Tea and Chocolate: a match made in heaven... via Victoria
When November’s rain clouds roll in and block the view of the Olympic Mountains, it’s time to set your sights on a few indoor activities, and preferably those that combat dampness while lifting spirits. In other words, it's best they involve chocolate.
This year, Silk Road Tea Company presents the ultimate champion of dreary weather: the Tea & Chocolate Pairing. This workshop mates organic, locally-made loose teas with decadent, homemade truffles that have a melt-in-your-mouth filling made from Silk Road teas. The maturity of the tea matched with the magnificence of chocolate is staggeringly satisfying. I can honestly say I will never forget my first bite.
Since 1992, Silk Road has attracted Victoria tea drinkers to its bar, which is North America's first established tea bar. Customers can peruse the selection of 100 locally-made, 100 percent organic teas on their self-proclaimed "Great Wall of Tea." Silk Road’s trained tea masters will help you choose the perfect tea to suit your taste buds, or they can provide a deeper exploration of taste, smell, and state of mind and help you reach a desired level of energy from a tea selection.
Following the ancient tea blending principles established by monks and herbalists, the Silk Road tea masters use only 100 percent natural flavourings and earth-friendly extractions, which are created and blended in Victoria exclusively for Silk Road Tea’s only location, located on Government Street next to Victoria’s Chinatown.
The Tea & Chocolate Pairing is one of Silk Road's newest workshops. You can book a private party for a group of friends, or enjoy the pairing on your own, taking advantage of the opportunity for peaceful self-reflection. Reservations are required, although general tea tastings are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm from September to June.
Tea-filled truffles and organic tea steeped to perfection
While the combination of tea and chocolate has been around for centuries, Silk Road offers a truly authentic experience by having the truffles custom-made for their pairing by Spinnaker’s Gastro Brewpub using Silk Road’s own teas. Like matching a fine wine to a succulent steak, the tea master recommends choices of teas that will enhance each chocolate’s flavour and bring out the rich undertones of the herbs.
For tea lovers, chocolate lovers, or those looking to escape cloudy skies, the Tea and Chocolate Pairing is a special experience for both locals and visitors.
- Photos & text by Jessica Woollard© originally published on A-Life BC Travel Blog