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| Tuesday, June 16, 2009 | 09:41 |
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Tea Extravaganza 2009 Set For The Drake Hotel - The First Independent Tea Tasting in North America
Similar to a fine wine tasting, the Tea Extravaganza 2009 is an opportunity for tea aficionados with a sophisticated palate to sample and taste at least 15 of the finest, rarest, and often hardest to acquire teas from the world's premier estates. The event is the first independent tea tasting of its kind in North America, and will be held at the luxurious Drake Hotel in Chicago, August 10th and 11th.
Tea Extravaganza 2009, a refined tea tasting, is planned at the luxurious Drake Hotel in Chicago, August 10th and 11th, from 9am to 1pm each day. Similar to a fine wine tasting, the Tea Extravaganza 2009 is an opportunity for tea aficionados with a sophisticated palate to sample and taste several of the finest, rarest, and often hardest to acquire teas from the world's premier estates. A once in a lifetime experience!
This special tea tasting opportunity is co-sponsored by the American Tea Masters Association and the Drake Hotel. The association specializes in educating, training, and certifying tea masters and tea sommeliers. The hotel's Palm Court is one of the country's finest, most elegant tearooms.
Tea has a long tradition at the hotel. The Palm Court has served dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth, the Empress of Japan, the Princess of Wales, Princess Diana, Hilary Clinton, and many other notables.
What to expect? Imagine an exquisite 1949 Cave-Aged Private Reserve Pu-erh that sells for $400 an ounce. Cellar aged in large bricks for over 56 years, this rare vintage pu-erh delicacy is sourced for vintage pu-erh collections. Pu-erh of this age is rarely available anywhere, and the price has been escalating. The cave aging transformed this fine pu-erh into a top vintage with smooth as silk earthy flavors. Among the oldest vintages to enter U.S. soil, a pu-erh experience few will have the pleasure of sipping.
Another taste sensation is Cha Wang Tai Ping Hou Kui (Tea King Monkey Chief), which is the highest grade of this particular Chinese green tea using only the finest and perfectly crafted leaves. It is from Hou Keng Village, located at the foothills of Tai Ping County. Just as Xihu Village is known to produce the best Long Jing (Dragon Well), Hou Keng is where the highest grade of Hou Kui is grown.
Yet another special selection is Dong Fang Mei Ren (Oriental Beauty), an unrolled dark Taiwanese oolong and is unlike any other. From Nantou County, Taiwan, this tea was hand-picked with two leaves and a bud per cluster. Enzymes change the color of the leaf edges to a deep red, and cause the plant to give off the aroma of honey and fruit. The transfer of pollen from nearby flowers to the tealeaves gives it an unusually sweet flavor.
These are just a few of the exquisite taste sensations that await the tea lover. Each is guaranteed to expand one's tea drinking experience to the next higher level.
The event will begin with a brief keynote address on "Personal Mastery" by Peter J. Reding, author of Positively Brilliant Self-mastery, on Monday, August 10th at 9am. Reding is the Co-founder of Coach For Life, Founder of the Foundation for Inspired Learning, and Founder of Positively Brilliant Productions. His understanding of mastery is exemplary.
Tickets are available in limited quantity at www.teamasters.org/te2009.html: $120 for both days (2 tickets for $200), or a private table for 8 with your own certified tea master for $800. Out-of-towners who wish to stay at the Drake Hotel may contact room reservations at (312) 787-2200 or www.TheDrakeHotel.com.
Additionally, an elegant lunch will be available in the Drake Hotel's Private Club on Monday following the Tea Extravaganza. On Tuesday, Afternoon Tea will be served in the Palm Court following the tea-tasting session. Contact Shaun Rajah, Palm Court Special Events Manager, for reservations and prices at (312) 932-4619. The cost is not included in the ticket price.
Contact
| Name: Chas Kroll |
| E-mail: |
| Web: http://www.teamasters.org/ |
| Company: American Tea Masters Association |
| Address: - San Diego |
| Country: UNITED STATES |
| Phone: +1 913-660-8628 |
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