I have my notebook computer and am writing this from the Argo Tea cafe at State and Randolph streets in Chicago. I am supposedly working, but I am having a hard time concentrating because of concerns about my uncle who suffers from schizophrenia and has been quite delusional lately. I'm still reeling a bit from having spent all of Wednesday night visiting with him. Alright, so I am understating it: my mind is all over the universe today. Anyway, today is a new day and as long as I stay mentally in the present moment, I'll be OK.
I was hoping my brother would be able to join me here today, since his office is just a little over one block from here. However, he has to attend a parents' meeting at my nephew's school this afternoon, so he wasn't able to be here. We'll try to meet for a tea break next week. Paul and I were last at this cafe together about 2 months ago and it was enjoyable just to relax and enjoy some good tea with him.
Today, I'm enjoying Argo Tea's Earl Grey Crème. I like Earl Grey tea generally, but this variety as a bit more of the flavor of the bergamot orange, or the Citrus aurantium bergamia if you prefer. Even so, the bergamot is not overdone; the flavors in this blend are pretty well balanced. I also tried the Earl Grey latte, which is quite good. While espresso takes a break, tea steps in to do the job. It's an enjoyable variation on the classic latte, even if the milk may undo some of the heart health benefits of the tea. At least I had mine with skim milk.
Lunch was a vegetable sandwich. (Yes, I am spending a long time here today.) I had a desert of chocolate ruggelah. Filled with chocolate and raisins, they triggered a happy memory for me: some chocolate and raisin oatmeal cookies my mother once baked when I was a boy. More than 30 years later, I can still taste those cookies. How sweet. How delicious. How simple. Ah, a glimpse of heaven in a small baked food!
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Ha. I was just thinking about going to Argo on Broadway in Lakeview. The gender spread is pretty even there - though everyone is studying really hard (lots of students). Lots of guys there who are probably not all that worried about women seeing them drinking tea. I also think it is notable how the 'more than just coffee' crowd has extended to the usual 'blue collar, salt of the earth' folks. I see masons and construction crews with lattes and other 'less than super-manly' drinks.
I so love Earl Grey Tea with a dash of honey and milk.
Being a Star Trek fan, I know this is the favorite drink of Captain Jean Luc Picard.
This is my favorite drink to cap off a very busy week.
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