2016 Huoshan Yellow Bud (JING)
A flash review.
Posted in Commentary and tagged china, Chinese, culture, Huo Shan, JING, review, tea, yellow tea
DiaoChan: the Rise of the Courtesan
I first heard of Red Dragonfly Production last year when they toured the UK with “Autumn of Han”. I was delighted to find a theatre company bringing dramatisations of Chinese stories to the stage. Unfortunately busy schedules meant I missed the show, so it was with great anticipation that I attended the press night for their new play, “DiaoChan: the Rise of the Courtesan”.
Posted in Commentary and tagged china, Chinese, Chinese culture, courtesan, Diao Chan, Red Dragonfly Productions, review, theatre, Three Kingdoms
Jing Teas: Gong Fu Tea Set
I am reviewing a modern and minimalist Gong Fu tea set from JING, together with a tasting of their lovely Golden Gong Fu black tea. With cleaning after each use, this glass set can serve any number of different types of tea. A perfect gift for the compulsive tea drinker. And whether you like a dark winter brew or some cleansing after the rich food of the festive season, the Golden Gong Fu is the perfect Christmas gift.
Posted in Commentary and tagged black tea, china, Chinese, christmas, culture, Gong Fu, JING tea, review, tea, tea ware
Mulan: Revelations
I was delighted when Dark Horse got in touch with me about the upcoming title “Mulan: Revelations”. Unfortunately, as this was back in the middle of convention season, I couldn’t write about it immediatey, and it was only when I saw the title on the shelves at my local comic store, that I received the kick to actually get the review up.
Posted in Commentary and tagged china, Chinese, comics, culture, Cyberpunk, Dark Horse, Hua Mulan, Mulan, Mulan Revelations, review, Shanghai
2015 No.32 Emperor Sencha (Teafields)
After a hectic month of conventions (attending and speaking at), I finally have a chance to continue my mini tea reviews, just what I need to relax and reset after an extremely busy season. Today I’ll be looking at Teafield’s No.32 Emperor Sencha.
Posted in Commentary and tagged china, Chinese, culture, green tea, Japan, review, Sencha, senchado, tasting, tea, Teafields
2015 No.1 Royal English Breakfast (Teafields)
As the second of my mini tea review series, I’m looking at Teafield’s No.1 Royal English Breakfast.
I know, a little out of my remit of Chinese culture, but the shared love of tea is something that (now) unites these two great cultures.
Posted in Commentary and tagged Assam, British, china, Chinese, culture, English, English Breakfast, Kenya, review, Royal Breakfast, tea, Teafields
2015 Midnight Musk (Teafields)
My last order from Teafields came with a little extra gift. Six tiny bags of tea leaves, as samples of their range. I reviewed the White Knight Silver Needle which I actually ordered, but have, until now, not had the time to give the samples the review I think they deserve.
Posted in Commentary and tagged ambry myrrh, black tea, china, Chinese, culture, Egyptian musk, review, spices, tea, Teafields
2015 White Knight Silver Needle (Teafields)
Now that Christmas , New Year, and Chinese New Year have all passed, it’s time to detox and freshen up for the year ahead. What could be better than tasting Spring in a pot of supreme white tea? Here’s a review of Teafield’s White Knight Silver Needle.
Posted in Commentary and tagged china, Chinese, culture, review, silver needle, tea, Teafields, white tea
Shikumen
I select restaurants to review for various reasons. Reccomendations, publicity, invite, occasionally just simple coincidence. We came across Shikumen due to a huge advert in London’s free morning paper. With an enticing dim sum menu, and a website littered with Shangai calendar pics, we thought it would be worth a trip to their Ealing branch.
Posted in Commentary and tagged Cantonese, china, Chinese, cuisine, culture, dim sum, Ealing, food, restaurant, review, Shanghai, Shikumen, Tianjin