When I was invited for afternoon tea at The Lambs Club at The Chatwal Hotel in midtown, I was so, so down. As soon as I walked into the restaurant on a rainy day recently, I felt like I was walking into a scene set perfectly for the catch-up session me and my friend Sarah were about to partake in (she was leaving to LA in the next few days, and yes there would be lots of reminiscing, and maybe some sobbing and final PLEASE DON’T GO pleas). The red leather, dark panels, dimly lit with interesting lamp fixtures made it easy to get cozy…and easy to forget you’re in the middle of Times Square.
And we were in good hands. Geoffrey Zakarian (Le Cirque, 21 Club, 44 at the Royalton Hotel, Blue Door at the Delano Hotel and recent winner of The Next Iron Chef/Superchefs) heads the kitchen, which is enticing enough to come back for the food. But today, we were going to indulge in the teas and pastries.
After taking in the aroma of each of their teas (literally — they had all the dried tea leaves lined up for us to do so!), Sarah and I sat and started ordering away. The waitress recommended the Grand Crus teas — The Darjeeling Mission Hill (also known as the ‘champagne of tea’ and is extremely rare since it’s seasonal and produced in very small batches) and Noir Jukro (which is plucked entirely by hand, and is one of the finest teas from Korea with cocoa and vanilla bouquet, and pairs amazing with chocolate).
We took our time indulging…one hour slowly crept up to almost two. The Hazelnut Dacquoise, scones, and Sacher Torte were divine pairings with the aromatic teas (she was right, the Grand Crus were worth the hype!). Thanks to executive pastry chef, Björn Böttcher, for that, who’s background and training in Hamburg, Germany, gives him a flair for delicately crafted desserts.
Time easily escapes here. It’s no wonder why the restaurant seems to be an attraction for writers, actors, and thinkers of the sort. Plus free Wi-Fi…I’m planning on frequenting this place on the days I’m not in the office. Did I mention Jazz on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30? If I didn’t have to go cross town right after for an appointment, I could have easily stayed.
REPORT CARD
Meal: Afternoon Tea
Price: $$$
(Out of three stars)
Ambiance: ***
Food: ***
Service: ***
Would I go back?: Yes — it might be my new hangout spot.
Restaurant Info:
The Lambs Club
132 W. 44th St.
btw 7th and 6th Avenues
New York, NY 10036
(212) 997-5262
Midtown
x
Shy
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This looks absolutely spectacular! I cannot wait to try this when I’m in NY this weekend. My only fear is that I’ll want to move the entire establishment home to Grand Cayman when I leave.
I have heard the food at the Chatwal Hotel is amazing. I can’t wait to try it.