I have been searching for the perfect book about tea for several years now and while there are many great choices, there always seemed to be something missing. I had read so many rave reviews of Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties that I just had to check it out myself. The book itself is fairly large and filled with beautiful full color photographs. Content aside, it could easily double as a coffee table book.

Baisao, third son of a scholarly physician, was born near Nagasaki in 1675. He entered a Buddhist monastery at age 11 and was almost 50 when his master died and he was asked to take his place as abbot. Declining on grounds it would hinder his religious practice, he left the hypocrisies, large and small, of organized religion to take up the life of a wandering monk.

The Meaning of the Boulder-Dushanbe Teahouse is a painstakingly researched and lovingly crafted tribute to the only Tajik teahouse in the Western hemisphere. Learn more about this interesting book on one of the most famous teahouses in the U.S.

This month, we list tea-related books for both education and armchair dreaming with teacup at hand, to inspire experimentation and delight in all your tea drinking entertainment and solo pleasures.

f ever there was a perfect pairing, it's tea and reading. What tea lover doesn't adore steeping a cup of their favorite leaf and enjoying it with a favorite book? Both tea and books can elicit strong memories, feelings, and emotions, so it's no wonder they complement each other so well.

I work in a corporate office. Like many offices, mine has phased out fresh-brewed pots of coffee and brought in Keurig machines. I was curious about Keurigs when they first arrived on the scene a few years ago, as they were not only convenient but they catered to individual coffee tastes within a large group. I was also curious about their tea-making abilities, but coffee was the main attraction in the beginning.

At the top of my list was the Adagio monthly Cooking-with-Tea contest winner, Chicken Pesto Pizza with Kukicha Crust. I thought the pesto might overshadow the other ingredients, but everything was well balanced. You truly can taste the delicate flavor of the Kukicha in the crust. I prepared this pizza for a family dinner and it was a big hit.

Join Michigan-based tea consultant Barb Gulley as she visits Goldfish Tea, a tea room and store that specializes in Chinese tea imported directly from China. Owned by husband-wife team Jim and Janice Girling, these former coffee drinkers have created an oasis of tea in Southeast Michigan.

Jason Walker of Walker Tea Review attended a screening of the documentary, The Meaning of Tea. This film takes the viewer throughout the world to show the importance of tea to those who grow, pick, and drink it. Please visit the film's website to order a DVD at http://www.themeaningoftea.com

Join tea blogger Jason Walker for a jaunt into historic Williamsburg, Virginia, where you can find great tea and coffee, as well as historical tidbits and information. Learn a little about what colonial America was drinking during the birth of the Nation.

New to green teas? Follow Association of Tea Blogger member, Marlena Amalfitano as she explores several of her favorite Adagio Green Teas. Simple hints and suggestions are also included for those new to green tea. Feel free to make a cup of your favorite tea while reading!

Join ATB (Association of Tea Bloggers) blogger, Katrina Avila Munichiello as she tucks into an elegant tea at the Swans Cafe at the famed Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers. Headed by one of the nation's premiere tea sommeliers, Cynthia Gold, tea time here is both very serious and very exquisite.

A.C. Cargill reviews Herons at the sumptuous Ulmstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC. Come read along about her tea time she enjoyed with her husband at this luxurious hotel.

In this brand new Traveling Teacup, Tiffany Picard takes us to Teapod, an organic tea place in San Alsemo, California. Along with her friend, they explore Teapod's many fresh offerings including organic teas, tea lattes, iced teas, and bubble teas. Teapod also offers a tasty sampling of baked goods and savories, and is celebrating their one-year anniversary.

A review of Tea With an Accent, a beautiful tea room in Yardley, Pennsylvania. I brought my mother here for a Mother's Day tea, and we had a great time! This year we don't plan on taking tea at a tea room, but instead will be throwing our own tea party. Many ideas from this outing, perhaps you can get some as well for your own festivites!

A review of the first in a series for young adults, The Teashop Girls by Laura Shafer. The story revolves around a trio of friends and the tea room they work at after school, and the trials and tribulations they face during that very interesting time of their young lives.

Come along with our wholesale manager, Cynthia Fazekas as she discovers San Francisco's favorite place for tea, Samovar Tea Lounge.

Curious about making your own Signature Blend? It's not as challenging as it may seem. All you need is a love for tea and some creativity. We all know how great it is to receive a gift made just for you- imagine the tea love in your life receiving a Signature Blend conjured up just for them? We present in this article a primer on how to make the perfect Signature Blend for everyone on your list.

Explore one of Seattle's favorite tea rooms with writer and tea enthusiast Elin Headrick. Elin Headrick is a writer and graphic designer who also owns the website teafolio.com. An avid traveler, she is a regular contributor to TeaMuse's Traveling Teacup Reviews.

You check out a lovely, buzzworthy spot for a fine-dining experience. Several courses later, you are stuffed but there is still room for dessert. If you opt for tea over coffee, this is the point in the night where your hopes are dashed as a subpar chest of teabags is brought over. Don't fret- here is a sampling of restaurants that offer sublime food as well as notable tea lists.

Tea enthusiast Elin Headrick takes a trip to the Great White North and visits some Canadian tearooms in Canada's west coast metropolitan Vancouver. Find out how our neighbors to the North take their tea!

Part Two of Austin Tearooms reviews. Lindsey Goodwin visits Austin, TX for SXSW fest and check's out the city's best tea haunts.

Part one of a two part look at Austin Tea hotspots! Lindsey Goodwin braves Austin, Texas during the popular South By Southwest fest and gives us the lowdown on the hippest tea joints to check out.

Adagio's wholesale manager, Cynthia Fazekas takes a break from her busy show schedule to check out a cozy tea spot in Greenwich Village; Tea Spot NYC.

Lindsey Goodwin visits this eclectic tea room that combines French and Japanese styles in both their tea service and cuisine. The Adore brings a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere and excellent tea to the East Village.

Traveling Teacup explores more Seattle Tearooms. In a town known more for their coffee and baristas, it's reassuring to know that the biggest tea fans can find a great place to get a good cup of tea. Next time you're in Seattle, be sure to stop by these wonderful tearooms.

Christmas Tea at the Drake Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. Elin Headrick takes us on a Christmas tea at the beautiful and historic Drak Hotel, Chicago. Come enjoy the elegant Victorian room through the eyes and tastebuds of our Traveling Teacup.

Amai Tea and Bake House sits on an unassuming stretch of Third Avenue, nestled between a deli and a Chinese-Spanish fusion cuisine restaurant. Though there is no official signage out front indicating its presence just yet, the brand new tearoom is ready to welcome you inside for a cup of tea and one of their famous tea sweets.

Elin Headrick hops into the Traveling Teacup and heads on over to the City of Lights and the famed Mariages Freres for a French lesson on tea. Come experience tea at its best.

On Christine's first business trip, she's faced with long delays at the airport, falling off her bed in the hotel room, and the hot, hot Atlanta heat. Refuge awaits her though at the hip, 11:11 Teahouse that reminds her a little bit of life before business trips.

Confused to what Yerba Mate is? Your questions are answered here. Read up on this popular herb and its energizing properties. We also review our favorite yerba mate brands and let you know where you can get the tastiest mate online.

Elin Headrick shows us that good tea can be found in Chicago. She reviews Tea Gschwender, a German tea company that has made its homebase in the Windy City.

A review of one of Victoria, British Columbia's favorite places for tea; the Empress, also a historic and grand hotel, the Empress has been serving afternoon tea since 1908.

Traveling through New York City's Chinatown, it can be easy for a tourist to become lost in translation. With many shop signs written only in Chinese, it is a welcome respite to recognize a business which can be clearly understood. This is what originally drew me to Tea & Tea, a teahouse on Mott Street in the heart of Chinatown.

Tea-accessory designer/craftsman Kevin Ard invites TeaMuse into his studio for a look at the process of creating his functional works of art for tea lovers

Babo Teahouse in Jersey City, NJ boasts an extensive tea list, bubble tea, gelato, and lots of tasty Chinese snacks. Our write discovers a tea-rific alternative to Starbucks.

The English Rose is located in Chattanooga, TN nestled in what was the lobby of the former 100-year-old Grand Hotel, a little big of England in the charming South.

Ten Ren's Tea Time is a modern tea bar tucked away in New York City's Chinatown.It's specialty: tasty bubble tea.

Tucked away in unassuming Toledo, Ohio, Elaine's Tea Shoppe offers a bit of country elegance and tea to it's denizens.

Gryphon Tea Room is the epitome of Southern hospitality, elegance, and charm. Located in historic Savannah, stop by and enjoy a traditional tea service.

The celebrated BonBonerie Bakery in Cincinnati has been voted the Best in Cincinnati, featured in Bon Appetit magazine, and boasts some of the state's best pastries. It alsohouses a wonderful tea room, with a wide variety of teas.

This hidden gem sits on a lonely part of Park Avenue, NYC. It's modern and Zen design will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A highly trained staff offers among other things, Korean tea and vegetarian cuisine.

Central Perc European Café is reminiscent of the English proprietors' home country: like a good pub, service is 'come to the counter', with food then delivered to table; no pence are squandered on posh garnishes, and you're likely to be drawn into the neighborly banter between the regulars and their British hosts.

Treat yourself to a spot of tea and delicious food at Taste Tea Salon and Gifts in Williamsburg, Virginia. Worth every penny!

The Flavour of Britain is a cozy retail establishment, offering both British items for sale and a tea room where refreshment is available through traditional English tea service and English cuisine like steak and kidney pie and Cornish pasties.

You're in good 'tea' hands at T Salon in New York City. It's hip and modern design invites you to sit and enjoy one of their many teas from their extensive menu.

Enjoy a truly unique and special experience at Kai, Ito En's tea room/ restaurant specializing in exquisite tea and haute Japanese cuisine.

If you find yourself in Shanghai ,China please do visit the Old Shanghai Teahouse. It may not be where the locals flock to, but the authentic architecture and design will keep you plenty occupied as your enjoy your tea.

Making one's descend from the spectacular peaks of the Yellow Mountains, a weary visitor is confronted with the most pleasant of views: The Huang Shan Tea House. It's a welcoming oasis where one's aching muscles may get a bit of well-deserved rest.

It's a good thing that Teany is open from 8 am to 1 am. For there must be a point in the day when the place is quiet and smokeless; in other words, tearoomlike. And someday I hope to encounter it. And then I will be one happy teadrinking camper. For now, however, I plan to visit it again in a company of a chatty companion

Stumbling upon the Guo Xian Tea House is a nice reward for taking a stroll around Shamien, the old colonial quarter of Guangzhou, once known as Canton. The teahouse is a tranquil oasis that is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of what is modern Guangzhou.

Tea in a bottle. Many a purists would cringe at the thought of such travesty. And with good reason. Bottled tea had long been the step-child of the big cola companies, thoroughly infused with their mass-production ethos: make it cheap, stack it high, move it fast.

The tea experts of San Francisco, Roy and Grace Fong, welcome you to their oasis, Imperial Tea Court. You'll be treated to an expert tea service of the finest teas offers in Asia.

The teapot that captured the 2002 iF design award...The days of boring and staid teaware appear to be waning. Novel designs and new materials make it easy to have a bit of fun with your tea. A number of interesting designs have emerged in recent years that make the still esoteric task of brewing loose tea fun, and dare we say, cool.

Come for a spot of tea and other pleasures at England's famed Harrods. This special time of day is a welcome respite for our weary traveler at this historic department store.

'U-Dub' students have been flocking to this Seattle, Washington tea room for a spot of tea and snacks as well as a side of tea education on some of the world's finest teas.

For those seeking a comfortable and cozy tearoom in the heart of Manhattan, Alice's Tea Cup is the place to go. Come enjoy a well educated staff serve you the best teas in the city, along with creative cuisine featuring fresh ingredients.

For those seeking a respite at the end of a long day, a place to remove the winter chill, an extended visit with friends, or simply to savor a cup of tea, the Tea Lounge fits the bill. Day or night you will find people sinking into the lounge's old comfy chairs and couches, challenging an opponent at the game table, or relaxing with a pot of tea in the velvet-covered window seats.

Coffee Exchange is located at the northeast corner of Central Avenue and Merchants Row, right in the heart of downtown Rutland, Vermont. You might not expect it but despite its name, Coffee Exchange offers a wonderful selection of fine teas. At right in the photo is the attached restaurant known as the Bistro Café, with a fine menu of café fare.

Despite its central location, it's not easy to find. Among the many signs fighting for your attention in the city's most bustling square (Vaclavske namesti), one must spot an inconspicuous one atop a small arch. Duck inside, and you will find yourself in another world.

Imagine yourself comfortably seated among a profusion of handcrafted teaware that is displayed on rough hewn shelves built of the original wood from tea chests--all the while tranquilly sipping one of over 80 lovingly and expertly prepared loose leaf teas in an atmosphere permeated by soft Asian music and the sound of rippling water--and you have just experienced the Tao of Tea.

Nestled in this historic college town, Tea-Tray in the Sky is an eclectic, funky place to get a cup of tea. Choose from more than 75 varieties and enjoy light food and snacks.

This unique tea room boasts an authentic reconstruction of a teahouse from the central Asian city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This stunning teahouse is a jewel on the silk road of good will.