Warning:

Due to the fact that the double layer cups (50 ml) are made out of blown glass, they all have a little hole underneath. If you steep into water for excessive time, water might infiltrate and get stuck between the two layers. Therefore, this is what you should do when it unfortunately happens (not all the time).

-Let the little cup cool down

-Puor boiling water into the cup and the liquid will come out by itself according to the law of temperature. As temperature increases, air molecules will expand to push the water out.

-Then gently tap the bottom of the cup with a towel or napkin to remove the little drop left.

http://thecaringkitchen.wordpress.com/tag/montreal/

http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/2013/06/a-magical-mystery-tour-of-montreal-culinary-heritage/

http://velvetescape.com/2013/10/food-tour-montreal/

http://toniaskitchenrecipesandcookingtips.blogspot.ca/2012/07/leo-co-owner-of-my-cup-of-tea-shares.html

http://straightfromtheleaf.blogspot.ca/2011/07/ties-that-bind-flowering-teas.html

A scientific explanation: In essence, a free radical is any molecular species capable of independent existence, that contains one or more unpaired electrons not contributing to intermolecular bonding, and is, in that sense, "free". They are produced by oxidation/reduction reactions, in which there is a transfer of only one electron at a time, or when a covalent bond is broken and one electron from each pair remains with each atom. Thus, a free radical has an unpaired electron.

Many free radicals are highly reactive, owing to the tendency of electrons to pair; that is, to pair by the receipt of an electron from an appropriate donor or to donate an electron to an appropriate acceptor. Whenever a free radical reacts with a non-radical, a chain reaction is initiated until two free radicals react and then terminate the propagation with a 2-electron bond, with each radical contributing its single unpaired electron. The free radicals of special interest in aging are the oxygen free radicals (OH., H., O2.-). These free radicals often take an electron away from a "target" molecule to pair with their single free electron; this is what is commonly termed “oxidation.?The term "reactive oxygen species" is used to refer to these oxidants and the oxygen free radicals.

In the human body, oxidized free radicals are believed to cause tissue damage at the cellular level, causing damage to our DNA, mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell), and cell membrane, and have often been referred to as one of the causes attributed to aging, cancer, heart disease, and other human ailments. While the production of free radicals is a normal part of metabolism at the cellular level, things such as excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and various chemical exposures only serve to increase the amount of free radicals present in the body. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged (as in Vitamin C), or seek out and scavenge free radicals (as in Vitamin E). This is where it can be noted that research has indicated that one of the main antioxidants found in green tea (epigalloctechin 3-gallate a.k.a. EGCG) has been found to be much more powerful than both Vitamins C and E. Compared to other known antioxidants, EGCG was found to be 100 times more effective than vitamin C, 25 times more effective than Vitamin E and twice as powerful as resveratrol at neutralizing free radicals.

• The antioxidants in tea help prevent cancers of the mouth, stomach, pancreas, lungs, esophagus, colon, breast and prostate.
• The antioxidants in a single cup of tea equal those in one serving of vegetables.
• Scientific information from the USDA points out that drinking one cup of tea could make a significant contribution to daily antioxidant intake, equivalent to approximately one serving of vegetables.
• Polyphenols, chemical components of tea, prevent both the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath and the bacteria"s production of malodorous compounds.
• Studies have shown that black tea suppresses the growth of bacteria in dental plaque and that rinsing with black tea reduces plaque formation and the production of acids that cause tooth decay.
• In an experiment, people who drank five to six small cups of black tea daily for two weeks were better able to fight off bacterial infections, report the researchers in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
• EGCG is one of the most abundant and biologically active antioxidants found in tea. It is believed to be responsible for tea"s beneficial health effects. The compound is found in higher concentrations in green tea, the least processed of teas, than in black and oolong varieties.
• Eating well Magazine named tea "Beverage of the Year" for its health benefits and mass appeal to consumers searching for an alternative to soft drinks and coffee.

Did you know?

Tea:
- Contains one-third the caffeine of coffee and cola
- Helps reduce fatigue and maintains mental alertness - Stabilizes fluid levels
- Is fat free and calorie free
- Flavanoids in tea help prevent heart disease by reducing blood clotting, lowering blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol

With ever-increasing scientific evidence about the health benefits of tea, this humble beverage is destined to become the elixir of the future.

Wow... this is an adorable tea shop in the middle of Chinatown.  I'm used to someplace a little more simple with less finesse and flair, but I was quite happy to find such an upscale little boutique in the midst of it all.  We walked in and found the decor to be quite relaxing and pleasing to the eyes.  We saw little touches everywhere, which made us smile.  They had little chinese zodiac characters here and there along with other cute decorative touches.  They also had plenty of nice tea sets along the walls.

A couple of people happened to be in the back brewing up some iced tea (the owner was there I believe) and were more than happy to share their tips with us on the perfect iced tea at home.  Also they brewed up some combinations to show us the versatility of mixing loose teas with rose buds.  We learned that they try to educate each customer about the importance of using tea made without using chemicals in either the tea or the tea bags.  

Also the gentleman told us that his father was a well-respected Chinese doctor and that his goal was to show how tea can offer something that tastes good and is healthy at the same time.  To balance the traditional aspect of tea with it's modern aspect.  I found him to be very fascinating and eager to tell us about his vision.  He even offered for us to come back in a few hours to try the iced tea, but we were locked up in a church by that point.    

I would highly recommend this shop to any locals who are interested in exploring the complexities of tea or tourists (like us) who love tea and are always looking to find the best quality product possible.  The brand has some amazing visuals and marketing going for it, and I see a beautiful future ahead.  My favorite part about this brand?  They do everything they can to educate the consumer and are always striving to bring quality products to us (including house blends).