TEA SERVICES

Gaiwan Tea Presentation

The Gaiwan, Chinas iconic covered teacup, represents the traditional way of preparing
and drinking tea. In our service, tea selections are presented in individual cups,
allowing everyone to chose their own type of tea. The versatility of the Gaiwan makes it
the universal tool of traditional tea preparation. Its elegant utility encompasses all varieities
of tea and provide the perfect stting for visual appreciation, aromatic enjoyment, and
tasting pleasure.

Gong Fu Tea Presentation

The formal presentation of tea in China is known as gong fu. The term denotes skill from
practice - the idea being that expertise is derived not so much from learning as it is from
experience, that is: practice, which we could say in this case does not make perfect, but
which is instead an end in itself. While "gong fu" could signify the serious practice of any art
form, today gong fu tea is generally used to refer to the more or less elaborate preparation
of tea using miniature unglazed wares made of the special purple sand clay called Yixing
(pronounced yee-shing) from the Jiangsu province. Indeed, success in gong fu tea
requires patience, attention to detail, and, of course, extended practice, but the rewards are
well worth the effort. For those just starting out, we are happy to demonstrate the necessary
techniques and answer any questions you may have. Oolong, Black, & Puerh Teas are
recommended for this service. $15 - $18 per selection. $5 for each additional cup.

Tea Snacks
To accompany your tea, we offer a specially selected assortment of traditional sweet and
savory snacks. Please inquire with your server for the selections of the day.

 GREEN TEAS
The majority of the worlds finest green teas are produced from the small leaf Chinese tea
plant, Camellia Sinensis. Tender, budding leaves are hand-plucked and quickly processed
with little or no oxidation to produce wonderfully bright, fresh tasting teas. This practice is
believed by tea historians to have originated in the eastern coastal region of China, in the
vicinity of present-day Zhejiang province, where many famous green tea varieties continue
to be cultivated today. Fine green teas are best prepared in a gaiwan with water significantly
below boiling [65 - 80C (131 - 167F)].

* Imperial Dragon Well $15

A fantastic example of the finest Dragon Well Tea produced from Chinas famed West Lake area. Hand
made from the early spring harvest.

* Imperial Lotus Heart Dragon Well $18

Perhaps the worlds greatest Dragon Well tea, harvested from the famed West Lake Meijawu area.
Hand made with only the choicest and earliest pickings from Spring, almost 100,000 leaves are
required to produce 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of this unbelievable tea.

* Imperial Bi Lou Chun $12

One of the most famous of all Chinese green teas - known for its tiny, curled leaves and uniquely
fresh flavor.

* Imperial Gyokuro $12

Known as jade dew, this tea is a great representative of the finest tea from Japan. Made from the
oldest Gokuro productions in the Uji region. Deep, rich texture and amazing flavors.

* Imperial Green $10

Striking leaves, enchanting floral aroma, and unexpected depth of flavor. An absolute must for the green
tea connoisseur.

* Imperial Wuxi Hao Cha $10

One of the most beautiful green teas of the year. Wuxi Hao Chas lusciously creamy mouth feel
is accompanied with light maltiness yet retains the freshness of the great green teas.

Organic Everyday Green $8

Curly aromatic dark green leaves grown in high mountain altitudes produce a crisp, full-boldied
texture with a long finish.

Fancy Dragon Well $6

Distinctive pan-fired leaves with a fresh aroma and a rich, surprisingly nutty, and full-bodied taste.

Genmai Cha (Rice Flower) $6

A popular selection featuring a rich and savory blend of green tea and toasted rice.

Organic Yunnan Mao Feng $8

Another examle of the unique apricot-like fruitiness that can only be found in Yunnan greens.

High Mountain Mao Feng $8

From the high mountains of central China, this is a beautifully hand-crafted green tea with calming and
elegant flavors, a mild sweet but insistent finish reminds you to reach for just one more sip again.

* Small batch, rare and high grade teas. All subject to availbability.

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 WHITE TEAS
Outside the major tea varieties lie other lesser known, yet equally captivating options, the
most exotic and beautiful of which is white tea. Offering a deliciously unique departure from
the ordinary, these specially cultivated and processed white teas feature rich yet subtly
layered flavors and textures that present the connoisseur with a rare tea tasting experience.

Superior White Peony $6

Long twisted leaves and downy silver buds. Full of flavors but without excessive bitterness.

* Imperial White Peony $8

A choice white tea with two leaves and a bud. Flavorful but forgiving with hints of floral and spring green aromatics.

* Imperial Silver Needles $10

The highest quality white tea, only large unopened buds that are still completely covered by white down are
selected to be made into Silver Needles. Besides being delicious, this tea boasts a high antioxidant content.

White Monkey $6
A white tea harvested in springtime, this selection is pan-fired with the traditional green tea method in order to
make this tea a unique variation from normal white tea.

YELLOW TEAS
Virtually unknown in the US, yellow tea is a rare style of tea that is produced almost like a
standard green tea. However, prior to completely drying the tea, this variety is covered
overnight in order to change the color of the tea from green to a light yellowish color. The
process reduces the astringencies of green tea and produces a hardier tea.

* Imperial Yellow Tea $12

Beautifully hand-made, the Imperial Yellow Tea has dark curly leaves with ample amounts of white tips.
The infusion makes bright, clean, yellow liquors with lots of complexity and flavors. A must try for an
aficionado or anyone else who is interested in the greatest yellow tea have to offer.

Huo Shan Huang Ya $10

A famous yellow tea from Chinas Anhui province, Huo Shan Huang Ya is covered for a shorter time during
one of its final production steps so tea lovers can have a bit of both green and yellow tea all in one cup.

OOLONG TEAS
Between the green and black varieties of tea lies what many connoisseurs consider to be
the best of both worlds... in a word: Oolong. Often described as semi-fermented Oolong
teas are in fact partially oxidized during production. The result of this process is a stunning
range of leaf styles and flavor possibilities - from the captivating floral aromatics of lighter
green varieties to the intoxicating richness of the darker Oolongs.

Anxi Tie Guan Yin $8

A rich but mellow oolong whose large, attractively rolled leaves produce an aromatic, full-flavored infusion.

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 OOLONG TEAS
* Imperial Green Oolong $12
Consistently one of our most popular teas. Imperial Green Oolong is produced from the famed
Fu Shou Shan area of Taiwan (at 2000 meters above sea level). This tea is the best Taiwanese green
style Oolong anyone can want. A rich, thick texture with gentle hints of flowery notes, its long and
indescribably wonderful finish makes you want to savor it again and again.

* Monkey Picked Tieguanyin $12

The "flagship oolong of Imperial Tea Court, Monkey Picked Tieguanyin represents the proudest and rarest
tea of a tea proprietor's collection. The Monkey Picked is full of complex and bold flavors, floral notes,
peachy fruitiness and chocolate-like rich nuttiness all wrapped in an exceptional bundle.

Phoenix Oolong $10

This distinctive oolong, from the Wu Dong area of Feng Huang Shan (Phoenix Mountain) in Guangdong
Province, is characterized by its intense honey-like floral flavor and aroma.

Superior Green Oolong $8

Made with the Four Seasons Spring varietal from Taiwan, this non-aggressive Oolongs floral notes and
mild but flavorful infusion makes it rather hard to resist.

* Imperial Milk Oolong $10

A high-grown green style Oolong that displays a uniquely milky essence. A must try. (Subject to
availability)

* Imperial Bai Hao (Formosa) Oolong $10

Also known as Oriental Beauty, this intoxicatingly fragrant, smooth and distinctively fruity large-leafed
oolong is a specialty of Taiwan.

* Imperial Wu Yi Yan Cha $10

A traditional Oolong from the Wuyi Shan region (some believe Wuyi Shan to be the origin of Oolong Tea).
Attractively rolled leaves that produce a rich, aromatic liquor presents hints of cocoa and roasted nuts.

* Imperial Bao Zhong (Pouchong) $8

Elegant, hand-rolled leaves and a cup that produces a bright-yellow green liquor with a silky texture. The
most unique feature of this incredible tea is its forgiving and full-bodied nature, which makes
the Imperial Bao Zhong a great tea for those craving a more refined taste.

BLACK TEAS
Perhaps the worlds best known and most widely consumed variety, black tea is produced
by a full fermentation process in order to develop the dark color and unique flavors of the
various black tea styles (hence their official classification as fully oxidized). Imperial Tea
Court is proud to offer a selection of classic black teas from the worlds premier gardens.

Asian Paradise $6
A hearty yet elegant Keemun variety. Sweetly fragrant and delicately floral with a hint of smokiness.

* Yunnan Royal Gold $10

A stunning array of choice golden buds with an amber infusion layered with rich, malty flavors.

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 BLACK TEAS
Lapsang Souchong $6
Famed for its smoky flavor, this black tea is one of the most well-known from the Fujian province, with a
distinctive richness and smooth finish.

* Imperial Keemun Hao Ya $10

Always exceptional, and able to live up to the reputation of one of the greatest black teas from China.
The original Earl Grey and English Breakfast varieties were inspired by this tea.

Superior Yunnan Black $8

With lots of shimmering gold tips, bright, clear amber liquor, and deep, rich flavors of fruit and gentle
spices, this tea leaves you with lusciously full-bodied mouthfeel.

Golden Monkey $8
Our personal improvisation techniques on this classic tea has resulted in its distinct notes of
apricot, toasted nuts, and artisinal roasted caramel.

Ying De Jin Mo Hou $10

Golden tips and nicely shaped curls, Ying De makes a pleasant cup with light fruity and floral notes.

* Imperial Darjeeling $8
Specially selected from selected Darjeeling estates for their unique flavors and aromatics.

* Imperial Breakfast $6
Our own unique blend of superior Chinese black teas that are rich with subtle citrus, floral and smoky
notes.

PUERH TEAS
The exotic earthy flavor of Puerh tea has long been a traditional favorite in southern China
as well as other parts of Asia, and its widely acclaimed health benefits have recently begun
to generate substantial interest worldwide. In response to growing demand for quality
products, Imperial Tea Court has assembled one of the worlds leading collections
of authentic Puerh teas from Chinas Yunnan province.

* Topaz Puerh $10

A special production, small-leafed Puerh tea with exceptional body, richness, and a long, smooth finish.

* Special Reserve Puerh $12

Aged for over 30 years, this exceptional large leaf Puerh is silky smooth with clean earthy tones. Its
complex layers of flavors seem to last forever.

Wild Tree Aged Puerh $8

Made from centuries-old wild tea tress in Yunnans Nan Nuo Shan region, and aged in dry storage for over
15 years. Big, bold, earthy flavors without any bitterness. A must for anyone who is interested in a
well-aged dark Puerh.

He Kai Shan Green Puerh $6

He Kai Shan is located at the famed Bu Lang Shan region (along with the now famous Ban Zhang area);
He Kai Shan tea is known for its big flavors and aromatics. This green rawness" is a great starting point
for newcomers to green puerhs.

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 PUERH TEAS
Yunnan Puerh $6
A fine Puerh with a deep woody flavor touched with a hint of smoke which lasts through many infusions.

Superior Puerh $8
Dark or shou puerh has been aged in dry storage for close to a decade. A bit woodsy and earthy, this tea
lacks the offensive muskiness that accompanies lesser grades of aged puerhs.

JASMINE TEAS
Great Jasmine teas are made by people who want to make great teas, period. The
commitment to make a great jasmine is fanatically intense. Jasmine productions are done
during the summer, however, the season for Jasmine-makers starts in early spring
when the best green teas are selected and produced. The tea is stored until the summer so that
fresh, blooming Jasmine blossoms can be harvested. Multiple scenting are done by mixing
fresh flowers with specially selected green or white teas ensure proper scenting and
flavoring (sometimes, up to seven scentings are done for some of the highest quality
jasmines. All of the used jasmine flowers are removed after scenting so that only the full
jasmine tea flavor is displayed)

* Imperial Silver Needle Jasmine $8

The highest grade white tea, scented multiple times with fresh jasmine blossoms. This process creates an
unbeatable combo of great aromatics and flavors.

* Imperial Golden Needle Jasmine $10

Golden colored, tippy green tea is scented multiple time with fresh blossoms, soothing and refreshing.
Unlike anything youve ever tasted.

* Imperial Jasmine Pearl $12

Consistently one of our most popular as well as our top seller, early spring harvested un-opened green tea
buds are selected and hand rolled into pearls. They are then scented 6 separate times with fresh
jasmine blossoms to create this intensely floral wonder.

* Imperial Min Hong Jasmine $10

Beautiful golden tippy black tea is scented with fresh jasmine blossoms, creating a lightly floral black tea
with full texture and flavor. This unique scenting procedure removes any hints of unwanted bitterness and
retains all the flavors.

Yin Hao Jasmine $6

Yin Hao (meaning silver tipped) Jasmine is a green tea harvested in early spring that has been selected
and scented with fresh jasmine blossoms from our own jasmine tea factory.
A great no fuss jasmine selection.

Please ask your server for other new arrival, or unlisted teas.

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