Saw this great picture on Flickr taken by one of our guests named Bairéid/Barrett. I hope he doesn't mind our sharing it on our site.

...And if it's an anti-Starbucks vibe you're after, go to Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley. "Tea is about slowing down, totally the opposite from coffee," says owner Donna Lo. "It's not a quick fix." The process of taking your shoes off, sitting on a pillow or tatami mat, and waiting for the water to boil is all part of the tea ritual, she says. The tea "time zone" relaxes people and brings them together. "It's about a lifestyle, not just a tea bag."

- Diablo Magazine

We've just added a fan page to Facebook. In addition to putting news, photos, and other interesting items up there, we will also be putting special offers up every now and then.

So, if you use Facebook, be sure to become a fan so you'll know what's new at Far Leaves and when there are discounts to be had. Go to www.facebook.com/farleaves

Thanks

Donna deals with TV folks...

Tea and tea culture: In this class you will be guided through the four main varieties of pure, high quality tea; white, green, oolong and black. We will begin with where and how they are produced, and then experience the proper brewing methods for each tea. You will learn what qualities to look for when shopping for fine teas, and what equipment is best for brewing the different types of tea.

So come join us to share our love and passion for some of the worlds' finest teas.
Sunday August 23rd
3pm -
at Far Leaves Tea
2979 college Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705

$ 20.oo


You can call Brad @510 459-6237 for more information. Or call Far Leaves tea@510 665-9409 to reserve your space.

PRAYING ON THE OLD CAMP GROUND

Featuring Melissa Bolger
April 1st to June 30th 2009
at Far Leaves Tea
2979 college Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705

Melissa Bolger was born in Walsonburg, Colorado and raised in the back woods of Whiskeytown Lake, California. She received her BFA from the California College of the Arts in 2003. Her work has been exhibited in California and New York.

Luxury in life is finding time to have tea.

Simplicity of ritual is restful and fulfilling.

Bounty of leaves and water is healthfully happy.

Finally the shipment comes in. Don't know if it's the cost of fuel, the vigilance on US Ports, or the rising value of the Renminbi, but it's getting harder and harder to get Chinese green teas onto our shores.

But, we've finally done it and it's good. We've got two organics this year that were worth the wait. The Bi Luo Chun has long sharp leaves that impart strength and flavor through multiple infusions of bliss. And the White Peony is Made from the young white tips of the tea plant, and has a soft sweet opening, with a hint of melon, and a smooth finish.

We have received fresh green tea from Japan.

Shimizu; "clear water" infusions present a fresh clear cup with a crisp grassy finish
Hakuro; this "white dew" tea has fresh veggie flavor and a full creamy body

Enjoy its bright color of green and the taste of spring!

Our old Canadian friend Mark Weinstock is back in town and ready to play for an evening at Far Leaves. THIS THURSDAY March 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the College Avenue location he'll be filling the air with musical passion, energy and good will. You can either go with the flow and enjoy a nice flowery oolong or a sweet grassy green tea to float with him through the ether, or you can balance his heady and emotional ballads with a grounding puer or the strong settling flavors of chai. In any case, don't miss this rare chance to enjoy live music at Far Leaves Tea. Hope to see you there.

There's nothing like glass to show off all of tea's sensual states. Even the most delicate fragrance can waft from the rim of the impervious glass. The liquor is pure and the color is glows in transparent light. But, to watch the unfurling of leaves into full glory in anticipation of sipping... nice.

We have a nice variety of glassware equipage. Click here to see what we've got, or come into the store or warehouse to look more closely.