Every so often, I read something that sets off the “I wish I had written that” feeling because someone else expressed my opinion, feeling, philosophy, or whatever, in more good articulatedly way. (And yes, I said it that way on purpose.) I’ve made reference to three such posts over the last few weeks, and thought I’d put up links them here for your reading pleasure.
The earliest of the three items was posted this summer on the Chadao blog. It’s a review of the book, The Story of Tea. I pretty much agree with every strength and every criticism of the post. You do have to read past the part that says, “If the above is all you require from a tea book, stop here. Go out and buy it now, and you will probably be very happy. However, if you want more from a tea book, especially one with the aspirations this one so evidently has, you may want to read on.” Reader’s Corner: DougH on The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss
Following fast on the heels of that post was Jessica Pezak’s on sevencups.com about the role of tea reviews, blogging, and the American tea industry. 2 Years, Too Much: Perspectives on the US Tea Industry
Finally, one posted earlier today on the T Ching blog by Dianna Harbin, who I am happy to say I know and had some good conversation with at the World Tea Expo this year and last. She covers how tearooms are shortchanging their own customers, and what that might mean for the neighborhood tea shop in the future. tea enthusiasts need access to pure teas in tearooms and tea shops
To all three authors, I say “Amen!” (and secretly think, “I wish I’d written that…”)
I found the last post you shared to be particularly provocative. I agree with much of the core idea of what Dianna says, but I think that she is missing a key distinction; I left a comment and hopefully it will be approved for you to read it soon!
The key point I had is that I think that it’s more important to focus on quality and tradition rather than to demand that a tea shop needs to cater to a particular notion of what makes a “true tea enthusiast”. Quality can take many different forms!