The Melting Teapot

If you’ll be near Seattle this weekend, I encourage you to head over to the Seattle Center for the Northwest Tea Festival.  This is the only event of its type in the country, and it is a great showcase for all things tea.

For a $5 voluntary entrance fee, you will receive a tasting cup that allows you to sample teas from Japan, China, Korea, and India. There are four tea-tasting booths, each featuring a range of sessions throughout the day.  During these, you’ll sit and sip with experts who will teach you to make the perfect cup of tea, learn the basics of various types of tea, sample unique and rare tea, or even try teas that are just right for children’s parties.

On the schedule each day are workshops and highly-respected guest speakers.  Among others in a stellar line-up, there will be presentations by renowned author James Norwood Pratt, teashop owner (and radio personality) Bill Waddington, chef-author Robert Wemischner, and Korean tea expert Yoon Hee. Local tea geeks and shop owners will be pouring tea, leading sessions, and answering questions.

Additionally, there will be vendor tables and booths featuring samples of tea and goodies.  You’ll be able to purchase tea and related products from regional shops and artisans.

Whether you are tea enthusiast or someone who’d just like to see what all the fuss is about, you’ll find interesting and tasty experiences at the festival.  Head on over for what is sure to be a fun time!

Northwest Rooms at Seattle Center (corner of 1st Ave N and Republican St)
9 AM - 6 PM Saturday, October 2nd
9 AM - 4 PM Sunday, October 3rd

More information is available on their web site at http://www.nwteafestival.com