West Coast Breeze: Wild Herbal Tea
Sip the Pure Spirit of Vancouver Island’s Wilds
THE STORY
Since the beginning, Forest for Dinner has had the distinct privilege of providing Pluvio with unique wild ingredients that are rarely found elsewhere. Chef Warren Barr, a virtuoso in the culinary arts, uses these natural gifts to create extraordinary dining experiences that go beyond the ordinary, transforming each meal at Pluvio into a discovery of refined flavors.
Our collaboration took an exciting turn when Lily and Warren approached us with a special request: to create an exclusive tea blend that captures the spirit and rugged essence of Vancouver Island’s west coast—a place dear to all of us. We were thrilled and honored to accept this challenge.
The process of creating this tea involved meticulous selection and blending, with the goal of encapsulating the wild essence of the island in each sip. The result is a tea that not only delivers the distinct flavors of the west coast but also narrates the story of the land and the dedicated hands that have carefully harvested each ingredient.
THE HERBAL TEA BLEND
Our signature wild herbal tea blend is a homage to the pristine and rugged landscapes of Vancouver Island’s west coast. This tea combines the aromatic and therapeutic qualities of locally foraged botanicals, each chosen for its unique flavor and health benefits. The blend features a symphony of ingredients that echo the coastal forest and floral meadows, offering a serene tea-drinking experience that transports you to the wild, mist-covered shores of the island.
Ingredients
Each ingredient is wild-harvested with respect and care, ensuring sustainability and a deep connection to the local environment.
Brewing Parameters
Quantity
Use one tea bag per 250 ml (about 8 oz) of water. This ratio ensures that each cup is rich in flavor and aroma, capturing the full essence of the wild botanicals.
Water Temperature
Heat water to 90°C to 95°C (194°F to 203°F). This temperature range is ideal for extracting the delicate flavors of the herbal ingredients without scalding them, preserving their natural oils and beneficial properties.
Steeping Time
Steep for 8 to 10 minutes. Allowing the tea to steep for this duration ensures a perfect balance between strength and subtlety, allowing the complex flavors and aromas of the wild botanicals to fully develop.
The Creation Process
In crafting the ‘West Coast Breeze’ tea blend, we collaborated with esteemed tea sommelier Emmanuelle Viennois, who specializes in curating bespoke tea experiences for her clients. Emmanuelle is renowned for her holistic approach to tea blending, where every sensory aspect—color, flavor, and visual presentation—is meticulously considered to ensure a complete olfactory experience.
Together, we explored dozens of wild ingredients, rigorously testing each one to perfect the balance and harmony of the blend. Emmanuelle’s mandate was clear: to encapsulate the essence of the West Coast in a cup. Through her expert guidance and our shared passion for authenticity, we achieved just that. This tea is not just a drink; it’s an invitation to savor the wild spirit of the coast, masterfully captured in every sip.
Emmanuelle can be reached at: eviennois@hotmail.com
PLUVIO Restaurant + Rooms: A CULINARY GEM IN UCLUELET
www.pluvio.ca
Nestled in the heart of Ucluelet, British Columbia, Pluvio restaurant + rooms offers a unique dining and staying experience that highlights the region’s natural beauty and bounty. Founded by the dynamic duo Warren Barr and Lily Verney-Downey in April 2019, Pluvio quickly distinguished itself, being named the 4th Best New Restaurant in Canada by enRoute Magazine within its first year. Recognized as Canada’s ‘Best Destination Restaurant’ in 2022, Pluvio stands as a testament to the founders’ passion for innovative and local cuisine. Here, guests are not only treated to a menu inspired by and sourced from the surrounding wild landscapes but are also enveloped in an atmosphere of creativity and comfort that Warren and Lily have meticulously crafted. At Pluvio, every meal is an adventure and every stay an escape, reflecting the untamed spirit of Vancouver Island’s west coast.
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FFD Forest for Dinner Ltd.