“Tea does exactly that—it makes me pause, slow down, and be fully present in the moment.”
How do you take your tea?
Mint Tea with lots of Raw Honey
Can you share your earliest memory of drinking tea and how it made you feel?
Tea was always a fixture in my house. My dad was a five-plus-cups-a-day guy—morning, afternoon, and even a decaf at night. We had an entire closet dedicated to tea, which fascinated me as a kid. To be honest, my young taste buds weren’t into it… unless I drowned it in honey.
My earliest tea memory is from being sick. My mom would make me chamomile tea on repeat, each cup sweetened generously with honey. That combination, the warmth, the comfort, the sweetness. It stuck with me ever since and i plan to do the same for my little one on those sick days.
What role does tea play in your daily life or routines?
Tea, for me, is all about winding down. At night I love a big glass of mint tea with honey, or chamomile and lavender with honey. In the warmer months, I’ll brew it the night before and chill it in the fridge for the perfect afternoon refresh. Such a treat.
Is there a particular tea or tea moment that holds special meaning for you? Why?
A few years ago, I had the joy of visiting Morocco, where tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a ritual. Everywhere you go, you’re welcomed with glasses of steaming mint tea, sweetened generously with sugar and poured high from the pot so it froths at the top. It’s served morning to night, whether you’re in someone’s home, a market stall, or a café.
What struck me most was how tea is woven into the rhythm of daily life. It’s not rushed, it’s about pausing, gathering, and showing hospitality. Watching how a whole culture revolves around and cherishes this simple act of sharing tea was unforgettable.
How has your relationship with tea evolved over the years?
As I grow and evolve, I’ve come to see the value and the necessity of anything that makes me pause and slow down. Tea does exactly that. From the ritual of making it, to letting it cool, to those first slow sips, I try to be fully present in the moment. I can’t say I always felt that way a few years ago.
If you could share a cup of tea with anyone—past, present, or fictional—who would it be, and why?
Alice Waters. Alice Waters is someone I deeply look up to. She turned something as simple as a peach into a revolution. With Chez Panisse, she showed the world that food grown locally, in season, and with care could be more than a meal. She’s the mother of farm-to-table, a champion for farmers and school gardens, and someone who reminds us that the purest ingredients, cooked simply, can change the way we eat and live! I would love to share multiple cups of tea with her.
Is there anyone working in food right now who inspires you, that you think more people should know about?
Kelly Mencin! She is the chef and owner @radiobakerynyc. Everyone knows the bakery and their insane savory and sweet treats but everyone should know the brains and skill behind it. She is a superstar.
