edibleportland.com | 13 senses to a deep state of relaxation. “Tea lends itself to a prolonged sitting experience,” Veronika continued as she invited us to explore the room. One must take off their shoes before stepping into the Tatami Room, as it is a sacred space. You won’t need them anyhow, as the tea journey you will take will be of an entirely different nature. But before we ventured into the little room, there was one more tea to sample in addition to the rich jasmine and the dark Puer. It was the Temple of the Sun, a medium-light Oolong tea from Wudang Mountain, with notes of Desert Dawn nectarine, nutmeg, and amber maple syrup. Located in central China, Wudang Mountain is revered in the martial arts community and is regarded by many as the spiritual and historical heart of the internal martial arts. As Ravi measured out the loose tea leaves using clay tea scoops made by Veronika and placed them into the pot, he shared that the practice of serving tea in small vessels is an integral step in how tea is served at Bardo. The hot water is poured into the pot rife with lots of leaves for the first steep, and after the first round is served, to however many guests are at the table, they can then sip and smell, inhaling and exhaling the varied aromas that belong to each blend for however long seems apt. Following the first pour, additional hot water is added to the pot for the second steep. “With each steep, each pour, the tea is opening up and exuding more of its flavor,” Ravi explained as we gazed into the small cups of amber colored liquid. The aroma was both earthy and inviting. A whisper from the mountain swirled around us as Ravi poured a second serving into our cups, and we took another sip, feeling the warmth along with a hint of intrigue. “Most guests come for the experience,” Veronika shared. Incidentally, I had brought along a guest of my own. And at this point, she asked what kinds of tea should be served in which vessels, to which Veronika responded with words I had not expected. “The tea is going to tell you what vessel it needs to be in.” There are many teapots to choose from at Bardo, some glazed, some made of porcelain, and others of clay, by Veronika, as well as other artisans from around the world. And although Veronika pointed out that porcelain might be better suited for a finer fragranced tea like Jasmine, she emphasized what she had told us from the start. If you listen, the tea will tell you. The concept of 'listening to the tea' involves being mindful and aware of the tea's unique characteristics and how they can be best appreciated, thereby enhancing the overall sensory experience. Once the last sip of tea had been taken, we knew it was time to step into the Tatami Room. We took off our shoes and placed them in the hall. One after the other, we stepped inside onto the smooth, cool floor. The sun shone softly through the window. We walked around in the sunlight and the stillness. It was a room where one might want to linger. A place where one could listen and learn. A room that welcomes a stranger or a friend. A room and a host who welcomes everyone to sit and stay, for a sip or two of tea. Find Bardo Tea at 2926 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, Oregon. Above: Your hosts Ravi Kroesen and Veronika Vogler. Photos by Dean Cambray
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