Think!Chinatown welcomes Anna Ye of the Beyond The Cup discussion series. We’ll be exploring Taishan teas through the lens of Alice Liu– NYC Chinatown native and second generation owner of Grand Tea and Imports (GTI). GTI is an immigrant and family-owned tea business that her parents started in 2006. Beyond The Cup is a series of live discussions hosted by tea educator Anna Yeh to illuminate greater understanding for the global story of tea, and to bring more awareness to tea traditions and practices that are lesser known. Spend an evening in great discussion between these two lovely tea experts! (Ticket holders will receive the recording of the event)

Earlier this year, Think!Chinatown and GTI debuted a storytelling video project based on these prized teas from the Liu family’s ancestral home in Taishan and we’re excited to be featured in the BTC series. These Taishan teas have connected Alice and her family back to their roots in the countryside of Guangdong Province (southern China), and have also allowed Chinatown residents and visitors to appreciate the flavor of their hometown.

Purchase this special tea trio, so you can taste along at home! (Order by Sept 20th to ensure arrival prior to the BTC event). Come by the Grand Tea & Imports store at 298 Grand Street to purchase in Chinatown. Learn more about the Taishan Tea Trio here.

Following Alice’s father’s mantra to “find joy and build friendship through sharing a cup of tea,” tea has been the vehicle that helps her stay engaged with community organizations like Think!Chinatown, give back to the neighborhood and advocate for local Chinatown residents and small businesses. 

Please join us for an evening of wholesome conversations centered around cultural identity, immigrant stories, community, and belonging– all while we savor these special teas from Taishan. 

Alice Liu

Alice Liu is a New York City Chinatown native, and second generation owner of Grand Tea and Imports in Chinatown, an immigrant, family-owned tea business that her parents started in 2006. Following her father’s mantra to “find joy and build friendship through sharing a cup of tea,” tea has also been the vehicle that helps her stay engaged with community organizations, give back to the neighborhood, and advocate for local Chinatown residents and small businesses.

Anna Ye

Anna Ye is a tea educator, a lover of story and culture, and a second generation Chinese-American based in New York City. Prior to launching Anna Ye Tea, a service-based tea company that focuses on educational and cultural events, she worked closely with hospitality industry professionals to develop their tea programs at the beloved In Pursuit of Tea. She also has a background in various front-of-house positions at fine dining establishments like Chikalicious and Restaurant Daniel.

Anna’s tea journey became one of self discovery, where the narrative of the tea plant exists beyond a beverage on a menu. Tea is an extension of her Chinese heritage and a way for her to deepen her appreciation for Chinese culture. Tea is also a vehicle for meaningful dialogue and encounters, a medium for creativity, and much more. Anna is interested in building a tea business that is rooted in culture, community, and compassion– and is exploring that through projects like Beyond The Cup, a series of live discussions with tea professionals and enthusiasts. This on-going project is a means to illuminate greater understanding for the global story of tea, and to bring more awareness to tea traditions and practices that are lesser known.

Currently brewing: Tea Pop-Up in NYC Chinatown/LES till mid-October.

You can follow her on Instagram at: @annaye.tea and visit her website here to either book a private tea tasting for your next company event or reserve a time slot at Anna’s tea pop-up.