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b'Matcha is, without a doubt, gaining popularity in the United States and is the topic of discussion on this weeks Japan Eats. Guest Michelle Gardner, owner of Chalait in New York Citys West Village recently opened with a focus on this special tea. Michelle shares that the concept of the cafe was born on a trip to Japan when she had her first sip of matcha and felt driven to bring it to an American audience, prepared using traditional techniques. She goes on to elaborate the various ways Chalait implements matcha into the menu aside from a typically sweet additive. After the break, the health benefits of the tea are discussed and range from containing high levels of antioxidants to relieving stress and boosting metabolism. Curious to try? Switch out your afternoon cup of coffee with a traditional matcha tea! This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center. This [matcha] is sort of the tea-spresso of Japan! [16:30] Matcha is a great alternative if you want to live a healthier lifestyle. [22:10] Matcha is delicate and it often can be drawn out if combined with too many other things. [29:14] --Michelle Gardner on Japan Eats'