my new chai tea obsession :: the sophisticate's tea

I must start this love story by telling you that ...I cannot and do not drink coffee in any way shape or form, I have tried and tried but can never get past the "what the heck is in my mouth and when can I spit it out" phase. However, I have been an avid chai tea latte drinker for the past 5 or so years. My mom gave me my first taste one day when we were at Starbucks and I was hooked. Then I found out I could buy the Tazo concentrate at my local supermarket and make my own at home! That day was a big day for both my wallet and my drinking habit. Now I could have a chai tea latte every day! And so it began.....Now, I became quite picky about chai tea lattes.....(more like quite snobby)....and even though I bravely tried other brands...I never ever wavered from my beloved Tazo. I got to the point of not even trying other brands because I knew I would not like them. (so bad!)Well, my Tazo chai tea latte days were forever changed the day that my favorite little coffee shop, The Village Grind, opened around the corner from Knack! The Grind's sweet proprietor Lindsey told me I had to try their chai latte because it was the BEST and ....because I wanted to support my local peeps....I tried it. It was not love at first sip for me.....but rather a one eyebrow raising intrigue. How dare this newcomer tantalize my taste buds in this way. A slow love affair began that deepened more and more with each sip, and by the time I had finished my cup I was already wanting more. The smoothness, the lack of overwhelming sweetness, the fact that I could almost taste a hint of lavender (not really...but I swear it was there), I know the people who micro brew it, and the amazing fact that there are only six ingredients... and I can pronounce them all.People....I am a convert...and clearly you all can see what a huge momentous occasion this is. Truly....a big dealio.I can still enjoy making it at home, or I can stop by The Village Grind for a fresh and frothy tall one. If you are in Greenville, stop by the Grind for a hot one of your own, or stop by Knack for a bottle of concentrate so you can make your own at home. Our shelves look beautiful with both the chai tea and the black tea, and I am super happy to have it for a limited time at Knack! If you are not local, go to The Sophisticates Chai website and hook yourself up.Don't blame me when you can't go a day without it. I'll swear I never met you.xo,Barb