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Photos By Ellen Easton ©2009 - All Rights Reserved. Check out more of Ellen Easton's Tea Travels™ articles and recipes.
Learn about the
History of English High Tea and more delicious
Afternoon Tea and High Tea Recipes.
Any minute, one expects Sherlock Homes to pop into Lady Mendl's tea salon to ask Edith Wharton a question. An absolutely charming establishment tucked away inside New York City's Inn at Irving Place. Located in the heart of the Gramercy Park historical district, when one ascends the front staircase, one enters a splendid 1800s townhouse replicating a world gone by. The atmosphere is the closest one can experience afternoon tea in a public venue as if one were in one's own home.
The Inn has several tea parlours in various sizes, accommodating from a small party of ten to larger groups of fifty, each maintains a working fireplace and private restroom facilities. The tables are individually set with crisp white linens, lovingly collected antique porcelain, silver and crystal patterns. A small bouquet of graceful flowers adorns the tops of all surfaces. The attention to the table's detail is noticed with renowned sugar artist Reva Paul's hand decorated rose sugar cube on the side of each teacup, as well as tea enhancers of hand cut candied ginger, milk, honey, and lemon slices.
The wait staff is both
knowledgeable and seamlessly attentive to your every need without being
intrusive.
Lady Mendl's five-course seasonal menu follows the traditions of an English tea, but often with an added modern surprise. Implementing French, Russian, and English serving styles, each course is served separately.
Comedienne Fran Capo, The Guinness Book of World Records' fastest talking female, achieved on an episode on her show called "Fran's World" - Fran's attempt at refinement.
Noted Guests:
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