Breakfast at " The Palm Court "

The Plaza Hotel, The Palm Court

Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York, NY, 10019

+1 212 546 5300

The Palm Court is one of the five food halls at The Plaza Hotel, which is the most charming one either. The Plaza Hotel is one of the historical hotels in New York that is over 100 years old.  The Hotel became the one of the hotspots in 1920s; it hosted remarkable business leaders, artists, socialites and movie stars throughout the history. It was the haunt of F.Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and their friends in 1920s. Also, F. Scott Fitzgerald's used The Plaza as a setting for his famous novel The Great Gatsby.

1900's "Beaux Art" style of architecture is seen at each section of the hotel. The Palm Court has pleasant, cheering and very fresh ambiance. Gigantic white marble columns, palms, calla lilies, sculptures, huge mirrors make place looks like a fantastic winter garden. Huge Art Nouveau style ceiling made of stained glass is another amazing part of The Palm Court, which makes place brighter. Once you get in, you wouldn't want this experience to end for a long time.

The Palm Court serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. A la Carte brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday as well. We prefer to have a breakfast, but afternoon tea at The Plaza is also delightful experience.

Fresh orange juice is served right away. Breakfast Menu has a wide variety of organic food selections. We decided to have American breakfast classics: Belgian Waffle and Buttermilk Pancakes. Belgian Waffle is served with fresh red fruits, sweet cream, strawberry compote and Vermont maple-pecans.

Buttermilk Pancakes is very fulfilling which consists of three layers. The Palm Court offers three types of pancakes: Plain, blueberry or nutella-banana with organic vermont maple syrup.

Our another choice was Market Vegetable Quiche. It was made of zucchini, mushrooms and spinach  served with escarole salad with shallot-lemon vinaigrette. It is a bit buttery, however absolutely satisfying and delicious. Market Vegetable Quiche is the winner of our breakfast.

Having breakfast at The Palm Court is great for a calm beginning to Sunday or Saturday. Hotel is located in a prime location. Therefore, it is easy to take a trip in Central Park or to shop at Fifth Avenue. We strongly recommend having a breakfast or afternoon tea at The Palm Court for not only vacationist but also New Yorkers. 

" Lady Mendl's Tea Salon "

Lady Mendl's Tea Salon

56 Irving Place, New York, NY, 10003

+1 212 533 4600

+1 800 685 1447

Elsie de Wolfe aka Lady Mendl was an American actress and interior designer. She became the outstanding figure in New York, Paris, and London society. Her name is given to a Tea Salon at the Inn at Irving Place which is the historical townhouse located in heart of Gramercy Park. The Inn at Irving Place is a dramatic place, victorian style furnishings create an elegant atmosphere. Afternoon tea is served twice a day in weekdays and three times on weekends. Tea service lasts approximately two hours in a very tranquil and peaceful environment. 

Tea service consists of delightful five courses with a great variety of fine teas that clearly explained in the menu. Our tea choices were Lord Mendl, Lady Mendl, Russian Caravan and White Peony which is the only white tea. White Poeny and Lady Mendl are sweet and have flowerlike taste. Both Lord Mendl and Russian Caravan have smoky tastes, and less sweet than the others.  

 Lady Mendl's Amuse Bouche, which is a scrumptious potato quiche, is served as starter. Various tea sandwiches are served as a second course. Desserts starts with third course. First desserts are plain and cranberry scones which are very delicious. They served with clotted cream and raspberry. 

Lady Mendl's Signature Cake came after the scones. This appetizing cake is made from thin crepes. Very thin crepes put over an over, and delicious vanilla custard added between each layers. Tea service finalize with assorted cookies with Chocolate Covered Strawberries. This is the time to sip champagnes. Of course it can also be chosen at beginning of the tea time.

Lady Mendl's Tea Salon is an impressive place with it's historical and romantic ambiance. Although courses mainly consist of desserts, in general, everything is exceptional.