Ambessa Tea Now Available

While I was writing about my cultural, culinary and personal experiences in Yes, Chef, I was embarking on yet another journey by cultivating a new line of specialty tea blends called AMBESSA. AMBESSA, which is Ethiopian (or Amharic) for ‘lion’, not only represents strength, pride and independence to the people of Ethiopia, it also represents my voyages around the world and the life journey we all take everyday. I take great pride in sharing this piece of my story with you.

A robust blend of estate-grown African black teas with a rich aroma, SAFARI BREAKFAST embodies my African roots. In the cup it conveys Africa’s fine lineage of outstanding ingredients and vibrant life.

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Elegant and soothing, LINGONBERRY GREEN balances the fruit-forward notes of my Scandinavian childhood’s lingonberries with the serenity of Japanese sencha green tea, which I’ve come to appreciate in what can be a hectic adulthood.

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Starting with an aromatic black tea base, the CHOCO NUT BLEND has hints of dark chocolate, caramel and peanuts reflect my culinary awakening in Switzerland. It’s a rich blend that picks me up in the afternoon, and can even be dessert with a little honey stirred in.

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This new take on an old classic adds an air of mystery to the traditional Earl Grey. A smoky, rich and fragrant black tea, the EARL OF HARLEM contains citrusy layers mixed with traces of bergamot and other floral aromas. For me, it’s home.

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There are many things I am passionate about: food, football, art, fashion, music, and tea. Many of these passions come from my international experiences as a citizen of the world.

I was born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden, and now I live in one of the world’s biggest cultural melting pots: New York City. My culinary background spans over 3 continents over 20 years and in that time I’ve been fortunate enough to experience exciting new cultures, taste delicious new foods, and meet a great number of inspiring people.

Throughout my unique career, hospitality has been a crucial factor in my journey. Of the many rituals I’ve had the honor of being a part of, the custom of drinking tea is especially dear to me. Drinking tea is a tradition that you can trace all over the world–countless cultures associate tea with unity, companionship and entertainment. As a chef, one of the most important parts of my job is bringing people together and it’s one of things I love most about my job.

In a life so rich and rewarding of experience, culture, cuisines, and possibilities, I never want to lose sight of how lucky I am or how unique my journey has been. That’s why every box of AMBESSA tea comes with a pledge to give back. At AMBESSA we give a percentage of every sale to charities that support sustainable agriculture and bring clean water to communities in need.

-Marcus Samuelsson

AMBESSA is sold online at www.harney.com and in select boutique outlets.

ALASKA

Silver Basin – Sitka
Northcountry Fair
Simply Bella

ARIZONA
Coffee Beanery #50 Mesa

CALIFORNIA
Jhk Enterprise
Iherb Inc
Event Network
Normandie Cafe

CONNECTICUT
Bridgewater Village Store
Tusk & Cup
The Plaid Poppy
Woodbury Deli & Catering

D.C.
Restaurant Associates @ World Bank
The Howard Theatre

FLORIDA
Wycliffe
Cappojim’s
Shangri-La Day Spa

IDAHO
Ketchum Kitchen

ILLINOIS
Crothers Chiropractic, S. C.
Leonidas Cafe Chocolaterie

INDIANA
Ganache Chocolatier

KANSAS
Hemslojd Inc.

MASSACHUSETTS
Mullens Tea House
Gourmet Boutique – Mass
Cheese Shop Of Concord
Spirited
Provisions – Northhampton
Stagecoach Tavern

MARYLAND
The Royal Tea Room

MAINE
Whimsy Shop

MICHIGAN
J. N. P. Inc
Tranquilitea

MINNESOTA
Alakef Coffee Roasters
Moondance Coffee House
Izba
Patina
Hummingbird Floral & Gifts
Accentric

MISSOURI
Skin Rituals Spa

NORTH CAROLINA
Southern Season
Parker & Otis
Downtown Books

NEW JERSEY
Tranquil Gardens Tea Room

NEW MEXICO
Talin World Market

NEVADA
Tea Euphorias

NEW YORK
L’aveggio Espresso Bar
Savor New York
Home Chic
Harney The Store
Scarborough Fare
American Table Cafe and Bar at Alice Tully Hall
Chelsea Market Baskets
Harney & Sons Soho
Red Rooster Harlem
Thirstea
Three Tarts – NYC
Linda Baldwin Flowers
You Me & Tea
Thoroughbred Title Service
Hudson Valley Dessert Company
Light House
The Tea Shop Of Woodstock