It began in September of 2013. Perhaps it began before then, when I left the arts cenTer, when I stopped doing theatre – there had to be another way. Something I could offer my brothers and sisters that was deeper and more physical than performance art. A drink, as a passage to a connection, a connection as the start of a relationship. The drink would be deeply satisfying, like coffee, but more healthy, more local, more in tune. So I began to open to local plants and seek the wisdom of herbalists.
The questions of why, and what and how all came a the same time. So Tyson Webster of Vessel Bikes spoke to me of HOW? A rolling market was to be constructed. A Tea Cart, a cart that could carry the spirit of the plants into the hands of the people. We set about on a design that was cute, provided easy access, and still met all the California Health Code requirements. The concept, a steel rectangle that transforms into a polygon, creating a long counter top, complete with refrigerator, stove, sinks, and the ability to be bike pulled.
And then it had to meet the astringent standards of the state.
And so it does. And now. Now we have 2 Farmers Markets. Still the Cart is no
t done. Its facade is still in the works.
The Menu continues to evolve. With the evening menu featuring Probiotic Chocolate Mousse, Raw Chocolate Date Balls and the Morning Menu servin’ up Gluten-Free Fermented Pancakes with Homemade Rich Yogurt, and Big Hippie Granola infused with herbs. All the while hot Qi (pronounced KEY)
TEA is served with a deep roots base serving as a base for customers choice of one leaf and one flower. The iced teas are ever changing with Awaken the Depth and Roasted Nourish being favorites.
The goal is to bring herbs into the bodies and minds of all. And my personal goal is also have a Qi tea art house on Oahu. I miss the Oahu community so much, each day I speak some silly kine pigeon that makes no kine sense, but make me feel warm and glowing. Yes it must be possible to have a Qi tea art space here in Marin, and in my hometown of Washington, DC too.
www.facebook.com/qiteacart
groovy