Zen Cha Tea Salon - Bexley

 

Summer Tea and a Scone

I'm in love people.
Not for the first time, and certainly not the last.
In love with a place. A restaurant to be more specific. A tea salon, to be exact.
What's a tea salon, you ask? Well, obviously it involves tea. But when I think of a salon, I'm thinking of a place where you get your hair and nails done. A full service place of beauty. But when I searched "salon" on the internet the definition was quite different. According to Wikipedia (I know, I know, not necessarily good information but go with it!), a salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine taste and increase their knowledge of the participants through conversation. Such salons also included the aim to please or educate and were commonly frequented by people of like minds.  So, let's put it all together. The Zen Cha tea salon is obviously of Asian persuasion/theme and of course they market tea. However the salon also has a goal of educating guests about teas from around the world, under the direction of an inspiring host, server or tea ambassador.

My first visit was very much like my second, so I'll combine them for the purpose of this review.  My friend Terri and I like to get out of the building for lunch from time to time. To be honest, there is nothing good to eat within 2 miles from the office. Therefore, we often venture out and land in Bexley where there is good eating and free parking. The first time we visited Zen Cha, it was closed despite posted signage suggesting they should be open. So, we went next door. We returned about 3 weeks later, and voila! It was open for business. We were greeted by a host whom we'll call Mr. C.  Mr. C stated he would be our host for the day. Because it was our first time, he told us about the full selection of teas offered, how best to drink (hot or cold) and foods that would pair well. Mr. C. had more tea knowledge than the 2 of us could digest in one sitting and we were very vocal about that. Terri and I had a great time questioning every detail and our host was a good sport.

THE FOOD
Terri and I browsed the menu before our visit (the joys of the internet!). Eventually, I orded the Beef and Blue Cheese sandwich with the Summer tea on ice. Terri had the Ginger Beef salad (can't recall the tea, sorry!). She also ordered dessert early, in the form of a cinnamon and orange scone. We both indulged in the scone, which was quite delicious, surprisingly moist and full of flavor.

My sandwich was just as flavorful. The beef was tender, the blue cheese dressing was light and the cabbage offered a nice crunch. A small green salad accompanied the dish. Nothing to rave about but still good. Terri on the other hand enjoyed the Ginger Salad. She ate it all so I can vouch for her that it was quite tasty. It look quite beautiful. The last time we went, we both ordered the Beef and Blue sandwich. It was just as good the second time around. Since it's still summer, I again enjoyed the Summer tea. The Summer tea is a fruity blend of jasmine, green tea and lots of fresh cut fruit. The fruit (kiwi, pineapple, pear) floats prettily beneath the ice. It is the epitome of REFRESHING! I will try something else next time, but right now that tea hits the spot!

Ginger Beef Salad


The remaining menu selections look pretty good too by the way. During our last visit, Terri ordered the Smoked Salmon Crostini appetizer. I'll be honest. It looked pretty and scary to me at the same time when it arrived. There were 4 bits of crusty bread on the plate, with salmon, some sort of dijon sauce and cranberries on top. Although I was skeptical at first, it turned out to be a very good combination. I'm sorry I didn't photograph it! In any case, I mentioned the Asian persuasion earlier but the Zen Cha menu is not limited in that way. There are are other influences as well. Entrees such as Miso Ramen, Hojica Shrimp, Russian Caravan Medallions, and Chocolate Beignets are also featured on the menu.

AMBIANCE
So, I've discussed the food. Let's talk ambiance. My first memory is that Zen Cha has a lovely bathroom, with probably the most beautiful sink I've ever seen. I need to take a picture of it. I found myself wanting to stay in there and play in the water. I didn't though. Really.... The restaurant itself is kind of dark but cozy at the same time. There is a large window up front with two tables. It's the perfect lunch venue and would make a lovely, date night if you should find yourself there in the evening.

There is a small section of shelves featuring tea-time tools and every thing you could possibly want to know or learn about brewing and drinking tea. It's definitely fun to look and laugh at tiny tea cups that hold about 3 sips of tea, but cost more than my bedroom furniture.

PRICE/SERVICE
Here's the hitch. Full tea service at Zen Cha is about $5.95 on average. This includes a fair sized pot/carafe of the selected tea and the tea-time talk with the host. Remember, it is a "salon", education is involved and they would like you to become a "like-minded" lover of tea. The lunch menu is on average $10 or less. But it adds up quickly should you include an appetizer or tea. My most recent tab was $20 and that was because I also ordered edamame.  So, I won't be going there every day but once every couple of weeks is doable. It's also important to note that the highest item on the menu is only $18.50. Not bad for a date night choice.


Beef and Blue Cheese


 I told you service was good. Mr. C was far more attentive than our most recent server. That was ok however, because we were engaged in conversation and constant interruption may not have been welcomed. The only issue I have with service at all is that we noticed that the wait times at Zen Cha can be quite long. We arrived at about 1:15 and left at close to 2:30. The place was in no way crowded. The first visit was closer to 2 hours (all that artistry and education I suppose!). Having some familiarity with the menu cut down on some of the time but not quite enough. So make sure you have some time to spare if you go.

LOCATION
Zen Cha is located in the heart of Bexley and there is also the original salon which is located in the Short North of Columbus.

In sum, Zen Cha Tea Salon beckons me regularly. I'm serious. Beckons. It calls out to me at least once a week. Even suggests I bring my journal and stay awhile. And sometimes, I cave and go... Salud!

Jill Scott: The Light of the Sun review

On Tuesday, Jill Scott released her latest project: The Light Of The Sun. I listened in advance a few times thanks to a couple of sites that streamed it for several days. One of them was NPR. I thought if NPR is streaming- it must be pretty good with some substance and mass appeal (and someone has some pull!). Not that Jill doesn’t normally deliver but I must admit that I haven’t been totally blown away since- Who is Jill Scott? I can remember only a few songs from the projects in between this one and that.  After only the first listen, I LOVED it! I mean… wow. I don’t know about you but I’ve been thru a few thangs... I’ve experienced heartbreaks from my own bad choices in love and life. Apparently, so has Jill as evidenced by the song Quick where she sings ‘Ov’a! Can’t believe it’s ov’a! So quick!’ Boy do I know that one… Thought I was on to something and then… But I digress…

At a time when ladies young and old seem quick to bed and man hop as regularly as our risky brethren it’s quite refreshing to hear something different from the music industry than the usual mattress antics of Nikki Minaj, Rihanna, et al. This throwback to having some discernment about who you lay with is a refreshing treat from Jill. Now that’s not to say she can’t or doesn’t get as freaky and serve her man as well as the next grown woman (Exhibited A: Until Then) but that isn’t the basis of her sound or message. I can appreciate that.  But what I appreciate most is her checking those who want to check in to her life. The expressed ideology that she is worthy of more than a quickie and they should align themselves accordingly. Say it again Jill!  Making You Wait (which sounds like Raheem Devaughn’s “YOU”), Rolling Hills and the poem Womanifesto make it plain that you better get with the program!  Other stand outs for me are So Gone (been there, done that), Le Boom Vent Suite and the catchy, makes-me-wanna-get-up-and-dance Shame (sampling Special Ed’s classic The Magnificent). Jill is back, fresh, cool and MAGNIFICENT! Take note and respect her conglomerate!

Her mic sounds nice check one! Her mic sounds nice check two!

Have you checked it out? If yes- what thinketh you?

Slakah the Beatchild

This kid is dope y'all. If you like Neo soul type music and songs that actually make a woman smile versus drop her drawers (slim pickins these days!), you might like this one. Check it out and let me know what you think!  
http://www.sendspace.com/file/95p61p


And if you dig it- download for FREE

Hey-O!

Well, again I've let tons of time pass by with no post. There was a rhyme and reason this time though. Well... several reasons. My son had to have surgery due to an athletic injury and his recovery wasn't fun. He was not happy about it as it derailed any plans to play basketball. We felt it better that he deal with it now versus when he is 40. He'll thank us later.

In the meantime, I haven't been writing as much and only getting out randomly. Working to improve that. I HAVE been trying new hair products and such so I'll post on that later. And I've written a couple of poems to share with you. Oh! And there is music! So much... So, stay tuned. I'll be back soon. Like tomorrow. Hope you are enjoying the improving blogsite. I added tabs for quick access to my thoughts on various subjects. Other changes are coming down the pipeline as well. Welcome back. ;)

Girls with glasses... random thought for the day

Oh boy... Today is kind of random...

How were your weekends friends? Mine was busy. I worked but it was also my birthday and so I did a little celebrating. Not the kind I wanted... with tons of sushi and dancing... a little more low key with family, presents and well... family. My family is all inclusive. It includes my friends and relatives. It's not BLOOD related.

I don't talk about it much but I'm an adult adoptee. That means- yes, I was put up for adoption as an infant, raised by another family... you know the story. You've probably seen something similar on lifetime. Those stories run the gamut of good, bad and evil, don't they? One of these days I'm going to share my full story but let's fast forward to the current. I found my biological family in 2004. Since then, the journey has had its ups and downs but they're more up these days. I gained a sister, brother, 2 aunts, an uncle, father and mother from my reunion. It was a strange experience for them- my coming into their lives. Although I hoped for an instant connection-- ala Antwone Fischer... I didn't quite fit. My lifestyle was different. My perspective was different. I had my own family. They had theirs. I came with knowledge about finding birth families but they had no education on being found. As a result, I understood their distance, hesitancy AND it still hurt me. Yet suddenly we've gone from little contact to increased efforts on all parts, mine included. On Friday, I was invited to a surprise birthday party for my Aunt Debbie. We met in 2005 I think. She was sick and in the hospital. I felt a certain kinship then but she had her recovery to manage. That was fine with me since as you know- I had my own stuff. So, Debbie it turns out is on FB and we reconnected when I requested her. I had hopes of seeing pictures and hearing stories about the paternal side of my family. I had some background on mom's side but none on dads. Once we became friends, Debbie and I began chatting. Sharing minimal stuff. When she invited me to the party, I accepted. So- Debbie thought we were going to dinner at a local eatery for her birthday but instead she was being dropped at the surprise party under some unknown ruse... I dragged my husband with me because I'm an introvert and I don't do well with strangers. My sister was attending also but was scheduled to arrive late. Besides, I wanted to yell "SURPRIIIISSSEEE!!" so I was on time. For some reason, that just makes me happy. LOL! Anyway, one of the organizers asked which niece I was- Kimberly or Lynne. When I answered, she stated that Debbie wanted to make sure that I was taken care of because in her words "you're an introvert". LOL! I was like- how does she know?? And yet she did. That generous effort to make ME comfortable at her event made me feel special. I understood that somehow, she knew me even though the extent of our relationship has been FaceBook. The party went well. Debbie was suprised. She cried a lot. My biological father came and we had a chance to chat and take pictures. I hadn't seen him in a long while either. While the party was very much about Debbie- I kind of felt it was about me too. About us. About FAMILY. Who we let in and who we don't. You see, I struggle sometimes with my family. The ones who adopted, CHOSE me. We don't always see eye to eye. And they KNOW me too. This is not a knock against them but a testimony to the idea that sometimes family manifests in strange ways. Maybe not always in the package you want, but they're still there. I have a new budding relationship with my aunt. Every friend of hers who met me did so with love in their eyes. I became a part of the party, the family and not just a spectator. I was no Cinderella of the ball and the connection I felt was no flick of the magic of the wand destined to revert. What an awakening!

What began as a quest for a few pictures, instead became a pathway toward a full relationship with someone who has an interest in and loves me. And at the end of the day, blood or not-- that's what family is all about. And if you're doing it right; if you're in a good place- you will just get on board and love them as they are. Whoever the "they" is in YOUR life. Embrace and let them know you're right there with them.

The picture:
That's me, my sis and Aunt Debbie in the middle peeps. I know- I'm not wearing glasses but wait til you see my new ones! oh boy! And check the hair! cute, right?

I told you this was random!

Peace and love~

My oh my, a whole month has gone by!!! Curls Product Review on deck!

Hey friends! Wow, I have checked in on my site a few times but it's been forever since I posted anything. An entire month! That sucks! And it's not because I have nothing to say... I just haven't had the quiet time I need to compose.

Lets make this post about hair! Then I'll do a concert review later this week. Stay tuned.

I've had some love and hate times with my hair lately. I don't want to cut it or anything but I need it to stop me from "dating" all these darned hair products! I've tried a lot of stuff in the last 2 months. Ok... Only 2 products. But they've been some blind dates! While the potential suitors were ok, they just didn't quite take me there... Today, we begin with Curls Whipped Cream...



After winning a bottle of Cashmere Curls on Facebook, I decided to go ahead and get myself a jar of styling product. I'd been playing around with another product which I'm thinking could be my staple eventually but in the meantime, my PJ has been on the prowl. She's such a cheater! Anyway, I decided on the Whipped Cream after talking with the owner. It came in a cute little jar. It smelled TERRIFIC! It felt nice on my hands... But alas... That was the beginning AND end of the love affair. The first time I tried it, my hair had a little hold but it dried crunchy and was a little frizzy. Meh. The second time, I used Cashmere Curls underneath. Meh. Same thing with a little less frizz and a little more shine. The 3rd time... THIRD! I tried it with the Quench moisturizing product underneath. Curls recommends that product under Whipped Cream AND they sent me a nice sized, free sample. I love that about the Curls company. Order something and you can sample something else. But I digress. The third time was not the charm... providing similar results... Boo. Again... Decent looking twist set but hard, stiff hair. So, I think I've decided whipped cream is either not for me or I'm using it wrong. I've since written the owner. We'll see what comes of it. For now- it's NO BUENO!

In the meantime, I got my hair straightened for a weekend change. Here's a pic of my and my honey. I enjoyed the straight look for about 3 days and then I was ready for my curls again. It was very windy on Valentines weekend and hair kept blowing in my mouth. Ick! Give me my curls, any day! Here's a pic! Until next time!

Girls with glassess are CRAFTY!

Today is show off your craftiness day! Now, this is not significant to Tuesday, or February 1, but only to show that I'm feeling a little crafty lately. AND-- I wanted to show off my first CUTE scrapbook pages. This won't be the best view because I took it with my cellphone but it's cute nonetheless. It is a picture of my brother and nephew. I have since upped the cute factor. I'll take a better picture and repost for comparison later tonight. I'm going to try again this weekend! But in the meantime- let me know your thoughts... and if you are crafty yourself!