tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16115542.post7144024985139200629..comments2024-03-16T11:51:28.412-04:00Comments on CHA DAO: A London Tea-and-Chocolate Tasting: TeaSmithcoraxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03645573592247798140noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16115542.post-40265740256212597942009-01-27T09:43:00.000-05:002009-01-27T09:43:00.000-05:00Steve, thanks for your interesting comment. I have...Steve, thanks for your interesting comment. I have not visited Japan yet and sounds like there would be much to experience there!Aeyalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11593407209801970465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16115542.post-75648193994843584532009-01-25T07:16:00.000-05:002009-01-25T07:16:00.000-05:00Aeyal Gross,Thank you for your excellent essay on ...Aeyal Gross,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your excellent essay on tea and chocolate. I found your descriptions fascinating and vicariously enjoyed the experiences.<BR/><BR/>As I thought about the many ideas you brought forth in your writing, it occurred to me that I had had similar occasions in Japan while visiting art dealers at their galleries.<BR/><BR/>In the old neighborhood of the Shinmonzen and Furumonzen, Kyoto, there is the Yanagi family of art dealers, the most prominent being Yanagi Takashi. Yanagi Takashi is a suave, elegant man, now elderly but still courtly. He was often away from his gallery participating in tea ceremonies that lasted one or two days. He is a true cognoscenti.<BR/><BR/>At his gallery along Nawate dori, customers taken to the private, upper room are shown superb artworks: calligraphy, paintings, and sculpture. But some of the most memorable moments of my visits with him were when refreshments were served in the form of matcha, steeped tea, or coffee, each refined beverage was perfectly matched with a sweet. Oftentimes, the confection, whether in the form of candy, pastry, or traditional Japanese sweet, complemented the taste of the drink or contrasted with it. It was always such a thrill of anticipation to savor the unexpected combination of drink and food conjured up by Mr. Yanagi and his late wife. I confess to being so taken with the quality and character of several repasts that I broke all rules of restraint and asked for seconds. Just what he thought of my outrageous behavior I never heard, but unfailingly gracious and unflappable, Mr. Yanagi always had another cup and plate for me.<BR/><BR/>You mentioned the Japanese spouses of the men who organized the tea tasting. I hazard to suspect, that aside from their innate senses, the husbands were well-informed by the sophisticated palates of their wives.<BR/><BR/>Steve.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com