A Nice Cuppa

Chocolate is one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially for anyone with a sweet tooth.  Now how about taking it to the next level by enjoying it as a liquid, drinkable form?
Bellagio Sipping Chocolate is smooth, rich and bittersweet and meant to be sipped as a drink.  It is made from 100% pure cocoa and chocolate […]

As the seasons change and hints of color once again begin to fill the landscapes, I am reminded of a visit I made years ago to the Huntington Library in California.  I have the most beautiful vision of a Japanese garden implanted in my memory as a result of that visit.  I can recall walking down a series […]

If you have kids (and heck, even if you don’t) and are looking for a cute tea kettle to start having tea parties with them, then you need to look no further than the Giving Gallery.  They have adorable animal tea kettles available (currently on sale for $34.95), and they make the perfect introduction to […]

I’m not a fan of coffee.  Or tea.  Really just hot drinks altogether.  However, after this recent news from a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, I just may have to rethink my stance.  After studying the effects of 1,003 Japanese men and women, the study found that drinking just two cups […]

Devout coffee and tea drinkers enjoy their beverages for many reasons: pleasure, relaxation, refreshment, habit, and more recently for various health benefits.  Over the years numerous studies have been done on the components of tea and coffee, especially on caffeine and the health risks or benefits related to regular consumption.
Late last month, at the International […]

Since January, The Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut has been hosting an exhibit and related lectures and demonstrations illuminating the importance, breadth and evolution of Japanese tea culture.  The show continues through April 26th and features 100 tea objects, some dating as far back as the ninth century.  Today’s New York Times […]

Serendipitea is raising their teacup this St. Patrick’s Day with a sale on all of their green teas.  What a wonderful way to celebrate and save!  Serendiptea is offering a robust selection of two dozen green teas from China, Japan and Sri Lanka, among others… all on sale for 20% off for a limited period […]

For the coffee lovers anxiously awaiting the arrival of Via Ready Brew instant coffee to their local Starbucks, you might have to wait a little longer.  That is, unless you are among the lucky ones located within Chicago or Seattle.  Chicago and Seattle residents are able to attend tasting events and purchase the product at […]

Max Brenner aka “Chocolate by the Bald Man” … I’m not going to lie, I have had a complete crush on Max for quite some time. I try to find ways to catch a glimpse, hoping I might get invited to a personal tour of his mad science laboratory of chocolates. After all, his philosophy […]

Yup.  I had to blink twice and rub my eyes to be sure too, but now you can get your cupcake and java fix at the same time.  Cupcakes have arrived at Starbucks.  Now before you get all excited, they’re not available at all Starbucks’ locations (much like their other bakery items).  Out of the […]