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James Norwood Pratt’s visit was absolutely wonderful!  We all were mesmerized by his stories about the tea, the tea history and his enthusiasm.  It was a magical afternoon and evening.  I learned so much.  He continues to inspire me about the world of tea.  Stay tuned for more on the home page of the website, pictures and a video. I can’t wait to share all of the details with you!

Good morning everyone!  It’s an exciting day around here.  Our special guest is coming in tonight.  I had a thought this morning.  If any of you have questions for our tea expert, James Norwood Pratt, please feel free to e-mail me at amy@afternoontoremember.com.   I’ll ask them for you and let you know his answers. Stay tuned!

Here it is 5:20 am and I’ve been up since 4:00 am. I’m so excited about tomorrow! I’ll be picking up James Norwood Pratt tomorrow evening. I just can’t wait to chat his ear off about tea. I have to pinch myself that it’s really happening. I remember when I first met him. It was at my first World Tea Expo (formerly called, “Take Me To Tea”) in 2004. I was looking at one of the tea booths and overheard they were getting ready to do a tea tasting. I decided to stay and listen. It wasn’t a very big booth. At first there were only a few people, but eventually it was packed so much so that everyone decided to sit on the floor and listen. Norwood was so mesmerizing. He described the tea, the taste and even the country from where the tea originated. It was then that I fell in love with tea. Prior to that, I had opened the tea room not because I loved tea, but because I loved to cook and entertain. I had always “liked” tea, never cared for coffee, but after that tea tasting session, I fell in love with tea.

Since that first time, the expo has grown tremendously. The tea vendor now has a huge booth and even barstools for us to sit on while we listen to Norwood and taste tea. It’s always the highlight of my trip. This year was particularly exciting as Norwood introduced Rajah Banerjee-owner of one of the oldest tea plantations in Darjeeling, India. He owns the Makaibari Estate where we get our Makaibari Darjeeling. Norwood has talked about him for years and this past year I was finally able to meet him.

It was also at this expo where I talked to Norwood about coming to our tea room. I had wanted to have him come speak to my customers for years, but this year I finally felt comfortable enough to ask him. I think it was because he remembered me by name this year. I felt so special! So now you can see why I can’t sleep. The man who really introduced me to tea is speaking at my tea room! I am so grateful and honored!

Hi all!

It’s official, I can finally announce our big news because I saw it on their website this morning. I knew a few weeks ago, but couldn’t tell until it came out officially. We won Best Tea Room in Sacramento Magazine’s Best of the Best. Thanks to all of my wonderful customers who voted for us! You are the reason we won. Thank you so much for your loyalty and dedication!

So much has happened in the past two weeks, my head is spinning! On Wednesday I found out that I will be teaching a class at the World Tea Expo with Babette Donaldson author of Emma Lea Books. We’re very excited!

I was invited to be a guest chef at the Mandarin Festival in November. I will be making mandarin scones on Saturday, November 22nd for them.

Our new cute little white tea pots with infusers came in this week. They are darling! They’ll make a great Christmas present as they are only $11.95 each.

I’ve been chatting back and forth with Norwood Pratt about our tea tasting event on the 22nd of this month. I can’t wait for everyone to meet him. Fran found a wonderful article about him in Fresh Cup Magazine.

I found out another piece of exciting news but can’t share this one until late October. I’ll let you know as soon as I can. Stay tuned!