A Nice Cuppa

Ever wonder if it were possible to sip history or feel wisdom? The magical wonders of living fire, the cool elegance of healing spring waters, the beautiful delicious truth of enchanting tea leaves… wearing every scent, memory, experience from the land of little tea dragons? They might whisper delicious secrets of a rouge lipped empress, the mysterious melody of a little golden feathered yellow bird who has spied the enchantment of a Taoist magician bringing heaven down to earth.

This rock of Manhattan is home to an enchanting, cloistered, near cave called The Tea Gallery Off the yuppie streets of Soho with its kaa-ching cash registers of cold hard cash.  Meanwhile on a quiet street named Allen just a bit East of the newly gentri-fried Bowery, once the colorful pocket that encompassed the lurid “Gangs of New York” as cinematically portrayed by Martin Scorcese, which was also his home (now called Nolita according to the new etched title of its real estate conquerors). An echo of a more genteel magnificence quietly prevails.  Michael and Winnie Wong, proprietors of “The Tea Gallery” hold  court…. The Emperor and Empress of their own enclosed tea pavilion, where their refined rarities of tea are the garden and tea accoutrements are on exhibition.

The Tea Gallery itself, symbolically, is more of a liquid tea museum of culture. Symbolic silken threads weave an intricate tea aura, with the many philosophical influences with which tea traditions of China are imbued. Architecturally it is expansive, invoking the naturalness of a subdued summer twilight, as well as accentuating the convivial mingling of a mythic spiritual expression of chi, the grand cosmic breath of life. Warm sandy stone tones, serene archways without the obstacles of closed doors, the tea spirit flows brightly. Perhaps a modern interpretation of the Immortal alchemists, within the Gotham industrial matrix? Hidden within contemporary furnishings in the spirit of ancient persuasion are poised a time line of China’s history in the form of its traditional tea vessels. Smooth cool tea equipage, invokes the Yuan Dynasty, Jun ware bowls of the 1300 century. Classical wooden sculptures grace the environs, as well as pale brushed ink drawings of birds and flowers.  All depict the simplicity of another era. You can read more by their lady in waiting Dae Yoo, the belle of their blog, who contributes a journal of their precious antique vessels and goings on. Dae, whom is also their proverbial tea enchantress and tea jester to their many students of Classical tea preparation rituals. It would take volumes to describe their devotion to teaching the artistry of tea preperation to the public at large. One small group at a time about their beloved tea cup that cheers. My feeling for many years is that somehow in the evolution of their families expertise in cultural antiquities and architecture? Michael and Winnie Wong have found a way to share a regal affinity of many dynasties, pouring all of the their history simply within the mini heart drive of tiny cups of tea!  It is so magnificent really.  What will never change is the inseparable entwining of China’s passion for tea.

The art of borrowing scenery from Nature, as if you were among the trees in the mountains? A quiet place of meditation and reverie. Is this truly the soul of this little leaf that took over the world?   What better way to encapsulate the Taoist sages, intimate connection with nature? Recalls to mind, The splendor of “The Hanging Rainbow Pavilion” or “The Halls of the Moon” I dream of their amusing pastimes, such as composing a poem in the time that it took a floating tea cup and saucer to drift from one end to the other on a meandering water-course set in the floor.  Scholars sipping elixers within pavilions of dynasties gone by. The Tea Gallery opens its doors to friends, students and those whom may be curious with this leaf of alluring intrigue.  To bring to your friends and loved ones a piece of history or to partake oneself?  The Tea Gallery is a bit of an urban national treasure, they resisted all commercial aggression. Tea tastings are the focus of their habitat and tea is of course available for sale. Sales are a more subtle matter, not a hustle bustle tea slinging attack. The Taoist tea pavilions have always been a habitat for contemplation as a symbol of natural paradise. The art of enjoying extraordinary leaves, lends stimulus to great conversation thus strengthening friendships.

The Tea Gallery has refused to become credit card snipers. Yet we do live in a time where if paradise is to be maintained? Currency must feng shui, more than simply in thanks of appreciation for the generosity they have shown the community. They now have a simple and elegant website of tea offerings which any connoisseur will testify fiercely to the quality of their tea collection. One must simply swim the internet and take in the adoring reviews.  They offer a delicate ensemble of varietals for tastes which suit beginners to those whom are experts, and hopefully not too haughty! Tea at heart brings us all to humility in respect for our fragile position within nature. Do refute any know it all’s, above all remember that true tea masters are humble beings, in fact actual experts will only thrive on sharing their love of the leaves. Tea is indeed, for one and all. Want to get Green? Start by becoming one with nature, within the time honored tradition of cultivating respect for mother earth, through the ritual of studying tea.

Pick any tea that strikes your fancy. You can catch the fragrance of tea wafting through time fragrant with its mysteries. If there were ever a way to take in the aroma of these powerful plants? Fantastically fragrance lingers, as though their website is emitting the scent of fresh tea. You will be supporting a family which has tirelessly devoted their generosity. You will be sharing what has entailed great expertise, and you will be sipping indeed pure luminosity and luxury. Any city where you might reside? Take a little stroll to your local museum and dream about just what these powerful leaves have observed for 5,000 years! Some tea trees which are still living for over a thousand years. Come home, brew a pot of tea and become one with history! You will be sipping what Emperors, Kings, Queens as well as mindful mendicant monks, have dutifully engaged in. “the original green portfolio” of simply becoming one with nature literally. The only way to find out is to simply surrender to your curiosity. You can book a tea tasting if you are visiting New York, or you can email the authentic tea masters with your brewing conundrums.

Simple truly… Fresh sculpted tea leaves,  spring mineraly fresh cool water, fire from the little dragons and a vessel?  Elaborate or rustic, the leaves usually do not complain. Become a kindred spirit with healthful botanical practices.  My oh my though?  I do imagine them cringing as they are pretty pampered subjects!  Enjoy some gifts from The Gallery of Tea Bliss!

To shop the Tea Gallery virtually, visit here.

The Tea Gallery
131 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002

212-777-6148

Photos: Fumiko’s collection and Sackler’s