Brewing Up Something Delicious!!
One of my favorite teas is definitely a spicy, milky chai. I have been trying very hard to craft the right Vegan (dairy-free) Chai Smoothie for a while now, and I just can’t seem to get it right. I tried many ways, using my techniques such as sun brewing, herb blending, adding in raw coconut cream, soaked sunflower seeds, fresh cardamon powder, even adding almond mylk. The results that I got were okay, but not yet amazing.
In early July, I spent several days in Portland, Oregon leaving behind my Southern California’s summer sunshine. It just so happened to be one of Portland’s coldest summers. I was walking downtown Portland’s artsy Pearl district with an UMBRELLA, nonetheless, and sharing this umbrella with my companion we dodged the rain drops and walked quickly through the chilly and breezy Northwest Portland streets. In between the gallery walk, I decided to stop in and check out the Pearl Yoga Studio, where I encountered a cute vegan, gluten-free, raw food cafe that was serenely nestled inside the yoga studio, Prasad Cafe http://prasadcuisine.squarespace.com. Curious about all the amazing plates that were floating out of the kitchen, I decided to order something, ummm . . . something hot and portable. And guess what was on the menu?!!
I found the Alberta Street Chai! And it was made from the espresso bar, I was able to casually watch the Barista prepare my chai. I noticed that she brewed the chai blend with even more black tea, added some fresh ginger, a vanilla bean, and local Northwest honey. She finished the tea brew off with some steamed coconut milk. The chai was simple, light, and hardly sweet with an even smokey-rich flavor, like one I’d never tasted! Prasad Cuisine Cafe in Portland, Or. definitely makes one of the most yummiest chai in town!!!
