Goldfish Tea in Royal Oak will celebrate its fifth year in business tomorrow with an open house and complimentary birthday cake. There will also be a drawing for prizes and a Chinese checkers tournament.
Owners Jim and Janice Girling started their tea business in February of 2008. Prior to launching the Royal Oak tea room, the Girlings were first introduced to tea when living in China while working for a previous employer. Their tea journey began when they came upon a wholesale tea market and started bargaining for a tea set. They were invited to sample several teas that afternoon which ignited a passion for the hot beverage. For the rest of their stay in China, they continued to sample and learn more about tea.
Upon their return to the United States, the Girlings turned their passion and expertise into Goldfish Tea in Royal Oak. The tea room serves and sells only tea from China and no blends. You won't find an Earl Grey or an English Breakfast tea, but you will find several oolongs, keemuns, green and white teas.
Reached today by e-mail, Janice Girling said there are a few new things on the horizon, including a new espresso machine. Girling says "we have been making espresso for a couple years, but this will be the real deal. With all the menu expansions we have done since we've opened - coffee drinks, herbal teas, yerba mate with gourd and bombilla, specialty hot chocolates, bubble tea, matcha, Korean tea - this one is pretty big."
Girling is quick to add, however, that the additions haven't changed their core business. "Through it all though, we have managed to stay true to our pure tea philosophy, that is, pure, unblended teas, loose leaf and water - the way it is meant to be."
Cake will be served "around 2:00" tomorrow afternoon.Goldfish Tea is located at 117 West 4th Street in Royal Oak. For more information, contact Goldfish Tea at 248.541.5252 or visit their website Goldfish Tea.
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