Friday, September 4, 2009

Out of Africa


Since the launch of the Vanilla Rooibos tea latte at Starbucks, I have been a faithful follower. It was good to change things up a little bit and not order a Chai. However, dear Starbucks…you have been serving me the B-list version of the best a tea could bring.

I’d like to issue a public thank you to the baristas at Flour Bakery and at Bloc 11 for awakening my morning with a proper red tea latte.

Instead of simply steeping a tea bag in steaming water or milk, my new best friends at the coffee shops press concentrated Rooibos into an espresso press and proceed to make a latte as they would any other. The result is a beautiful rust red drink with a thick foamy top.

The sweet nutty tea brings me back to South Africa, where the honey red bush is from. My experience in the country was an amazing one and I’ve vowed to go back. For now, this simple morning treat is enough to invoke my memories of Table Mountain, Kaelisha and the women of South Africa.