Spring Gong Fu Tea Tasting with Monsoon Pottery | May 4th @ MM Studio - Chicago

Spring Gong Fu Tea Tasting - a tea experience with Monsoon Pottery 

Join us on Saturday, May 4th for an afternoon tea tasting. Danielle Chutinthranond of Monsoon Pottery will lead us through 'a walk through the garden' - a guided gong fu cha experience using the Monsoon Pottery x Martha Mae Petal Collection (launching May 4th).

Gong fu cha, which translates to "making tea with skill" or "the art of tea", is a traditional Chinese method of preparing and enjoying tea that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Originating in the Chaozhou region of China, gong fu cha embodies a holistic approach to tea appreciation, emphasizing meticulous preparation, precise brewing techniques, and a deep connection with nature. Historically, gong fu cha evolved as a way for tea enthusiasts to fully experience the flavors, aromas, and textures of high-quality teas, often through multiple infusions of the same tea leaves in small tea bowls or gaiwans.

Each ticket includes one petal cup for you to sip tea out of and take home. Guests will be able to choose their petal cup upon arrival. 

The tea tasting will include:

• Taiwanese Jasmine Pine Needle
• Japanese Sakura Vert from Lupicia 
• Dancong Oolong
• Decaf: White Chrysanthemum, Snow Chrysanthemum, Chamomile, and Osmanthus
• Tiny tea snacks

Please note that this is an in-person event at the Martha Mae Studio (1727 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622) on May 4th from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. This will take place on the 2nd floor, and there are only stairs available.

After the event, guests are welcome to explore the entire Petal Collection in the shop downstairs. Mochi from Sugoi will also be available for purchase.

*Tickets are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another guest.

Danielle Chutinthranond is an Asian American ceramic artist living and working in Chicago. She is the daughter of Thai immigrants and was raised in a fine dining Pacific Rim/Thai restaurant in Syracuse, NY. Danielle earned a BA in Physics with a specialization in Astrophysics from the University of Chicago and worked in the tech industry for 8-10 years following her undergraduate studies. After leaving her last full-time job in tech, Danielle found clay in 2015 through a class at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago. In 2016 she started making and selling work under the name Monsoon Pottery and has since been creating functional work for food enthusiasts, chefs, and, as of 2022, tea lovers.

Danielle’s approach to making is inspired by taking traditional/historic Asian forms and finishes and updating them so they fit seamlessly into homes today. You can find her work at local restaurants like Giant, Loaf Lounge, Omakase Room, and Feld. Danielle’s work has been featured in cookbooks: Plant Based India by Sheil Shukla, Grist by Abra Berens, and Pulp by Abra Berens. Her plates used at Giant were featured in S2E3 of FX’s The Bear.