August 2nd: Chanoyu “Thick” Tea ceremony and demonstration

            Chanoyu:  A Demonstration of the Japanese Tea Ceremony for “Thick” Tea

This afternoon tea ceremony session builds on the procedure for making and serving thin tea. While thin tea is enjoyed on a wide variety of occasions, “thick” tea is served in a more formal setting, for more elevated events, and requires a higher level of expertise to prepare.  Laurie Fais will demonstrate the making of a bowl of thick tea, pointing out the differences between the two ways of preparing matcha.  The most obvious difference (though not the only one) is that thick tea truly is thick!  It is prepared with more than twice the amount of powdered matcha as is used for thin tea.  This allows the guest to appreciate the velvet texture and deep flavor of the matcha.  This demonstration is for the true lover of matcha.

Note: Maximum of 5 guests. It is highly recommended that you only sign up for this demonstration if you already have experience with the thin tea ceremony, perhaps having attended a tea ceremony demonstration, either at Camellia Forest or elsewhere.  Because of the way thick tea is served, all guests are seated on the floor with the host.  If you are not comfortable sitting on the floor, stools will be provided for you.  All guests are asked to bring or wear white socks.  All guests will be served a small sweet and a bowl of thick tea.