Thanks For Your Support

Early in 2011 we were notified by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that China Alley would be designated as one of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” We were caught off guard and we were overwhelmed. We have always accepted and cherished China Alley as historic and irreplaceable and now it would also be recognized as such by our Nation.

It felt strange to accept this designation as an honor because who in their right mind would want to be considered endangered? We reassured each other and acknowledged that being endangered was much better than extinct. We realized it was up to us to be on the forefront to help ensure China Alley’s survival. Over a relaxing cup of tea, we discussed what we could do for China Alley. Returning to the Alley after one of our brainstorming tea excursions, we felt positive downtown Hanford needed a tea room and it should be located right here. We looked at Number 1 China Alley, on the corner of Seventh and Green Streets, and immediately knew it was the appropriate spot.

Because of the tremendous support we received over the last 12 months, we’ve recently celebrated our first anniversary. Time really does seem to fly when you are having fun, it is difficult to believe that a year has passed since we officially opened our doors and served our first pot of tea.

Our first customer arrived before we opened, knocking on the window to grab our attention. It was Dave Jones, from the Hanford Visitor Agency, a familiar sight in Hanford especially in China Alley. We invited him in and he immediately proclaimed that he wanted our first four dollars to come from Hanford’s tourist industry. We wondered why he said four dollars. We see businesses who cherish the first dollar earned, often framing them, but four dollars? Dave explained that he brought two two-dollar bills. He wanted to pay for his purchase with a pair of them so the two newest proprietors in China Alley wouldn’t wrangle over their first dollar.

It turned out that Dave was the first of many customers who stopped by on our opening day. They bought tea, had a bite to eat and purchased teapots. Many dropped in just to say hello and let us know they were glad we were here. By the day’s end we felt reassured that our decision to open up shop in China Alley would be well received.

We look forward to our next anniversary and many years to come. Thanks for your support.

St. Valentine's Day

Valentine's day is just around the corner and we want to make sure that you know the L.T. Sue Co. Tea Room and Emporium loves our friends. We’ve come up with some unique and lovely seasonal items to share with you and your loved ones.

Chocolate is a great traditional gift this time of year and we concocted a special and distinctive blend we named “Imperial Indulgence.” Imperial Indulgence is a Chinese black tea naturally flavored with European chocolate, mixed with flowers and white chocolate bits. Sweet and creamy, like a chocolate mousse with an intoxicating finish, best describes the taste of our newest tea blend.

“Sun and Moon” is our name for a wonderful and whimsical heart shaped green tea designed to share with someone you love. Place a Sun and Moon heart in your pot, add hot water then let the tea steep for a few minutes and watch things get steamy.

Bavarian Mint tea is a blend of green tea, peppermint, and black tea infused with the essence of chocolate. This merge of flavors provides a great tasting brew perfect for sharing with someone special.

When you’re ready to heat things up, try our Ho Tai Red Hot Tea. This is a fusion of Tahitian Vanilla black tea and Madagascar cinnamon with bits of red hots added for a surprise finish.

Celebrating Eight Months!

November 1 marked the eight month anniversary the L.T. Sue Co. Tea Room and Emporium has been open. We are grateful and very pleased with all of the support and patronage we have received. We hope to continue our service for many years to come.

During this time, we have been able to reconnect with many old friends and cultivate new acquaintances as well. Our location in China Alley paves the way as a great conversation starter. Many individuals have shared an abundance of China Alley memories. First time visitors are filled with questions and curiosity about the area's history and future potential.

We carry over 100 different teas and herbal blends. We custom make our blends right here in historic China Alley. Our newest blend is called "Ho Tai's Happy Nut Pistachio Tea." As you might know, Ho Tai is our friend - the "laughing" or "happy" Buddha who resides across the Alley from us and looks after our well-being. Ho Tai came up with the idea for this particular tea blend incorporating local ingredients. In China, pistachios are known as the "happy nut." Ho Tai asked our friend, Todd Fukuda, to provide some very special pistachios for his blend. Extra-large and bright green roasted San Joaquin Valley happy nuts are carefully chopped and combined with Gen Ma Cha and Mandarin green teas and mixed with locally grown dried fig bits. A five minute steep elicits the nutty smooth flavor of the pistachio, and provides an amusing cup that always brings a smile to Ho Tai's face.