Discover Ipswich Magazine 2020

FLAVOURS

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Tranquil Tea Tea educator Dona Perera knows her brew. Having grown up in Sri Lanka, she’s been enjoying beautiful tea since childhood and believes in its ability to relax and delight, and to bring people together in conversation. Ms Perera said tea has been a drink of choice for people all over the world for 150 years. She started her Tranquil Tea importing business to re-ignite her passion for the traditional drink and specialises in importing black and green Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka as well as infused teas with fruity and spicy flavours. “I love tea,” she said. “You can add it to red wine and make a cocktail, cupcakes and perfumes and you can use it to flavour meat. It can be used at any time of the day for any event.” She offers tea experiences designed for those interested in learning more about this time-honoured drink and its health benefits. Ms Perera imports single estate black teas from Sri Lanka and also offers some blends, including a wonderfully fragrant chai, under her own Tranquil Tea brand. You’ll find a range of teas uncommon in Australia such as the pomegranate tea which features a pure single origin Ceylon tea infused with the fruit as well as hibiscus flowers and rose petals. There are several soursop teas, known to be particularly high in antioxidants. Tranquil Tea is stocked at Little Mode Cupcakery in The Boulevard.

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map-marker-alt 116 Laneway

map-marker-alt Tighty Whities

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which adds to the fun vibe. Great for breakfast or lunch, or a coldie overlooking the water as the sun goes down. 9. Remedy Espresso Coffee Springfield Lakes from 1 review. This is a dog friendly spot thoughtfully sourcing everything from local growers and suppliers for its cracking breakfast menus. Open seven days a week from 5.30 am weekdays and 7.30 am on weekends, Remedy is a good option for fresh pastries, big brekkies or sandwiches ready to go. 10. Brookwater Barista Augustine Heights This new cafe has brought a smashing menu to the Brookwater community and the hours have to be appreciated too – open daily from 6.00 am – and also on Friday and Saturday nights. Owner Carolyn Obel pours some serious hospo know-how into her cafe – she’s had 30 years in the industry and this is reflected in the menu here which really goes the extra mile to ensure a memorable dining experience. 11. Oikos Ipswich Clean healthy food served with a smile is the deal here at one of the heritage city’s newer cafes. Be sure to follow the Facebook page as they offer pop-up evening events with live music and share platters. These limited tickets get snapped up in a flash.

tea ceremony Japanese

In the lush surrounds of Nerima Gardens a special event is held in the cooler months. From March to October, monthly Japanese Tea Ceremonies take place. Start your tour with a guided walk of the gardens and interpretation of key design elements that infuse both the Australian and Japanese cultures. Nerima Gardens was designed in consultation with Ipswich’s sister city Nerima in Japan. The philosophy of the garden is to create a place of peace and tranquillity, a place to meet nature and calm the spirit. After a tour of the gardens arrive at the ceremonial tea house and view a traditional tea ceremony involving preparation of matcha. You have the opportunity to participate by removing your shoes and siting on the tatami mats, taste the tea and then enjoy light refreshments. Or you can choose to simply observe. Bookings are essential for this experience. Cost is $35 per adult. For more information see DiscoverIpswich.com.au/nerima

And that’s not all... more cafes include Raw Energy in Springfield, Wild Rose Cottage at Eastern Heights, The Cake Mobb in the Top of Town, Tighty Whities and116 Laneway. Read more at DiscoverIpswich.com.au/20cafes