Lady Mendl's tea room: Discovering a hidden gem in Manhattan

Barb of Barb's Tea Service with Lady Mendl's tea room manager, Christine with TeaTime 

Lady Mendl's may be aptly described as a "hidden gem" in New York City, a tea room that blends in so well with the neighborhood, we walked passed it on the day of our reservation. The only sign that lets guests know of its location is a small brass plaque engraved with a tea cup design that hangs to the left of a stately wooden door. Perhaps its understated signage is only fitting for a building that began as a private tea salon in 1919 and during Prohibition also served as Speakeasy.

Understated signage, a nod to its past, Lady Mendl blends in with its neighbors

We were made aware of Lady Mendl's by great tea friend, Barb T, who knows, these days, we're pretty regular visitors to the Big Apple.  Barb had recommended Lady Mendl's based on her own experience there a few years back. She put it on our radar and, finally, this month we were able to follow through. We were not disappointed.

Modern/Vintage room filled with TeaTime publications

When we passed through the door of the 1830's brownstone, our party of five -  me, husband, Chris, along with son, Matt, his girlfriend, Jenna and our daughter, Rachel - arrived at the parlor floor of the onetime private residence. This level encompasses the traditional high ceilings, elegant crown moldings and arched doorways, but, now accented with modern decor, especially evident in the waiting room's bold striped furniture and colorful paintings. It was in this special place we not only met up with manager, Christine, but found an array of TeaTime books and magazines (including the March/April issue with our "Escape to the Chateau" article!)

Once our coats were off, we moved across the hall to our table in the corner, a lovely spot bordered by large windows, a fireplace and a wild fern.  (The latter seemed intent on visiting our table from time to time, but mostly with good humor). 

The table was set with an assortment of colorful china with varying patterns and hallmarks. We enjoyed lifting the plates (empty, of course!), to identify their origins and calling out our favorites.

Rachel and Jenna looking over tea selections.

The afternoon tea fare is a fixed menu of scones, savories and sweets, but with a few welcomed surprises.  Guests have the option of choosing a particular tea or select a tea pairing which brings a new tea blend with each course. Most of our party took advantage of the pairings and with delightful results. As one who loves Earl Grey, and, for the record, that's what Lady Mendl's pairing selections began with, I found the nudge to explore other well-curated teas that help bring out the most in the tasty tea fare a rewarding experience.

Savories in three-tiered tray

Table filled with an assortment of china

The only other choice on the menu is the first course where one can opt for soup or salad.  Rachel was the only one in our party who had the potato leek soup, served up beautifully in a small, slender glass. Rachel reported it was amazing, once she got used to drinking her soup rather than having the usual assistance of a spoon.

Curd, jam and cream housed in a BTS' favorite, salt cellars.

The scones are served warm and, with our admiration, the accompanying curd, jam and cream were housed in cut-glass salt cellars (a favorite Barb's Tea Service tea table accessory!).

The tea sandwiches were satisfying as well, but the desserts were the show stoppers. Aside from petit fours, chocolate-covered strawberries and macarons, there was also a crepe cake with 20-plus layers, a magical creation that was both light and rich.

Petit fours, macarons and strawberries

Multi-layered crepe cake, both light and rich

And, yes, there really was a Lady Mendl! Born, Elsie de Wolfe in New York in 1859, she had various occupations in the arts, starting as an actress, then gaining much success as an interior designer. Later in life, she married a British diplomat, giving her a title. She resided in the same Gramercy Park brownstone building of the current tea room where she was known a grand hostess with great style.

A hidden gem, we won't walk by again.

We'd say this tea room captures the spirit of the best of Lady Mendl - an eclectic blend of old and new, where food and service excel.  A true Manhattan treasure, now that we've found it, we plan to be back!