As my days in NY grew shorter, there was one place on my list that I knew I just had to visit, and that was Bergdorf Goodman. With only NY being able to call this fashion haven home, I knew I had to make some time to see what all the buzz was about.
I became a little bit more acquainted with Bergdorf’s when I watched the documentary Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf. Celebrities and fashion mavens proudly declared why Bergdorf’s exudes the utmost luxury while providing the highest quality of fashions. The galleries of clothes display iconic brands such as Dior, Chanel, Balmain. Practically every designer imaginable is carried throughout the 7 floors of wonder.
While my present financial status will not allow me to walk away with dozens of bags with the finest designer apparel from Bergdorf, I wanted to experience a dose of this elegance by delighting in my favorite activity; afternoon tea.
As we bypassed all of the floors, we reached the top of the fashion epicenter and arrived at BG Restaurant. Instead of a calm and subdued vibe, the restaurant was bustling with lively conversations with the chic and posh of 5th avenue. I could tell that this was a frequent meeting place for the NY elite, as everyone seated was impeccably dressed even for it to be the middle of the afternoon. It was also not unusual, for an Hermés bag, to be laying on the floor. I had entered a world, where the who’s who of NY delight BG with their presence.
The area was decorated in pastel shades of blues and green which perfectly complimented the Summer designer collections of the guests. Bird cage style chairs allowed the occupant to feel like royalty as they are enclosed in their own little world. These were the hardest chairs to come by for obvious reasons, as they provided the ultimate dining experience.
To begin our tea service, I selected a pot of Jardin Bleu. It was served in a white ceramic cup with a gold metallic outline around the brim. This tea comprised of a blend of teas from India and China, flavored with rhubarb, wild strawberry, and cornflower petals. It was quite refreshing and a great way to begin the afternoon.
As our tier was presented, the traditional tea offerings of sandwiches, scones, and petite sweets were served. Smoked Salmon and cucumber sandwiches were given the posh treatment as they were sprinkled with bits of caviar and candied fruits. The prosciutto that was gently spread across a tart immediately caught my eye as I devoured it with no hesitation. While the sandwiches stayed true to tradition, we could see little peeks of that Bergdorf sophistication in the preparation of the dish.
Desserts were equally delightful as petite confections such as macarons, tarts, and a miniature cupcake entertained the palate. The top tier displayed brightly colored whimsical treats that perfectly complimented the BG restaurant mood.
As the afternoon session comes to a close, I simply cannot pick a favorite portion of my tea service. Bergdorf’s does a wonderful job of creating a cohesive and satisfying meal from start to finish.
Honestly, I’m just glad that I can say that I spent a lovely afternoon at Bergdorf Goodman. Even, if it was only for an afternoon of tea.
