Week 1
Welcome to Hannah’s Tea Corner! For my senior project, I am working at Tea Chai Té (TCT) on NW 23rd in order to learn more about tea. I’ve been a long time tea drinker, so I’ve had this project in mind for a good while--I’ve always wanted to be more educated about the different types of tea and the benefits they can bring. Additionally, I’ve always thought being a barista would be a fun job with a really useful skill set. Running the register, memorizing recipes, and doing shop-related housekeeping are not only extremely transferable skills applicable to many different food-service jobs, but I’m mostly looking to develop my ability to do something well in a time crunch. At school, we’re typically given at least a couple hours for each assignment, so I’ve developed a terrible habit of using really inefficient processes to do things well. I can’t do that during rush hour!
What better place to learn more about tea and develop those skills than at a highly popular tea shop with over 120 different teas on their menu?
With this idea in mind, I emailed several tea shops around Portland back in March prior to filling out the Senior Project application; TCT was the only shop that both responded and took me up on the offer. Other places I had reached out to included Smith Teamaker, Qi Fine Teas, the Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Clockwork Rose Emporium, and Mamancy Tea Co. Although these shops couldn't take me on for my Senior Project due to Covid restrictions, I wanted to name them for any other tea buffs since they all offer unique tea experiences that could be fun to check out. Smith is even opening a new café on 23rd in a few days! Go support your local businesses!
Regardless, Sierra (that's assistant manager of the shop and my mentor!) had me come in after exchanging a couple emails and I began training in mid-April. I began working “officially” (I’m not getting paid during this internship, rip) this last Tuesday, since Monday was spent recovering from the Covid vaccine 🤒. Most of my time going forwards will be spent at the shop on 23rd, but I'll also spend one day a week at the shop on East Burnside to meet with Dakota, TCT's resident tea expert. This is so I can learn more deeply about the different processes different teas undergo for production, and the properties that imparts on each. Science!
It’s been a fun week so far! Even after just working one day, I feel like I’ve improved greatly since my first training session four weeks ago. I’ve heard some weird orders, worked through my first rush, gotten to meet some regulars, and I’m excited to continue doing so over the next few weeks. Some other people I may mention are Erica (head manager), Nathan (employee), and Neil (employee). As I work through this project, my three goals are to:
- Learn to make drinks better and more efficiently
- Learn about the science behind tea and its benefits
- Learn to open/close shop
See you next week!
Tea of the week: #122 Apple Cinnamon Rooibos
Honorable Mentions: #66 Rose Peony, #24 Strawberry Sencha, #38 Spiced Vanilla Chai
Hannah, I can't wait to read more of your blog and learn more about tea, especially its benefits. Do you have a favorite tea?
ReplyDeleteHi Bill! Thanks for taking the time to read my first blog post! Unfortunately, there's far too many teas for me to pick a favorite, but I'll keep a running list of really good ones I try every week at the bottom of each post!
DeleteHi, Hannah,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! I have not been in this shop but will check it out. What days do you work? You should also check out Hannah Ellis's blog - she is working a tea farm!
Yay! I'd love to have you come visit! I'm working 11-4 each day this week, and in the future I'll be working 10-5 Monday through Thursday (but Tuesdays at Burnside). Thanks for reading my first post!
DeleteI'd also love to know what days you work! I used to go to Tea Chai Té all the time in high school and I have fond memories. Definitely time for a repeat visit!
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth! Wow, it's so jarring to think that TCT has been around for that long; I'd love for you to come visit it now! I work 11-4 every day this week and then 10-5 Mon-Thurs next week.
DeleteI also recommend The Tao of Tea on SE Belmont for its lovely atmosphere and encyclopedic tea menu (and alas, they're currently closed). Will you be learning anything about the process of blending the teas? I wouldn't have thought to combine apple and cinnamon and rooibos, but I'm heartened to know you're a fan!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation, Veronica! I'll be sure to check them out if I'm able to during the summer. I think Dakota's main area of expertise is with processing and producing teas, but I'll definitely ask if he knows a tip or two about blending teas tomorrow!
DeleteOooh. I like your grey background and bokeh image. The ambiance in Hannah's Tea Corner is similar to that of TCT! Anyways, super cool project! Keep it up
ReplyDeletety! I'm glad you're picking up on the homey cottagecore vibes I'm hoping for ahaha - come in again sometime for a free boba!
DeleteHannah! I'm so excited to see the inside of the shop in your photos. I'm hoping to be able to come and visit you and experience some new teas. I am quite a 'spicy' tea drinker - I enjoy cardamom, clove and cinnamon - I'm sure you will be able to make excellent recommendations.
ReplyDeleteHi Mia, I can't wait for you to visit! TCT has quite an expansive selection of chai blends that seem right up your alley - I can recommend the Kashmiri chai and the Spiced Vanilla chai!
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