Manhattan is filled with the most elegant and appealing locations to visit for afternoon tea, as long as you know where to look. For all you fashionistas and connoisseurs of fine tea, we compiled a list of the best Afternoon Tea Hot Spots You Need To Hit Up During New York Fashion Week!
By Kayla McEwen
Tea has never just been a word for a steaming hot beverage. This ancient word also represents a mid-afternoon meal, which has been the perfect excuse to dine on the most scrumptious aperitifs while sipping on equally appetizing teas for centuries. Where is better to modernize this high-class tradition than in the heart of the Big Apple?
Meet me for afternoon tea at the Ritz? Um… YES. The Ritz – Carlton’s Star Lounge is not only home to their legendary bar, but doubles as a tea location as well. Reservations can be made by dialing 212-521-6125 or through email. Enjoy a multitude of teas in categories like black, oolong, white, green, herbal infusions, specialty, decaffeinated and iced. Not only is there an assortment of sandwiches, but diners can also order an assortment of delectable petit fours for a total of $65. Now what’s an afternoon in Manhattan without champagne? Worry not, patrons can also order Vouve Clicquot “Yellow Label”, Pierre Moncuit, Brut Rose and also Damaine Carnorca, Brute Cuvée. Feel at ease looking over the beautiful front yard of Central Park over the lip of your steaming tea cup at the Ritz.
The Ritz Afternoon Tea
When the expresso was served in their signature Baccarat crystal, that is when they won us over. If a hôtel français is your style, make a reservation at the oh-so lavish Baccarat Hotel New York. The hotel is in an exclusive partnership with Mariage Frères, allowing guests to partake in the fine art of tea with each visit. Not only can patrons sip on specialty blends brewed by the hotel’s Tea Sommelier, but they can also enjoy chef-selected canapés and petit fours. Imagine savoring a cup of Blanc Royal while diving into a butternut squash tartlet on roasemary shortbread. Tea is served Wednesday through Sunday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm and reservations are a must. To enjoy this lavish experience, call 212-790-8867 at least 24 hours in advance. Check out this sumptuous Valentine’s Day afternoon tea menu here.
Editor in Chief, Christine Philip, Baccarat Afternoon Tea
Baccarat Matcha Latte
Located on the picturesque Seventh Floor, this location gifts its guests with lavish views of Central Park. Bergdorf Goodman serves tea daily from the hours of 3 to 5pm at $45 dollars a person. If you want to spice it up, try the BG Tea Service Royale which is accompanied by a glass of veuve cliquot yellow lable brut nv for $62 a person. BG offers teas such as Jardin Bleu, Anji, Earl Grey, and Chamomile to name a few fan favorites. And if you’re feeling peckish, dine on a selection of tea sandwiches, fresh baked scones, fruit preserves, Devonshire cream and a variety of petite sweets. Reservations to dine at this establishment can be made by calling 212-872-8977.
Bergdorf Afternoon Tea
Bergdorf Afternoon Tea
If you are looking for a century old reputation, search no further than The Palm Court in The Plaza. For over 100 years, this location has been a hot spot to sit down and enjoy afternoon tea. Recently relaunched in 2013, The Palm Court now includes a grand bar, tea by Palais des Thés and a revised menu now featuring more American inspired options. Designed with Central Park and its scenery in mind, this destination is garnished with beautiful plants and palms as far as the eye can see. Although, the most impressive feature is the enormous stained- glass dome originally build in 1907. Enjoy scrumptious sandwiches and petit fours while indulging yourself in a cup from their extensive tea list. Not only can you sit down for a lovely afternoon tea, but The Plaza also sells loose leaf 3.5oz tins for $35.
The Plaza Afternoon Tea
How can you say you have experienced all that New York has to offer without a visit to The Russian Tea Room? With the word in The RTR’s name, how can their afternoon tea NOT be world-renowned. Tea is served every day from 2-4:30pm at $60 per person and $85 for champagne. Enjoy the famous atmosphere while diving into a smoked Scottish salmon sandwich with chive cream cheese paired with a delicate Formosa oolong blend. If this does not seem satisfying enough, The RTR also offers royal afternoon tea, $90 for high tea or $115 with champagne. To make a reservation, visit the restaurant’s booking page and select a date and party size.
With so many remarkable options, it is a wonder how a person could pick just one to enjoy. Afternoon tea is still very much enjoyed, so why not partake in the bliss by visiting one of these classically chic locations.
-KM
Images by Global Glam
