Post number 18 for VeganMoFo.
When I learned I had to be gluten free, I never thought that I would be able to dine at my favorite Thai restaurant- Thai Spices and Sushi. I was heart broken over this, but alas I did nothing about it. I did not email the restaurant, call, or stop by to see if they could handle gluten free. I just assumed that this my favorite restaurant, that understands vegan mind you, would have no clue. Lucky for me, someone else was contacting them and they did have a clue!
In late summer I received an email from a friend telling me that That Spices and Sushi had a gluten free menu. I was completely overjoyed and responded with tears in my eyes. This may seem silly to many of you, but those of you that are gluten free (and vegan) know what I'm talking about here. The smallest gestures of gluten free accommodation can be be so huge in our world.
At the same time, the restaurant had a Twongo deal. So, we bought the deal and started planning a group dinner with friends. Eight of us, four couples, met for dinner there this past weekend and we had a wonderful evening of delicious food, break dancing (one of our friends showed us her break dancing skills), and conversation. I ordered the Param Tofu with a lovely peanut sauce and a hot ginger drink. John ordered a sweet and sour tofu dish and a beer (both not gluten free).
The meal was delicious and I am dreaming of my next visit. They have the most amazing curry dishes there and several of them are on the gluten free list.
Just thinking of a steaming cup of hot tea makes me cheerful. The aroma of fruity and sweet notes is enough to calm my wildest of moods. Many of us bond over a cup of something warm and when it isn't coffee, it is usually tea.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, tea has been a tradition in my family. While my family does not descend from the UK, we still engage in sharing hot tea during family and social gatherings (maybe tea is an Italian thing too?). Even as a child, before my Mom let me have coffee, I was allowed to have tea. I would sit and drink tea and chat with her, my grandma, and my aunts. Drinking tea happened during some of my fondest memories with family. Even now when I visit my parents, the evening ends with a cup of tea and conversation. The same tends to happen when we visit John's family as well.
I have always been fascinated with different combinations of tea. Some people solely prefer the plain black, greens, herbals, or whites. I tend to like them all and even fusing several flavors together. I like earl grey, lady grey, jasmine, green, chai, white, herbal, fruity, and so on. Like I said, I like them all. I rarely sip a tea that I dislike. If asked, I would probably tell you that I am a coffee person, but I also think I am a closeted tea fanatic.
Lately, I have gotten the urge to make my own tea. I am inspired by the different herbs, flowers, and leaves that I come across. I find myself often thinking "that would make a great tea." So, recently when I was feeling a bit under the weather I decided to embark on a tea experiment.
We had recently received organic oranges that still had leaves. I cut off the leaves and washed them. While the leaves were drying, I located a half inch of ginger root, powdered stevia, and whole cloves. I put the kettle on and waited for the water to almost boil. I had recently heard to make a good cup of tea, the water should be poured over the leaves before it begins to boil.
Once I got my water to temperature, I poured it into our french press. Immediately, I could smell the aroma of the ingredients mingling together. I had to waited for the tea to steep. I tried to wait the full five minutes for it to steep as I have read one should with an herbal tea. As I waited, I noticed the water change to a yellowish orange color.
As I sipped the tea, I knew I had found a perfect combination. It was heavenly and this cup was all mine. I shared the rest of the pot with John, and he also gave the flavor rave reviews.
I cannot wait to plunge into my next cup of homemade tea. Now, if only it were spring so that I could use some of my herbs.
