May 30, 2007

Punky Brewster

Teance Tea Classes

You can tell a burgundy from a Bordeaux and rattle off the subtle differences between a lager and a pilsner. But when it comes to tea, you net out at hot or iced.

Get yourself schooled in the ways of the brew at Friday night tea classes at Teance in Berkeley.

Saddle up to the tea bar for hands-on steeping lessons. You’ll learn how to prepare two whole leaf types (white vs. oolong, red vs. black) and appreciate the nuances of their flavors. Lectures cover a range of topics, from health benefits to compassionate cooking, and end with a tasting, so you can put your newly educated palate to the test.

Try one hour-long class for $12 or get a series of five for $50. They’ll give you 10 percent off your new favorite Yunnan Gold and teaware — gourd strainers handmade by Korean monks, hand-painted Gaiwan sets, one-of-a-kind YiXing teapots.

So you can bring home the brew-haha.

Teance Tea Room, 1780 Fourth Street, Berkeley (510-524-2832 or teance.com).

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