I, Wanderer » Tea

Yauatcha

Jeffrey Burk — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:38:36 +0000

For some reason I was thinking about a decadent dim sum lunch I enjoyed at Yauatcha ca 2004. Although this was soon after the restaurant opened, the offerings were presented with extreme care. In other words, it felt like the restaurant was in business decades rather than weeks.

Yauatcha chopstick sleeve

There are so many different dim sum plates offered you may have difficulty choosing; call your server to assist. Speaking of choice, there is a plethora of teas available by the pot. I enjoyed a limited Darjeeling after a glorious lunch! Be sure to visit the patisserie on your way out. Lunch for 2 of us was well over $200 … but worth it. Without a doubt, this was one of the best meals I recall having in London.

Yauatcha
15-17 Broadwick Street
Soho, London W1F 0DL
Tel: 020 7494 8888

Robert Fornell Ceramic Arts

Jeffrey Burk — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:07:03 +0000

Seattle potter Robert Fornell creates a range of Works including Tea Ware, Sake, Ikebana, Table Ware and Objects. The artist cites a variety of influences including Japanese Shigaraki/Iga and Korean Hagi and Karatsu style ware. Throughout the creative process, a ‘truth to materials’ methodology is employed. A variety of clays are used to start; from dark brown, black to buff. Making Tea Ware involves hand thrown clay and an old momentum kick wheel. It’s the wheel that gives every tea bowl a special quality as each lump is coaxed into form. A tea bowl is intimately scaled to fit perfectly in the hands. A number of different ashes are used in the firing process including apple wood, black pine and alder. Subtle color variations and lovely textural qualities are brought out in the surface of the bowls. All of his creations are functional but the unique beauty of these objects can also be enjoyed while displayed as art.

Robert Fornell, Tea Bowl, 2005

Robert Fornell, Tea Bowl, 2005 (detail)

See more of Robert Fornell’s Works at his official website.

Alberto Pinto Raynaud Cristobal

Jeffrey Burk — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:39:19 +0000

French Interior Designer Alberto Pinto imagined the Cristobal collection for the porcelain company Raynaud. Each piece in the extensive system builds upon the last through clever design iterations. The collection features a number of eclectic components: a Chinese Set (Rice Bowl, Soup Bowl, Soja Dish, Bone Dish, Chinese Soup Spoon and Chinese Tea Cup Set), Square Trays (Large and Small), Fish Plates (No.1, 2, 3, 4), among others. Not many retailers hold Cristobal in stock so it’s about a 6 week wait for your order.

Raynaud Cristobal, Tea Pot, Coral, $409