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Friday, October 24, 2008

Moveable Feast

There are healthy measures (and medicines) one should take. But most are not enjoyable - they all involve some degree and elements of deprivation, denial, restriction, discipline and holding one's nose. One of the great joys of living in this city is that many of the things one should do or see are very enjoyable. It's like waking up one day to the New York Times and reading that the American Medical Association has just found that the healthiest thing you can do is eat Häagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream every day.
Here is why we do it - the answer to what is so perplexing to many visitors - why would we endure such hardship to live here, where ordinary tasks can become such large endeavors. The answer is that living here can be like being a boy or girl in a candy store with its plethora of culture, activities and all so convenient, typically a walk or short subway ride away. And like any good shop, there are new products and the old standbys.
Visiting Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel is to sample one of those delectable confections New York has to offer. As many an old standby (the Plaza dates to 1907), traditions remain and one is the afternoon tea which has been recently been brought back to the Palm Court - a magnificent room with a European flair.
Welcome to a world with harp and classical guitar, tables with the finest linen, crystal, Bernaudaud-Limoges china, Christoffle silver, outstanding floral arrangements, high backed blue velvet upholstered chairs and memories of fictional character Eloise (who lived in the hotel). Ellen Easton serves as tea consultant and pastries are made by Executive Pastry Chef, Nicole Kaplan - named as one of the top ten pastry chefs in the USA.
Dine under the Palm court's recently recreated stained-glass laylight while surrounded by palm trees. The Palm Court tea menu will set you back $60 - If you don't have a desire to finance a meal here, at least drop in and feast your eyes ...

Related Posts: The Plaza, Stairway to Heaven.

6 comments:

Terry at Blue Kitchen said...

Besides life in New York being like a kid in a candy store, an article in the New Yorker about four years ago makes a compelling argument that it is the greenest city in America. It is precisely the cramming together of so many people in such a confined space that makes it so. Everything is walkable or accessible by public transportation. That kind of critical mass also means you can have all kinds of services on every other block because there are enough people to support them.

Wayne said...

Nicely done Brian. I think this is a big part of the attraction for those of us who don't live there as well. I hope the average New Yorker takes time to slow down and take it all in, but I wonder.

I haven't been inside the Plaza but I've seen a Palm Court somewhere and can't remember if it was London or another city.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Wonderful-looking place. Awesome photo!

Paz

Anonymous said...

Some of my fondest memories as a child were my mom and dad taking me to the Palm Court. Even though I was a young girl, I felt so special there, like a grownup lady! One of the most "New York" spots in New York. HIstoric and legendary, with beautiful decor. Thanks for the great post!

Diederick Wijmans said...

Such a beautiful ceiling!!

Linda in Lancaster said...

WOW! Just WOW! That was obviously built when craftsmen were true craftsmen! I love your blog and love visiting your city several times a year. There is always something new to see. We go with no agenda and somehow fill our hours there!