The Art of Tea and Travel with Steve Schwartz

Steve Schwartz is the founder, CEO and Master Blender of Los Angeles-based tea company, Art of Tea. Through the brand's 20 year existence, he’s worked with a number of big names, including Vera Wang, The Peninsula Hotels, and Wolfgang Puck restaurants, and he published his debut book, Art of Tea: A Journey of Ritual, Discovery and Impact, in 2022. During this episode, Steve shares how tragedy launched his unexpected journey into Ayurvedic healing which then led him to discover the art –– and science –– of tea. He shares stories from his encounters with tea farmers in Israel, Thailand, Laos and beyond. Tune in to hear Steve debunk misconceptions around tea, to get his top tea recommendations and to learn how tea serves as a window to other cultures. Plus - Melissa reveals her latest intel from a recent trip to London including exciting restaurants, new hotels and noteworthy shops.

Lightning Round with Steve Schwartz

• Favorite place in the world to source tea? Kyoto Prefecture or working with our monks in South India depending on the season.
• Favorite hotels you stay in while traveling? The Boca Raton and The Peninsula Tokyo
• A tea you recommend for sleep? Sleep
• A tea you recommend for wellness? Matcha+
• Best time of day to drink tea? Early morning for tea or sunset for tisanes
• Best hotel for afternoon tea? Hotel Bel-Air
• Favorite food and tea pairings? Dark Chocolate and our Earl Grey Creme
• Favorite restaurant in Los Angeles? Rose Garden Tea Room at The Huntington Gardens
• Favorite tea tradition in various cultures? Adding fresh lemon verbena to high quality loose leaf black tea is something I learned from working with farmers in Israel and the Middle East.