hyper daughter.

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-71522765089798307762008-08-14T15:27:00.000-07:002008-08-14T15:49:05.234-07:00

Caught this NBC segment today of Al Roker and Chef Ming Tsai snacking in Beijing. Makes me think that I should be on a strict centipede diet in order to lose a few unwanted pounds...because I wouldn't eat any of it! I'd chew down most of the stuff there without a second thought, although I'm a bit hesitant about the scorpions. Not the centipedes, though...uh uh, no thanks. *shaking my head*

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-42227703280266629472008-08-12T22:18:00.001-07:002008-08-12T22:54:57.566-07:00

The one tea that I've been drinking quite often lately is the 2001 Shuangjiang Mengku Yuanyexiang (YYX), thin paper version. It is now 7 years of age, which supposedly marks the end of the 1st and the beginning of the 2nd stage of its fermentation process. At least that's what they say, although I haven't really grasped the theory behind this concept.The more I drink the YYX, the more I feel how

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-20379156249892574362008-08-06T18:26:00.000-07:002008-08-06T18:33:08.906-07:00

I would like to thank everyone who wrote and gave encouraging thoughts in response to my post below about Misha’s condition. After about one month of investigation, tests, more tests and consultations with various doctors, the result was that the cancer has not spread to any other area of the body. That is a relief for everyone, especially for Misha and his parents.Today morning, Misha

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-92075602575928461512008-07-09T19:42:00.000-07:002008-07-16T16:26:49.478-07:00

So, how is one supposed to feel and react when one learns that someone who one dearly loves has been diagnosed with a despicable affliction: cancer?I am truly shocked and saddened to learn just a few hours ago that my dearest friends' son, Misha, who has literally grown in front of our eyes from boyhood to a strapping, talented, smart and ambitious 13-year old teenager that he is now, has been

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-18071459187550324882008-07-05T17:46:00.000-07:002008-07-06T15:27:38.279-07:00

Whipped Caviar Tarama, Yogurt Tzatziki, Eggplant Melitzanisalata, Fassolia Beans, Manestra Pasta, Kalamaria, Dolmathes, Keftethes, Spanakopita, Pastitsio,…These were some of the wonderful Greek dishes I had with my family in the later half of yesterday. Not exactly a traditional Independence Day fares, which usually involve lots of BBQ’s, beers and red Californian zinfandel. Let's just say we

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-64461323978878547712008-07-04T22:02:00.000-07:002008-07-04T22:35:11.264-07:00

Happy 4th!Something special deserves its own moment. When it comes to a unique tea, it means finding a calm and casual window of time to savor it. The morning of July 4th was such that I decided to open a small package from The Tea Gallery containing 25gr of 1950’s Shui Xian oolong. I’ve been meaning to try this old tea out since it arrived 2 weeks ago, but a calm enough morning has been a rarity

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-52863091258539652022008-06-29T23:26:00.000-07:002008-06-30T17:37:48.037-07:00

First off, Olé España!!! Finally!!!This tea sample came from The Tea Gallery in New York City, a brick-and-mortar tea store which only recently inaugurated its online store. Congratulations! We in the tea blogosphere have known about this establishment for quite some time as the quasi-headquarter of New York City's teaheads, such as Toki.I must generously give my thanks to Dae, of The Tea Gallery

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27252543.post-21332842714315211792008-06-28T01:47:00.000-07:002008-06-30T18:39:55.009-07:00

Just returned from George Michael's concert in Anaheim. Great show! He is in perfect form, commands a great stage presence, and his voice carries its timeless charm, as if unaffected by years gone by and drugs. In fact, he sounds much better in person than on the records. Not many artists can do that. Bravo! Personal favorite song of the night: Praying for Time.Some pictures from the concert (

~ Phyllhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089209028096768776noreply@blogger.com1