BERKELEY, Calif.
The Chamber of Commerce in Berkeley, Calif. hosted the city’s first Coffee & Tea Festival last weekend, drawing a crowd of 400 to the Hotel Shattuck Plaza.
Participants included 10 tea companies ranging from the Asha Tea House and Far Leaves Tea House to Red Circle Tea, Sky Tea, Silk Road Teas and Runa. Exhibitors offered samples, demonstrations and an educational program.
A presentation on Tea 101 by James Norwood Pratt filled the hotel’s conference room. Speakers included Eliot Jordan, Director of Tea at Peet’s Coffee & Tea; Sina Carroll, Red Circle Tea; Donna Lo, Far Leaves Tea and Ned Heggerty of Silk Road Teas.
A noon highlight was an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony. View this video to enjoy a glimpse.
The event was promoted as Berkeley’s official Coffee & Tea Day Celebration. It is the idea of Richard Hom, a board member of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce. He and chamber staff member Tammy Ruiz appeared before the Berkeley City Council extolling the benefits of supporting local coffee and tea vendors and bakers, a segment that is growing, according to Ruiz.
Attendees paid $20 admission and left laden with samples and a greater appreciation of the quality products available in their neighborhoods. Learn more at Berkeley Coffee and Tea Festival.