Ten Ren Tea Tung Ting Supreme Oolong Tea Review

Ten Ren Tea's Tung Ting Supreme Oolong tea is a good green oolong tea. The tea (sometimes rendered as dong ding tea) is composed of tightly rolled whole tea leaves, many of which were still attached to the stem. The tea is pale gold in color, and has a slight vegetal aroma. The flavor is a bit on the mild side, but gets a bit stronger at the back and sides of the mouth as you swallow. The tea was good for about three steepings, and I found the second steeping to be the best (consistent mellow flavor).

Rating: *** ½

Here's an excerpt from Ten Ren's website.

The leaves of Tung Ting Supreme Oolong are grown in the Tung Ting region of Taiwan at the specific elevation of 2500 feet/740 meters. At this elevation, the leaves absorb moisture from the surrounding fog and clouds every morning and every afternoon which is ideal for Oolong plants. Due to the unique geographic location and stringent selection of leaves, this is the finest Tung Ting Oolong from the Tung Ting estate.

Volpi Sopressata Salame Review

Volpi Foods' Sopressata Salame is an enjoyable sausage that I purchased at Trader Joe's. I bought it because it's made with all natural ingredients without any nitrates or nitrites, and because I love soppressata. The 8 oz. salami is encased in a collagen casing that's to be removed before eating. The soppressata was surprisingly milder in flavor and much less salty than I was expecting. Although mild, the salami had a nice savory flavor. I tend to prefer stronger flavors, so I thought the soppressata would have been better if it had a bit more bold and complex character (and were a bit saltier and tangier), but nevertheless I quite enjoyed the salami. Rather than the whole black peppercorns one would often see in store bought soppressata, Volpi's had what looked like specks of ground black pepper in it. A lot of store bought soppressata also tends to have larger nodules of fat, but Volpi's is finer in texture. Overall, a good and enjoyable soppressata, and a soppressata of choice due to no nitrites and relatively low cost.

Rating: *** ½

Here's an except from Volpi's website.

This salame originates in the Veneto Region. A delicate sophistication exudes throughout this region, its people and its cuisine. Our Sopressata mirrors this refined lifestyle.

• Recommended Storage Temperature: Keep Refrigerated (less than or equal to 72° F)

• Shelf Life from production: 180 days

• Serving Suggestions: Stands alone for a classic antipasto or adds spice to any sandwich, grilled or cold.

Packaging a bit different (sold at Trader Joe's)

Sliced, with the collagen casing removed

Ten Ren Tea King's 509 Dark Super Fine Oolong Tea Review

Ten Ren Tea's King's 509 Dark Super Fine Oolong tea is a unique, but quite good black oolong tea. It's unique in that it has ginseng added to the tea and has a very smooth roasted flavor. King's 509 tea leaves are dark and rolled up with a few stems dispersed throughout the tea. The tea has a roasted aroma, and the tea is amber in color. The flavor is interesting, as it is very reminiscent of roasted barley tea, with some black tea notes. This oolong doesn't have the characteristic vegetal taste as green oolongs. It has a much bolder roasted flavor, but is still very smooth and is not as strong as a black tea. I cannot discern any ginseng flavor, but after drinking the tea I do feel more alert and energetic. The tea is good for at least three steepings, maybe more. King's 509 is a great tea to drink that's soothing, yet gives you a boost.

Rating: ****

Here's an excerpt from Ten Ren's website.

TenRen's King's Dark Oolong Super Fine consists of the finest oolong harvested during the premium seasons, spring and winter, and from the best area to grow oolong, the mountains of central Taiwan. Each tea leaf is handpicked to ensure harvests of young terminal buds. The steeped tea has a light golden brown hue, prominent roasted aroma with sweet undertones, the initial flavor of roasted chestnuts, and a strong lasting, sweet and roasted aftertaste which lingers at the back of the throat.

The water used to steep this tea should be about 185-195°F or 85-90°C. Use about 2 teaspoons (3 g) of tea leaves for about every 5 ounces (150 mL) of water. A steeping time of about 3-5 minutes with more or less time is recommended depending on the desired concentration. As a rough guide, the higher the temperature of the water or the greater the amount of leaves used, the shorter the steeping time should be. For the ultimate enjoyment, a traditional Chinese Yixing teapot is recommended for loose oolong tea. The teapot should be half filled with leaves and initially steeped for 45 seconds to 1 minute with the steeping time increased by an additional 15 seconds for each successive steeping. The leaves may be steeped multiple times.

Ten Ren's website also gives an overview of their King's oolong tea line.

King's Tea, a TenRen exclusive, is made of high quality oolong tea blended with a touch of ginseng to create an incredible aftertaste. The tea has the rich smooth taste of oolong with an aftertaste which is sweeter and longer lasting than the traditional oolong tea. The bitter tartness associated with ginseng can not be tasted in this tea. King's Tea is offered in two varieties, Green and Dark, each in several different grades. The Green and Dark King's Teas are determined by how long the base oolong is baked, with Dark ones baked longer than Green ones. The different grades depend on the quality of the oolong leaves. Try this unique tea and taste why it is popular in southern Asia.

Ten Ren Tea 2011 First Flush Dragon Well Tea Review

Ten Ren Tea's 2011 First Flush Dragon Well is a very nice Dragon Well green tea. This tea is composed of young buds and unbroken tea leaves, with a few stems. The aroma is very vegetal, and so is the taste. The flavor is very good and savory, and has an almost seaweed-like quality. The tea has very little bitterness or astringency, and has a smooth clean taste. The big negative aspect is that, as it is a first flush tea, the tea is expensive. I can't help but think that one could get a slightly lower grade Dragon Well at a lower price that has a comparable experience, but my experience with Dragon Well is very limited. Still, over all a very good tea.

Rating: ****

Here's an excerpt from Ten Ren's website.

The 2011 First Flush Dragon Well is the finest and freshest Dragon Well available. Harvested at the very beginning of the Spring harvest and before the Ming festival, this Dragon Well is in very limited quantities. The First Flush Dragon Well is also know as "Head" tea as it is the first and best of the season.


The tea leaves are a bright spring green color and the tea has a pale green color, fresh taste with roasted undertones, and a clean aftertaste.


A steeping time of 1 to 2 minutes with about 70°C/160°F water is recommended, with an additional 15 seconds for each successive infusion. Use about 1 tablespoon (3 grams) of tea leaves for about every 5 ounces (150 ml) of water. This tea may be infused 3 or more times. The use of a covered glass or ceramic cup is recommended for steeping in order to fully appreciate the tea leaves.

Slightly dilute

Ten Ren Tea Supreme Chinese High Mountain Oolong Tea Review

Ten Ren Tea's Supreme Chinese High Mountain Oolong tea is a good and enjoyable green oolong tea. The tea was tightly rolled, with a few stems and very few broken leaves. The tea's aroma is vegetal, and when steeped the color is a pale yellow. The tea has a good vegetal oolong tea flavor, but is not as bold or complex as some Taiwanese oolong teas. The tea was good for about two steepings. Nevertheless, this is still a solid and enjoyable tea.

Rating: *** ½

Here's an excerpt from Ten Ren's website.

Ten Ren Tea's Supreme Chinese High Mountain Oolong consists of the finest oolong harvested during the spring season. This tea is grown in the high mountains of China. Each tea leaf is handpicked to ensure the best quality. When brewed, it produces a light yellow hue, a strong smooth floral taste, a fresh scent, and a pleasant lasting aftertaste.


The water used to steep this tea should be about 185-195°F or 85-90°C. Use about 2 teaspoons (3 grams) of tea leaves for about every 5 ounces (150 milliliters) of water. A steeping time of about 3-5 minutes is recommended with more or less time depending on the desired concentration. As a rough guide, the higher the temperature of the water or the greater the amount of leaves used, the shorter the steeping time should be.

Ten Ren Tea Ten Li (Tianli) Tea Review

Ten Ren's Ten Li (Tianli) tea is an excellent Taiwanese green oolong tea. The tea leaves are tightly rolled, and are unbroken with no stems. The aroma is fragrant with a vegetal character. The color of the steeped tea is a pale golden yellow-green. The taste of the tea is vegetal and very smooth, with the slightest astringent character. It has a very good and complex oolong tea flavor, and even seems to have a mouth watering savory taste. The tea was good for about three steepings. I tried a 0.32 oz. sampler, and I think the only negative thing there is to say about this tea is that it does carry a high price. Other than that, Ten Li is an excellent oolong tea. 

Rating: **** ½

Here's an excerpt from Ten Ren's website.

Tianli is TenRen's most unique and highest quality Oolong. Grown in the Li Mountains of Taiwan, this tea is harvested at the highest elevation of 1200 meters in an isolated area. Due to the cold weather and relatively harsh environment, the plants grow at a very slow rate and in small quantities. The tea is either harvested during the winter or summer and sometimes only once during the entire year. After the harvest, the leaves are carefully handled and aerated during the long ride to the nearest tea master. Despite the difficult growing conditions, the leaves are selected as the highest quality of Oolong. This casnister comes in a satin lined green gift box. The steeped tea has a pale yellow-green color matching its faint fresh scent. Once tasted, the tea presents itself with a fresh taste followed by a sweet smooth aftertaste.

The water used to steep this tea should be about 185-195°F or 85-90°C. Use about 2 teaspoons (3 grams) of tea leaves for about every 5 ounces (150 milliliters) of water. A steeping time of about 3-5 minutes is recommended with more or less time depending on the desired concentration. As a rough guide, the higher the temperature of the water or the greater the amount of leaves used, the shorter the steeping time should be. The tea leaves should uncurl for full flavor. For the ultimate enjoyment, a traditional Chinese Yixing teapot is recommended for loose oolong tea. The teapot should be half filled with leaves and initially steeped for 45 seconds to 1 minute with the steeping time increased by an additional 15 seconds for each successive steeping. The leaves may be steeped multiple times.

Thanh Son Tofu Review

Thanh Son Tofu is always packed on the weekends

Thanh Son Tofu at the Eden Center in Falls Church, VA is a great little hole in the wall with just a couple of small tables that serves all kinds of tofu products, tapioca drinks, puddings, and other rice/soy/tofu-based desserts. However, the only thing I ever get there is the fried tofu to go. Their fried tofu is an excellent bargain, and is delicious as well. For just $1, you can get 7 pieces of plain fried tofu, 5 pieces of mushroom and onion, or 3 pieces of lemongrass and chili fried tofu. The plain tofu is a little too plain, so I stick with the mushroom and lemongrass tofu. The mushroom tofu has a nice fried exterior with savory mushroom and onion bits interspersed in the tofu. The lemongrass tofu has a nice citrus and onion flavor and has chili in it but is not spicy. The fried tofu is a perfect accompaniment to a bánh mì sandwich that you can pick up in the many cafes at the Eden Center.

Rating: ****

Lemongrass/chili (left) and mushroom/onion fried tofu

Thanh Son Tofu
6793-A Wilson Blvd.
Falls Church, VA 22044
703-534-1202

Iceberry Review

Iceberry is a frozen yogurt chain with a location in Reston Town Center (Iceberry's website lists other locations). Like Pinkberry and its many clones, Iceberry serves tart frozen yogurt with a choice of toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, cookies, mochi, etc. Iceberry's selection of original, honeydew, green tea, and chocolate flavors aren't as tart as Pinkberry, and generally the flavor falls a little short of the Pinkberry gold standard. The quality and freshness of the fruit toppings can also sometimes be a little spotty (particularly in the winter), and the yogurt itself can't exactly be considered a bargain. However, what makes Iceberry worth going to is the honeydew flavor yogurt. Iceberry's honeydew flavor yogurt is a fantastic dessert that combines the flavor of tart frozen yogurt with that of a Melona bar. If you've ever enjoyed Pinkberry yogurt and melon bars, you'll love Iceberry's hondeydew frozen yogurt. A medium three topping serving makes a perfect dessert for two on a hot day.

Pro

• Honeydew flavor is fantastic

Con

• Pricey, especially compared to newer frozen yogurt places that charge by the ounce
• Occasional issues with fruit freshness/ripeness, particularly in the wintertime

Rating: ****

Medium Honeydew

Toppings

Iceberry
11990 Market St. #C
Reston, VA 20190