THE PALM COURT AT THE PLAZA HOTEL
5th Ave. at Central Park South • New York, NY 10019
212-546-5300 • theplazany.com
The Plaza is widely recognized as one of the world’s iconic hotels. It has been featured in countless movies and such classic sit-coms as Seinfeld. Afternoon tea at The Plaza, held in the stunning Palm Court from noon to 5 p.m. daily, is an event in and of itself. A complete renovation helmed by architect Thierry Despont has brought the grand feeling of Central Park indoors with garden elements such as caning, large potted plants, four soaring palm trees, and an oval trellised bar that anchors the room and creates an inviting atmosphere. Here the tea takes center stage with such varieties as Big Ben English Breakfast, a wonderful blend of black teas from Yunnan, China, and Assam, India. Or sample the Grand Lapsang Souchong, one of the Plaza’s finest smoked teas. Its delicate flavor makes it easy to distinguish between the tea itself and the smoky notes.
Warm seasonal scones with double Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and preserves perfectly complement the pots of hot tea, as do the pastries and sweets, which feature pistachio macarons or white chocolate cherry domes. The Plaza’s world famous Eloise brand also includes a children’s afternoon tea featuring tropical strawberry garden tea with cranberry lime, fresh muddled basil, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice; or a black tea with cherry, citrus, berries, hibiscus, and rose. Sandwiches for the young ones include organic peanut butter and jelly, while such sweets as a chocolate and peanut butter cup fudge brownie are offered.
Lox and bagels with pickled cucumber, cream cheese, house-cured pickles, and alfalfa sprouts are part of the fare of the New Yorker Tea, along with deviled organic egg salad on white bread. A house favorite is prosciutto cotto, Gruyère, and Dijon on a ficelle baguette. Guests requiring gluten-free foods will be pleased to find on the menu such savories as smoked salmon and cream cheese, housemade turkey with cranberry aïoli and romaine lettuce, and English cucumber with flavorful pickled red onion cream cheese, as well as delicious baked goods.
