FOOD: Tea By Tiffany's Green Meditation

Green Tea Chocolate Granola - courtesy of Tea By Tiffany
Photo Credit: Chante/VySyn Photography 

Tea and mediation go hand and hand - that's what I along with a few other guests learned at last night's green tea meditation event hosted by Tea By Tiffany at Asali Yoga in Harlem. The evening was filled with learning, sharing, embracing a renewed way of thinking and tea tasting, of course.

After returning from the recent annual tea industry event in Las Vegas, Tiffany treated us to four teas from Korea and Japan that she brought back from the conference. 

Let me know you...this tea is indescribable. It is pure, high-quality tea from the farms of the shaded, unshaded and mountain sides of lands far away that when sipped you feel as if you are being transported to those parts unknown.

Incredible!

Aside from the tea leaf offerings, we indulged our senses to sweet green-inspired treats, like the one above, as well as our spirits to the inspirational words of meditation speakers, Alan Watts and Jiddu Krishnamurti.

After a long, long week at the office, this was the perfect way to kick off my weekend with great tasting tea and a lesson in meditation.

Tiffany will continue to host these themed events more frequently so I encourage you to join her mailing list for updates and if you are interested in a private tea tasting contact her here.

What's in Your Cuppa?
Chante

SIDE TOURING: The Tea Culture Movement

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/Vysyn Photography

"A man without tea in him is incapable of understanding truth and beauty." -Okakura Kakuzo

Recently, courtesy of Side Tour, I had an opportunity to experience a tasting of Tieguanyin (oolong tea) with artist and co-owner of Mandarin's Tea House, Timothy Hsu for two hours - with every passing minute the taste become incredibly more potent! The experience was amazing and I highly recommend a visit to the tea house for a cup of tea with your cultural lesson.

The tea culture is so expansive and inclusive with tea novices, aficionados and snobs intertwined at socials, and the ranges of teas that are steeped into existence continually redefine the question of "how many teas are out there?”

There is a tea movement gaining momentum whether out of people seeking a healing alternative rather than continue with tradition medicines that fail us or choosing a healthier way of life by way of drinking natural beverages that taste good (and are good for our bodies) instead of indulging in bad drinks that are loaded with processed sugars, fructose, etcera. Or simply have the utmost respect for the leaf - whether it be part of a spiritual or cultural regime. Whatever the reason - more people are drinking tea and that is great thing!

Spices and Tease at the Chelsea Market [NYC]
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/Vysyn Photography

The tea world is still fresh to me and I'm enjoying every millisecond. My introduction to loose leaf tea was about two years ago. And my very first tea house experience was at the Radiance Tea House this past January. What will be my next tea experience? I can see more tea tastings in my near future (the April 11th Tea By Tiffany’s Chocolate & Tea Tasting comes to mind!). Or perhaps being a part of a Japanese tea ceremony. Who knows!? But whatever the experience I'm grateful to broaden my cultural palate.

Visit to the Sullivan Street Tea & Spice in the West Village [NYC]
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/Vysyn Photography

SideNote: If you want to know more about the medicinal benefits of tea or are curious about the various Asian teas, be sure to read "Healthy Teas" by Tammy Safi. It was so helpful to me! Learning is fundamental but while I experiment on my own I tilt my hat to tea specialists that have inspired & enlightened me - Tiffany (Twitter: @teabytiffany), Mario (Twitter: @mariotravels) and Nicole (Twitter: @teaformeplease).

What's In Your Cup?
Chante

SR EVENT: Caprice StarBRITE CD Release Party

Kicking off an exciting new year, rock-soul artist, Caprice StarBRITE is debuting her eclectic fusion of rock, funk and blues in her debut cd “NO GIMMICKS NO TRICKS” with a cd release party backed by her band, ‘3 Shades of Chocolate,’ at the acclaimed Harlem venue, New Amsterdam Musical Association, on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 7-11pm.

Caprice StarBRITE is no stranger to the stage or to NAMA - she recently performed there for the first time with her band.

Caprice grew up in a musical household influenced by the likes of Michael Jackson, Teena Marie, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Cheryl Lynn, Phyllis Hyman, Marlena Shaw, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, George Clinton, and Mavis Staples. Her musical journey began at the age of nine as a member of the glee club then paved the way to her next phase as a dancer including being a member of the Kushinda Dance Company. Since she is a vocalist at heart, her path weaved her back to her first love with her doing local performances at various venues such as at the Gateway Theater and Chelsea Common Bar & Restaurant as well as providing her vocal prowess to a bevy of artists, such as Dexter Myers, ZoZo Afrobeat, Rhythm Republik, MiKA, Coby Koehl, just to name a few.

Fast forwarding to the last quarter of 2012, she has teamed up with executive producer, guitarist & composer, JEROME SCORPIOCHILD of Cave Lab Studios, to put the final touches on her solo debut CD entitled, 'NO GIMMICKS, NO TRICKS.' This debut showcases her riveting sound of soulful rock without auto tune or other studio tricks, hence the name of the release. With edgy tracks such as the domestic violence survivor resilience anthem, “NO MORE;” the infectious rock infused track of strength in “EVERYTHING AINT” right down to the smooth soulful track of letting go your woes in “YESTERDAY,” this rockstress has put her heart on the line without apology! ‘NO GIMMICKS, NO TRICKS’ is an organic blend of her influences, her persona, her soul and her experiences combined for a fantastic musical voyage that will never be forgotten.

The cd release party will be climactic as it officially introduces Caprice and her tenacious band, 3 Shades of Chocolate (with Jerome Scorpiochild on guitar, Warren Cox on bass and Samuel Jennings on drums) to the masses. In addition to the rock vibes, independent artist, N’Tirzah Al Rephaim, will also treat music lovers to a soulful performance and local entrepreneurs, Annie Mae’s Cheesecakes & Moore and, Tea By Tiffany will provide holistic yet sinful indulgences throughout the evening.

See You There!

-Chante

Scenes @ Dekalb Market - Red Hook Lobster Pound Fiesta

He didn't stand a chance!
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

Regardless of what mother nature planned for the day, the Dekalb Market hosted their Cinco de Mayo celebration yesterday with an all-women mariachi band, lobster piñata, all day long DJ tunes blasting and the Lobster Fiesta featuring top-line nosh by the Red Hook Lobster Pound.


I stopped by the market for the Lobster Fiesta before frolicking in the city for the rest of the day. However before feasting on the crustacean, I simply had to stop by my favorite tea purveyor, Tea by Tiffany, for something spicy!

Spicy Chai
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography 

The Red Hook Lobster Pound brought the centuries-long lobster boils tradition of Maine to the heart of Brooklyn with a south of the border twist. The crowd feasted in celebration of the return of the outdoor dining season and, most importantly, the 1862 Mexican victory over the French with a plate loaded - picante potato salad, Mexican corn on the cob, jicama coleslaw and a whole steamed Maine lobster! Needless to say it was deliciously sinful!!!! 


What a beautiful day at the Market!


-Chante

Green Soda to go with my lobster courtesy of NextDoorOrganics
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

The Before Shot...
Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

HOW DID I END UP HERE? ROBICELLI'S/DEKALB MARKET (Brooklyn)

Robicelli's MaryJane cupcake - can't say enough how this peanut butter cupcake is sooo scrumptious!
Photo credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

After an amazing R&R day in the city yesterday, I celebrated with a decadent sweet from Robicelli's at the Dekalb Market. A perfect way to end a gorgeous day!


Equipped with a fully charged battery for my cam and a spare battery for my iPhone, I started my journey to the not-so-quite unknown. I checked my RSS feed and remembered that the biopic film "Marley" was opening today and to my dismay only two theaters in our great city was showing this film - so tragic!  I headed over to the Landmark Sunshine Cinema in the East Village - this is a gem of an indie theater that I highly recommend that people will frequent more often to help bring more quality films to this area. *Okay hopping off my soapbox now* 

Photo credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

I was extremely pleased that one, the cinema decided to hold his showing in one of their bigger theater rooms, and second that there were so many people coming out to see the noon show. The audience grew incredibly fast after the previews were shown then the room went black and all of us heard his boisterous voice and the thunderous roar from a live performance from circa 1980-something (the footage predated the birth of some of the members of the audience - how dope is that?!). This is a must see film telling the hiSTORY of the most infamous Bob Marley. Incredible! It made me remember why he was so loved and still is 'til this day. 


After the film, I headed to Chinatown for a late lunch. Prior to seeing the film, I went random and hopped off the train at Delancey Street. With some time to spare before the show, I along with my darling Nikky (Nikon D5100 - powerful machinery! lol) ran amuck throughout Chinatown, the Lower East Side then finally to the East Village taking incredible shots of the city that I love. 

All that walking worked up a serious thirst - papaya/mango smoothie it is!
Photo credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

This is the most coolest firehouse door that I've seen in the five boroughs!
Photo credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

Saw this in the East Village - need to find out who the artist is! #lovethis
Photo credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

I was craving Vietnamese food especially since I've never tried it before. And Yelp! told me that Pho Grand was a great place to go to for something unforgettable so there I went. Let me tell you...I could've devoured the entire 10-page menu but I held back.  I ended up having the Cha Gio Chay (Vietnamese spring roll) and the Bo Luc Lac (marinated beef cubes with white rice over lettuce and tomato). Delicious is not the word to describe this experience. The beef was seasoned perfectly along with the sauteed onions. After a quick belly rub, I continued my stroll to walk off the food and search for dessert - there was room (I think). 


I continued my walk-it-off exercise and saw the Manhattan bridge in the distance. In an effort to get the perfect shot of the bridge, I kept walking closer and closer until I was on the promenade in DUMBO.

Photo credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

All that walking, eating, photoging and film watching, made me pause to enjoy this serene moment as the breeze picked up and died down. The view was breathtaking. After a moment or two, I glanced over to my right and saw Pier 17 (South Street Seaport). And here I go with walking and people watching again straight into the building caverns of the financial district.


I then hopped onto the 2 train since it was "on time" and hopped off to head to the Dekalb Market for a dose of Tea By Tiffany's special iced brew and finally a cupcake from Robicelli's. *Hopping on the soapbox once more* Please add a visit to the Dekalb Market to your list of things to do this summer. With new vendors and the best of the vendors from last summer, you will shop 'til you drop, eat 'til you overstuff and dance it all off with special music events - be sure to stop by Tiffany's tea shop at the new location and tell her the Synch Ladies sent ya!

Photo credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

-Chante

Synch Ladies On The Move: ISM 2012 & Tea by Tiffany Soirée

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

Saturday, March 24th, The Synch Ladies attended the 7th Annual NYC Indie Soul Mixer; a networking event for independent artists, musicians, producers, promoters, media & lovers of great music!  The mixer incorporates discussion and advice that impacts the independent artist as a whole and an incomparable jam session showcasing an array of talent from NYC to across the waters.  

This year's mixer focused on key elements of maintaining your independent status by using creative, out of the box strategies including connecting with local media, investing your energy to creating your own brand, using the direct-sale approach to get to what you want and much much more.  But not only was the discussion informative and the many awesome performances by all the artists in attendance unforgettable, SR's Caprice StarBRITE hit the stage and delivered with FIRE and vigor, an anthem exclaiming the anguish one feels when trapped in a domestically abusive situation and breaking free, with her rock infused track entitled "NO MORE" from her forthcoming debut CD, “NO GIMMICKS, NO TRICKS.”

For more information about this annual event that is held in NYC, Atlanta (GA) & Bristol (UK), visit http://indiesoulmixer.blogspot.com/. 


For more on Caprice's music, visit: Caprice StarBRITE

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography
l to r: Jessy of Jessy Cupcake Co., SR's Caprice, Ann Marie & SR"s Chante's hand

Wednesday, March 28th, we sipped, laughed and mingled at Tea By Tiffany's monthly tea soirée at the elegant Gran Piatto d’Oro Italian Restaurant right in the heart of Harlem.  If you are a tea connoisseur or curious about what's great about tea, we highly recommend you attend one of Tiffany’s events to savor the flavor of her many and latest tea creations, nosh on delectable hors d’oeuvres and connect with fascinating people.  This month, Tiffany saluted great women trailblazers and this evening, honored Dr. A Lenora Taitt-Magubane. Her perseverance was indeed enlightening and awe aspiring as she recounted her experiences within the civil rights movement as a Freedom Rider.

For more information about this monthly event, visit http://teabytiffany.tumblr.com/.


Kudos to the folks at Pink Diva Catering, Jessy's Cupcake Co, Fluffn' Stuff & Gran Piatto d'Oro for making this event extra special!!


~Synchronized Rhythm~

A Tea Soiree By Tiffany

Photo Credit: Nona Brooklyn (website)

The teas that Tiffany, owner of Tea by Tiffany, creates marvels me! I only met her this past summer at the Dekalb Market and I'm a customer-for-life. Her blends are holistic, tasty and refreshing whether enjoyed in warm or cold weather. Her chocolate tea is downright sinful!


Tiffany is a tea-scientist as she continuously experiments with new combinations. And well versed in her craft and passes on interesting tidbits of wisdom to her customers each time you partake in her blends.


I am an avid tea-lover but I have admit I consider myself a novice to this beverage genre. On occasion, I would indulge in ginger root, green tea, rooibus and earl grey, just to name a few. So when Tiffany sent us an invite to attend last night's exclusive tea soirée, attending was a must!

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

The soirée was held at a top secret location with an elegant display featuring a royal tea set, endless appetizers and a special punch based with one of her special tea blends infused with vodka (reminiscent of sorrel).


As everyone mixed and mingled throughout the night, Tiffany brought out three of her many tea blends, one that I found quite interesting was a coconut blend that helps with your digestive system that was absolutely delicious. She also schooled us on the proper way to brew your tea - yup I took notes! lol


In 2012, she will be offering these soirées on a regular basis and her teas will be featured at special events throughout the NYC-area so be sure link up with her on her website or twitter for up to date info on future events.


-Chante