The Russian Tea Room

Would you ever travel 11,000 miles over a 16 month period just to get a cup of Starbuck’s coffee? A Magnolia Bakery cupcake? What about a real New York slice of pizza?

Caravans used to do exactly that just to deliver tea to Russians wealthiest back in 1689. Luckily The Russian Tea Room in New York City doesn’t have to wait that long for their tea. Amazing what improved distribution channels can do.

I had always pictured Russians as forceful and overbearing, thanks to movie portrayals, not actual experiences. I guess growing up in a small town with little international experience as a youngin has left me a bit naïve. I was surprised when I was greeted by a large cheerful man in a three piece red suit and top hat. The hostesses were all petite and cordial, and the waiters were all quite attractive and very attentive.

I don't drink tea, so not surprisingly the waiter looked at me like I had two heads when I told him I'd take a Sprite. My mom always told me I should branch out more, but I was not about to dive into traditional Russian brunch foods, such as caviar and raw salmon. Scrambled eggs and bacon went for an impressive $16. I choose the Cinnamon Russian Toast for $18; cinnamon bread pudding, pan sautéed with spices and clotted sweet cream. Take away the word "clotted" and I’m in Russian Tea Room Heaven. The cream was homemade, the toast was perfectly crunchy and the plate was full of freshly cut berries.

The ambience was elevating. Everything is red, from the large entryway doors, to the booths, even the carpet. The color red is the hottest of the warm colors and it conjures up a range of conflicting emotions from passionate love to violence. Red is the color of Cupid but it’s also the color of the Devil. Studies show that red can have a physical effect, increasing the heart rate and raising blood pressure. I wouldn’t say I was completely relaxed during brunch, but I didn’t feel like starting World War III either. I think the theories are true though. I seemed to be in a high-spirited state when I left.

Would I go there again? Yes, but I wouldn’t venture out into anything but the Cinnamon Russian Toast. My fellow diner wasn’t too impressed with her meal, however her mimosa was fabulous. Bottom line is that it’s a staple of New York City, one definitely worth going to at least once. Not a Last Supper kind of a place, but then again the waiters were really cute.

www.russiantearoomnyc.com

Tavern on the Green... a blue experience

I had high expectations, seeing as though Tavern on the Green is ranked #1 on multiple foodie lists. The lack of guests I could take, but I thought a Saturday night at 10 would be a little more exciting.

The hostess was up front chatting with multiple employees and did not even greet us as we walked in. She looked at me like I was nuts when I told her I wanted to keep my jacket. I’m from Florida for God’s sake. I have thin blood!

Our waiter started off with “What would you like to drink?” There was no “Good evening” or “Is this your first time dining with us?” There was no interaction whatsoever when asked his recommendations on the menu. You know when you walk by a group of people and there’s a weird silence like they were all just talking about you? Yeah, got that a few times from the wait staff. Warm and fuzzy.

I didn’t have to deal with him much since he was non existent the entire meal, then our captain came over towards the end of the dinner and offered his face for a picture, but that’s about the extent of him.

After being told the special (NY Strip) was no longer available, I ordered the chicken which was dry and a creepy room temperature. The stuffing was cold. The vegetables had a film over them like they’d been sitting for a while. I don’t mind spending $100 a head if it’s worth it, but tepid chicken and filmy veggies aren’t my idea of a 5 star culinary program.

Overall, not impressed. Tavern on the Green ended up being a pretty blue experience for me overall.