Journal

Notes on tea, craft, and the cart.

Slow reading on the traditions behind our matcha & espresso bar — what they are, where they come from, and how we bring them to gatherings across Toronto.

A bowl of whisked ceremonial matcha being prepared

The way of tea

What is a Japanese tea ceremony?

Known as chadou — the Way of Tea — it turns preparing a cup into a meditative art rooted in respect, harmony and presence. A guide to its history, schools, and how to experience one.

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The Gleam & Sip matcha & espresso yatai cart set up outdoors

The cart

What is a yatai?

Japan's original street food stall — wooden carts, paper lanterns, a narrow counter where strangers become neighbours. The story of the yatai, and how we built ours around matcha and lever-pulled espresso.

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