All tagged Los Angeles

Do you really need to take tea tasting notes?

Do you really need to take tea tasting notes?

Anna Mariani
Tastings

After 5 years of tea blogging and countless other tea-related topics to research and write about, I had felt a bit of fatigue and lack of inspiration when taking tasting notes of tea. Luckily, I was determined to dig deeper into the process and found a better way, as well as a much needed creative spark. Read on to discover: The benefits of tea tasting notes. Taking my tea tasting notes to the next level. My tips and tricks for easier tea tastings. How I used Teawala’s Tea Tasting Journal. My tasting notes.

The best tea experiences I’ve ever had

The best tea experiences I’ve ever had

Anna Mariani

Because I haven’t been able to travel in over a year now (thank you, pandemic) and I miss traveling more than anything right now, I thought it would be fun to round up all the best tea experiences I’ve had around the world. Honestly, I’ve had more than 7 (at least 12) and I could write chapters about them but I’ll keep those for my memoirs. What are the best tea experiences you’ve ever had? Please let me know in the comments below, I’m curious!

The best creative tea latte in Los Angeles

The best creative tea latte in Los Angeles

Anna Mariani
Tastings, Tea in Los Angeles

When I moved to Los Angeles a year ago, I was not sure whether I would find enough tea here. Luckily, Los Angeles proved me wrong. In the past 12 months, I came across all sorts of examples that excellent tea not only exists here but thrives. You have to know where to look for it, almost like a treasure hunt....but there are plenty of options! And this year I want to show you the best tea Los Angeles has to offer. Ready? Let’s dive right in!

My tasting notes: 2018 Wild Raw Puerh

My tasting notes: 2018 Wild Raw Puerh

Anna Mariani
Tastings

I won this cake a while ago at a giveaway on Instagram and it had been sitting - untouched - in my tea cabinet for a while. Puerh is meant for aging, so I was not overly concerned and I was waiting to be in the mood for it. Let me tell you, I’m rarely in the mood for puerh. I can hear all the pu-heads gasping in horror. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy it a lot, but not for solo tea sessions. Strange, isn’t it? Anyways, I somehow associate young (or relatively young) raw puerh with grape skin notes, but I could not detect those here and I did not miss them because there was plenty of other intriguing notes going on.

The only matcha pancakes recipe you will ever need

The only matcha pancakes recipe you will ever need

Anna Mariani
Recipes

These pancakes are shockingly easy to make and they pack a ton of matcha flavor. Gone are the days of tasteless matcha-flavored stuff! Did I mention they are dairy-free and low in sugar? I don’t like my pancake batter too sweet because you’re going to drizzle maple syrup on top anyway, right? The secret to fluffy pancakes every time is not a secret at all, my dear matcha loving friends! Whip egg whites to stiff peaks and fold gently into the batter and voila! Enjoy! Recipe right this way.

My favorite tea recipes for fall

My favorite tea recipes for fall

Anna Mariani
Recipes

Happy first day of fall, tea lovers! How are you celebrating this wonderful season? I can’t say it looks or feels like fall here in LA (yet?), but I can celebrate nonetheless, right? Luckily, I have some tea-infused recipes up my sleeve. Right this way for some cozy tea goodness.

My tasting notes: Machiko VS Fukumidori

My tasting notes: Machiko VS Fukumidori

Anna Mariani
Tastings

Machiko is known to have the distinctive aroma of sakura, cherry blossoms, and fukumidori was described to me as bitter but in a good way, which is not a priority for me when choosing green tea from Japan (umami is at the top of the list usually). Apparently, Japanese tea drinkers seem to enjoy bitterness in their green tea and I was curious to see what that was like. Read on to discover my tasting notes and thoughts.

Tea and Murals. The Love Wall

Tea and Murals. The Love Wall

Anna Mariani

If you’re new here (welcome!), tea and murals might sound like a far-fetched duo to you. Well, let me explain. Pairing tea and murals is my quirky way of combining two passions in a mindful way and a good “excuse” (as if you needed one!) to explore neighborhoods through tea and art. I’ve been asked what the tea scene in LA is like. Right this way, ladies and gentlemen! I enjoyed the mural, I drank the tea and I’m showing you where to go in one of my favorite LA neighborhoods (oh, hello Culver City) if you want to do the same.

November tea and mindfulness

November tea and mindfulness

Anna Mariani

This time of year, we might get caught up in a great deal of stress and anxiety instead of enjoying ourselves and our loved ones and we might need a grounding inspirational moment to find balance again. I hope this collection of quotes and some of my most recent tea photography can help you ground yourself in your most stressful moments and inspire you to make a cup of tea for yourself or to share with someone else, because after all a mindful tea moment can be one of the most effective self-care strategies.

Tea and murals. The So Cal edition

Tea and murals. The So Cal edition

Anna Mariani

What is tea and murals? It all started with the realization that beauty can be part of my everyday life anytime, anywhere. Be present in the moment and you’ll be surprised how much beauty you will find, often in the most unexpected of places, sometimes in a cup of tea, sometimes just around the corner. Tea deserves more attention, and so does art. I’m pairing the two by showing you the most vibrant and fun murals while drinking tea. Grab your cup, let’s go!
 

My tasting notes: Oriental Beauty oolong

My tasting notes: Oriental Beauty oolong

Anna Mariani
Tastings, Pairings

Oriental Beauty is a “bug-bitten” oolong tea from Taiwan. Let's take a moment to appreciate a tiny insect, the tea green leaf hopper. The plant defense mechanism against the attack of leaf hoppers makes the tea delicious by releasing chemicals which contribute to its flavor. Read on to find out more.