{"product_id":"the-formosa-express-discovering-taiwan-through-tea-chocolate","title":"The Formosa Express: Discovering Taiwan Through Tea \u0026 Chocolate","description":"\u003ch4 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Formosa Express: Discovering Taiwan Through Tea \u0026amp; Chocolate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eImagine boarding the Formosa Express, watching the scenery outside the window slowly shift from quiet towns to misty mountains. Who would you invite to sit beside you - to share the journey, the tea, and the chocolate?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eJoin us for an immersive tasting experience that travels across Taiwan. From lush hills and fertile plains to cool mountain forests, each stop along the way reveals flavours, traditions, and stories deeply rooted in the land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTogether, Sam and Olivia have curated a selection of artisan \u003cstrong\u003eTaiwanese teas\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/leafandcraft.co\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLeaf and Craft\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e, paired with \u003cstrong\u003efarm-to-bar chocolates\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ecacao fruit juice\u003c\/strong\u003e sourced during Olivia's recent journey through Taiwan. Each pairing acts as a ticket to a new destination, unlocking connections between flavour, aroma and terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGuided yet relaxed, we will explore both harmony and contrast. Discover how climate, craftsmanship, and even close botanical relatives shape every sip and bite. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to slow down, stay curious, and savour the experience together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSo, as the Formosa Express prepares to depart, who would you like to share the journey with?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003eEvent Details:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate\u003c\/strong\u003e: September 12 \u0026amp; 13, 2026 (Saturday \u0026amp; Sunday)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2:00 - 4:00 PM\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/leafandcraft.co\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf and Craft\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Unit 308 - 698 Seymour Street, Vancouver (Buzzer 308)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity\u003c\/strong\u003e: Limited to 9 guests per session\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e*Seating is limited to make sure you have the best experience possible! Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the session starts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMeet your Hosts:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSam Shem from Leaf and Craft\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSam Shem\u003c\/strong\u003e is the founder of \u003cstrong\u003eLeaf and Craft\u003c\/strong\u003e and leads this tasting with a refined, creative approach to Taiwanese Tea, balancing traditional and modern brewing styles. With a background as an artist, curator, and pastry chef, and years of experience in fine dining. Sam emphasizes flavour, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Through multiple sourcing trips to Taiwan and close relationships with farmers and roasters, Sam presents small-batch teas a a ritual of connection, presence, and shared experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOlivia Wu from YI SHI Cacao Collective\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlivia\u003c\/strong\u003e is the chocolate guide for this tea and chocolate tasting and the founder of YI SHI Cacao Collective. A certified Level 2 IICCT chocolate taster with over a decade of baking experience, Olivia curates immersive bean-to-bar tastings that highlight flavour, origin, and craft. Having completed a tree-to-bar certificate in Taiwan, she brings a deep appreciation for cacao and invites guests to experience chocolate through thoughtful and sensory lenses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003eRefund policy: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTickets are non-refundable\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"September 12. 2026 (Saturday) 2:00 - 4:00 PM","offer_id":44472391336039,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"September 13. 2026 (Sunday) 2:00 - 4:00 PM","offer_id":44472391368807,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0574\/5914\/6855\/files\/IMG_0855.jpg?v=1787687738","url":"https:\/\/yishicacao.ca\/products\/the-formosa-express-discovering-taiwan-through-tea-chocolate","provider":"YI SHI Cacao Collective","version":"1.0","type":"link"}