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Matchless Matcha In Paris Chajin is yet another of Paris' countless, well-worth-a-detour, hidden treasures. Offering serenity and superb matcha, shincha and other fine teas just steps from the Madeleine, Chajin means, literally, 'tea person' and also connotes tea master and student of the tea ceremony. And, serendipitously, this serene little tea salon, which offers a warm welcome and top-quality Japanese green teas, is not much of a detour at all from much of the shopping, strolling and cultural action in central Paris. Located at 24 rue Pasquier, Chajin is roughly half-way between Gare St. Lazare and the Place de la Madeleine. Whatever your level of interest in delectable Japanese teas, Chajin is a prime destination. Chajin represents both the vocation and avocation of Carol and Xavier Negiar, two engaging experts dedicated to bringing the finest green teas--- along with the opportunity to learn about and experience the classic Japanese tea ceremony--- to Paris. The Negiars have lived in Japan and dedicated years to learning about the growing, handling and preparation of fine green teas there. Now they continue to hone their métier, serving and selling only first-growth teas, in Paris. Carol notes that understanding and appreciating fine teas is not at all unlike understanding and appreciating wine--- 'terroir', geography, the methods used to grow, harvest, process, store and ship the teas --- all impact the quality, and ultimately, the flavor. And twelve-plus years invested in building both personal and business relationships with select Japanese growers have secured the Negiar's ability to offer the very best to their devoted clientele. Visitors to Chajin can purchase teas to take home, or enjoy them, perfectly prepared, in the salon. For those interested in brewing these teas at home using the traditional (and beautiful) bowls, whisks, cups and other implements, a tempting selection of each is on offer. Chajin has supplied countless 'amateurs de thé' as well as movie producers seeking authenticity, and perfect accoutrements for their sets. Carol Negiar runs the salon and shop, assisted by Mme. Kazuyo Coineau. Mme. Coineau, of Japanese origin, has lived in Paris for years. She is a gracious, classically trained Japanese tea expert with diplomas from the Urasenke School based in Kyoto and the Nihoncha Instructor's Association. Carol, American in origin, welcomes her customers in flawless English or French. Her passion for her product and her dedication to the understanding and enjoyment of these teas is disarmingly contagious. She jokes that four languages are spoken at Chajin--- French, Japanese, English and Tea! And, Carol is available to assist her customers learn about the teas and the tea ceremony. She noted " we don't just offer the tea ceremony, we talk about the experience and tradition first" with participants who want to enhance their experience or who are new to the tradition. Amplifying this point, Carol says "The tea ceremony experience can be described as 'ichigo ichie' meaning 'one 'encounter, one chance'…. each moment is unique… like life itself." In addition to enjoying perfectly prepared teas at the salon's intimate counter, or, in the serene space dedicated to offering the tea ceremony, visitors to Chajin can enjoy the matcha and sencha teas artfully incorporated into various prepared dishes and patisserie. Options on offer include matcha icecream, matcha milk and milkshakes, Kakegori (shaved ices with matcha syrup, azuki beans, and a scoop of matcha icecream), assorted traditional Japanese pastries made with tea, matcha madeleines and macarons. And for chocolate afficianados who also love tea, white chocolate bars with matcha and almonds are on offer! Chajin is deceptively tranquil. There is a great deal going on in this compact little shop and salon. 'Amateurs de thé' can schedule participation in a tea ceremony or take a class to learn about the philosophy, history and practice of this highly ritualized ceremony. Gilles Maucout teaches classes, generally on Saturdays, about Japanese Tea Ceremony. Monsieur Maucout noted, in an all-too-quick conversation just prior to his morning class, that the tea ceremony is a deceptively simple, elegant, series of rituals that is ultimately a metaphoric practice for focusing essential life-energy and attaining deep serenity. "You can study this for years' he said, and 'you will constantly open new doors of understanding." Whether you seek simply a taste of delectable green tea, are a connoisseur searching for the best Shincha, or are interested in embarking on a journey to learn about and increase your appreciation for this fabled beverage, a visit to Chajin will surely delight. If one is lucky enough to live in Paris, or spend substantial time there, visits to Chajin could easily become an essential part of one's regular regimen. If you go: Address: 24 rue Pasquier, |
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sally@yourgreatdaysinparis.com |
