– by Doreen Marion Gee –
Spend a mellow afternoon under an African sun while shopping or sipping tea at the Tea Emporium in the Saanich countryside. Be swept away to faraway lands when you stroll through their doors. Their products infuse the exotic charms of other cultures into our community. Many items from overseas are produced according to ethical values. At the same time, the Tea Emporium supports and celebrates local companies and proudly sells their products. Customers enjoy the best of all worlds.
The Tea Emporium (formerly Georgie’s Tea Emporium) carries over a hundred premium teas from around the world. Owner-operators Darrell and Linda are excited about new developments at their treasured oasis. They have recently doubled the space of the tea shop, adding more local products. Now they have room for tea-tastings on lazy warm spring and summer afternoons. Customers can savour fragrant teas along with snacks. The unique facility offers an intriguing collection of international and local fare – teas, coffees, jams, world music, soaps, lotions, spices, mugs, baskets, bags and more. The two stand by the high quality of their products; whether local or from Africa, they buy only the best.
The Tea Emporium owners are proud to support local BC products and businesses. Their shelves hold tea cozies and towels made in North Vancouver; spices from Salt Spring Island; fresh honey from a Saanich apiary; red pepper jelly from Nanaimo; and local coffees and soaps. Their dog cookies are flying off the shelves. Homemade in Cobble Hill, “these tasty treats are made with high quality ingredients, including organic ingredients wherever possible.” Rover will go crazy over “Cheesy Sweet Potato Kelpie Nuggets”, both healthy and yummy.
Darrell’s world travels “opened his eyes” to the harsh economic conditions of working women in developing countries. He decided to help by bringing their products into the store. A Rotary Club member, he believes that “If everyone does a little bit, then it amounts to a lot!” Darrell raves about their exquisitely hand-crafted baskets from Ghana and brocade bags made in Nepal (filled with tea). These handicrafts are “environmentally friendly and fair trade, supporting micro-credit lending and financial services, livestock and farm inputs, local socio-economic development, worker’s rights and gender equality.”
Health is a priority at the Tea Emporium. Ayurvedic “wellness teas” are a hot new item. Rooibos Teas from South Africa are rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. The Tea Emporium is a tea-lover’s paradise. Many versions of the liquid ambrosia please every taste under the sun – Black, Green, Herbal and Oolong teas; special blends with maple and blackberry; and spicy teas like “Chocolate Thai” from Sri Lanka.
Worlds come together at the Tea Emporium for a tantalizing experience.
Contact: www.georgiesteaemporium.ca
