Tao of Tea the

Elite '08

53

94

Brandon B.

Portland, OR

It is in February, when cold grips our quiet city and spring seems far off, that Edgeworthia chrysantha opens its battalion of tiny yellow flowers. The pungent sweet unidentifiable fragrance overpowers you with memories, with longing, with love lost and found again, with the beauty of hope, with the sting of certain betrayal.

At this Tao of Tea in the Chinese Garden, I sip my amber tea by the windows. Morning mist still covers the pond. Winter still holds hostage the garden. I can see the Edgeworthia bloom. But here, behind the windows, I cannot smell it.

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Elite '08

123

360

Jen K.

West Linn, OR

"Tea is said to be a "way" (tao).  This is because it is something one learns to appreciate through feeling, not through verbal instruction.  If a person maintains a state of quietness, only then will one appreciate the quietness inherent in tea."

That was the message on my table.  And although there weren't any silence monitors, this really is a place for quiet reflection.  I had the jasmine blossom tea, served gaiwan style, on the main level.  There is an upstairs seating area I preferred, but they only open it up when the tea house is busy.

Service was prompt and they come by to refill your cup or pot with hot water.  This is a perfect spot to stop for refreshments while you are touring the Chinese Classical Garden.  But, hush, hush, keep it down, down, voices carry...

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Elite '08

22

416

Brandy S.

Portland, OR

I really like that there is a tea house inside the Chinese Gardens. They have a nice selection of snacks to compliment the teas (enough for a light lunch). Plus there are vegetarian options.

Downside: sometimes the staff get overwhelmed so things slow down. Be prepared to wait.

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87

649

T-Bone L.

San Francisco, CA

Excellent Lychee Tea with nice presentation from the staff.

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