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So a while back I complained about the fact that all of the Borders Books are switching their cafes over from their own cafes to Seattle's Best. Nothing against Seattle's Best. I'm sure they make great coffee. But I don't drink coffee. I drink chai, and Borders was the best - and most unique - I had ever tasted. And now it was being discontinued.So I went into Borders the other day, and I see the brand spankin' new cafe they have there (and new leather seats in the cafe!), and I order a chai. Eh. Not bad. I'll keep drinking it I guess. But I happened to glance over to the girl making my chai, and she was using a prepackaged Tazo chai! That's what they use for their cafe, Tazo? Something I can buy in any supermarket in my area? I'm disappointed. Now, the old Borders chai was a prepackaged mix too, a powder, but at least it was an original product.
But it'll do. It's not bad. I just wish I had stocked up on the old Borders stuff.
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6-08-2006 @11:35AM Angela Pitt said... I liked Borders Chai, too. I was a barista for them a
few years ago. I loved working there, 35% discount on
employee purchases and a good Chai goes a long way. Tazo Tea has always been a product on Borders' beverage menu.
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6-08-2006 @1:02PM Hawk said... Espresso Royale, who has a pretty big presence here in a-squared, uses Oregon Chai out of a carton.
Boo. And huge ripoff, too - those cartons are a lot cheaper than what you pay for a cup of chai!
When I make spiced chai, I buy some indian spiced tea and I put it in milk and boil it, then add some honey. None of this 'let's pour it out of a carton'. You kids get off my lawn!
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6-09-2006 @12:56AM Andrew Foster said... I'm a little surprised that Borders has embraced Tazo. I work for Starbucks and once worked for Barnes and Noble. Both companies used Starbucks products, save for the teas. Starbucks owns Tazo, and Barnes and Noble used Republic of Tea, having switched recently to Harney and Sons (sp?). Borders always seemed to (rightfully?) disdain Starbucks' market dominance, so their use of our teas seems... curious. It's almost as though they don't dislike Starbucks, they just dislike the Starbucks that their competition uses. Of course, Starbucks owns Seattle's Best now, anyway. Anyone for a game of Monopoly?
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6-10-2006 @6:45PM Robyn said... I can't stand the Tazo Chai. I think Starbucks used to make Tazo Chai, but it wasn't from a box--and it was completely different--too spicy for me actually, instead of too sweet. I can't stand the chai at Espresso Royale either.
I just had the chai at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I think I like it. It's not too sweet and not too spicy. More on the mellow side I guess. i dont' love it but I don't hate it and that is starting to be good enough for chai.
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7-06-2006 @1:32AM Jay said... Personally I like to make my chai with spice bags, whole spices, whole leaf tea, (soy)milk, and a bit of honey. Oregon is too weak, and Tazo is too...tazo.
If you really want the prepackaged stuff though, I would give Trader Joe's Instant Chai Mix a chance. They offer an unsweetened variety too so you can sweeten it yourself.
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7-12-2006 @2:41PM Cenamngrl said... I have just finished the last of my Borders Cafe chai tea...my beloved pumpkin chai...what am I to do. Doesn't anybody make this anywhere? Next stop, rehab...
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7-25-2006 @9:26PM Suzi said... I have been looking for the perfect Chai as with the rest of you. There are a few sidenotes that I would like to add to this recent conversation that has drawn quite a little spool.
Based on my humble assumption-- Starbucks was probably the original purveyor of the chai tea that has become such a relevant member of chain-coffee houses across North America. Not to say that Chai did not exist before, because of course it did-- but from where did the whole "liquefied Chai" product come from, and in such abundance, and at such an unreasonable cost? It is almost safe to assume that many would go to that form of the tea as an assured 'quality' drink. This should not be the case--and not because Tazo may be tasty or not tasty, but because of a number of peripheral reasons. The support of a liquid concentrate of chai means added weight and added transportation costs-- something we should all be avoiding especially with rising fuel prices. In all possible ways-- attempt to avoid the Megopolis known as Starbucks for it is a major contributor to the negative effects of globalization (given). It would seem contradictory to sip on a cup of Tazo-Chai while complaining about the 'state of the environment'or any other enviro-political topic. I see this all too much and it's bothersome.
As for the original gentleman's assertion that his beloved Border Chai is deceased, I will send condolances with a little recommendation of something to try.
At my local grocer, while walking down the tea aisle, I ran into the controversial "Tazo-Chai Latte liquid concentrate" at $6.95 for a half litre, I scowled and ran.
Where I live there is also a locally owned tea company that only purchases and sells only fair-trade tea and coffee. Being new to the world of tea 'afficionados' I gave it a try and came out successful.
My recommendation to all of you is this. By loose leaf Chai (whatever your taste preferance may be, a good tea purveyor will let you try, smell, samplechew and drink a few befure purchase) also, buy a reusable tea-steeper. Less waste.
Brew your tea. Double brew it... triple brew it to make it a concentrate to store for later. (Keep the lid on to avoid any steam escape) The trick is to do as Tazo did-- add the honey... add the nutmeg and cinnamon and whatever else you desire while it's hot and bingo-bango you have delicious Chai at a fraction of what Oregon or Tazo are attempting to push. You can take it out of the frige for later... At least I have done this. It's saved me a number of cravings and although home made chai does not provide you with the social benefit of a fresh-steeped coffee-house chai, well... if you're willing to spend $5 on a store brewed tea, then really... who is the fool?
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8-15-2006 @10:22AM Andrew Telesco said... Has anyone found out who made the Chai Tea power for Borders? I am sure that Borders just repackaged someones chai power with the borders label. If anyone knows please post a note.
Homebrew is great I just love the ease of the mix.
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8-24-2006 @1:40PM Ericka said... Regarding the Tazo Chai sold at SBC Borders Cafes....
Tazo makes the BEST CHAI!! I wanted to let you know that Tazo is an original product...Tazo and Seattle's Best Coffee are both owned by Starbucks. This is why you'll only see Tazo teas in both Starbucks and SBC. Both tea line-ups are slightly different to maintain each brands' history and differences...
Of course they use a product you could buy at the grocery store..it's so you can enjoy the same great drink at home for your convenience!
Also, if you have concerns...just let the folks at Tazo or SBC know..they are really friendly!
have a wonderful day!
Coffee&tea lovah
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8-27-2006 @8:48AM Peter said... I went to the Seattle's Best in my local Borders for the first time yesterday. I ordered the chai latte (made with soy milk) and it was AWFUL! It was weak, bland, and lukewarm. I took four or five sips and tried my best to like it, but I just couldn't stand it. I threw it in the trash can as I left the store. I hope their other beverages taste better, but I'm hesitant to try any of them.
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10-01-2006 @6:21AM mary r said... I have been pissed and chailess since Borders discontinued the best damn drink period, their original chai tea last fall. I too, should have stocked up, and drank it expired to show my allegiance! Someone once said that World Market has a chai as good as and very similar to the original Borders chai. Anyone heard this or know of one that doesn't stink like Big Red gum?
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9-03-2006 @7:00PM Jill said... Try Trader Joe's Chai...a nice sized can for $2.99.
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