Lewis Carroll once wrote, “Well, when one's lost, I suppose it's good advice to stay where you are until someone finds you. But who'd ever think to look for me here?” Looking to get lost, indulge in some English Tea, or find a wonderland amidst the city streets? Pay a visit to Alice’s Tea Cup and you might not want to be found. This cozy alcove is hidden on the Upper West Side, with an extensive tea list for any liquid junkie. As you walk in aromas of lavender, ginger, and jasmine awaken your senses. It’s hard to pick from the delectable menu, with trays that would make the mad hatter go, well, crazy.
As you sit, the wooden tables are adorned with porcelain teacups and saucers varying in design. The atmosphere is precious, almost like a child’s room, though the menu is anything but childlike. With simplified yet classic décor, Alice Tea Cup avoids cliché by a pound of tea. The main dining room’s border displays flowing, cursive quotations, colorfully painting Alice’s adventures. The confusion of the Caterpillar’s ideals, clever Cheshire’s rhymes, and the White Rabbit’s rushed banter will put you right in the whimsical midst of Wonderland.
At first glance the tea list might be a tad overwhelming, but the staff is friendly and informative, recommending flavor combinations to your liking. Green, black, white and red teas are available by the pot, as well as decaffeinated, organic, and herbal blends. Hot or cold, the teas are delivered quickly in pots, which easily endure five servings. A menu, akin to one Alice might find in the Queen’s kitchen, has elegant descriptions of each blend, offering origins of specific brands, foreign spices, and flavor descriptions. Since the leaves are turning, try Margaret’s Hope, a Darjeeling Autumn blend sure to spicy up your brunch outing. Bring a small party here to sample fine sandwiches and pastries, and on your way out meander around the small gift shops-- filled with Alice’s history and character influences from over the ages. A favorite is the caramelized pumpkin scone with butter and raspberry jam, simply melting in your mouth. Another imaginative delicacy are the delicious crepes; And with fifteen sides to choose from (you get two), we recommend strawberries and marshmallow fluff. Alice’s Tea Cup is a wonderful and anti-intimidating way to expand your tea pallet.
Too much tea for one sitting? Alice’s Tea Cup is too steps ahead, providing to-go cups upon request. The walrus once said, “The time has come, my little friends, to talk of other things”. So go. Talk of many things for hours in this scrumptious world offering Wonderland’s finest flavors…enough to keep the Queen happy.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment