David and I visited this charming establishment on Irving Place, a street so small it is one of Manhattans' best kept secrets. "Lady Mend's" tea house has been at 56 Irving Place for twenty years. With its exquisite service, and 19th century decor, one feels as if stepping into the pages of a Henry James novel. And we all love those, don't we, darlings??????????????
David had an exotic tea, while I went with the standard Earl Grey. We started with this exquisite pumpkin-based soup, in a double size Chinese teacup, from which we drank. Then came our tray with sandwiches--squash with balsamic dressing and garnished with parsley, which was so delectable. The standard egg, tuna and cucumber sandwiches were served, along with pastry and petit fours. I mean, girls, when you are done with a high tea, that is it for your evening, I am telling you.
Lady Mendl was a 19th century society matron, actress, lesbian lover to a woman across the street, and who became named by marrying a wealthy man named Charles Mendl. I have been saying for years, girls, isn't that the best way? Think of literature's courtesans who have succeeded. The ones who don't today have no class, because they are TRAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TRAMPS are not seen at Lady Mendl's. Which is why we were allowed in. I mean, you don't have to be in the Social Register, but it helps. As well as a good tip, and a mention of ANNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See you at teatime, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, and compared to other tea places in the city, it is a bargain--only $78 per person. At least that is only two figures. The rest are three!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Outrageous!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Victoria,
ReplyDeleteI would love that, and so would David, but it is an expensive proposition. Unless you go to Tea And Sympathy in the Village, which is lovely, but very crammed, with not much room.
Victoria,
ReplyDeleteTea And Sympathy serves a nice tea, and is cheaper.
The catch is, it is hard to get into because the seating is so
small and cramped.