Sisters Haley and Lauren Fox grew up a hop and a skip from The Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park. Alice books were a favorite. The girls were also raised with a tradition of taking afternoon tea whenever traveling. In college, one pursued business and the other theater. Things came full circle when the sisters opened Alice’s Tea Cup on the Upper West Side in 2001. This would be the first of three and counting.
The charming establishment is hand decorated with images from original Tenniel illustrations. Alice’s Tea Cup offers menus for breakfast (eggs, pancakes, scones and muffins; design-your-own sweet or savory crepe) brunch, lunch (sandwiches on wonderful breads-some tea infused, such as chicken smoked in lapsang souchong- salads, “sweets and treats” such as White Rabbit Dark Chocolate Mousse and Queen of Hearts Lemon Tart ) and afternoon tea served on traditional three-tiered platters: The Nibble $25.00, The Mad Hatter $37.00 and the Jabberwocky $60.00 (where the adjective “unlimited” is repeated) depending upon how hungry you are. Everything is made fresh, in house, with an eye to healthy as well as tasty.
For You and the Little Ones
Not only is this a calm and cozy place to meet a friend and just talk, but being extraordinarily child friendly, it’s a place where mothers can find respite. There’s a “Menu for the Small” featuring, for example, carrot and celery sticks with homemade peanut butter or cookies and milk, and a “Wee Tea” for older children. It’s a terrific location for kids’ birthday parties. Entertainment can be arranged; Alice (Alice in Wonderland) herself is bookable.
Alice’s hosts Bridal and Baby Showers, Birthdays (or Unbirthdays), Book Parties, Bon Voyage Parties, Retirement Fetes…The room is intimate, the staff friendly and detail oriented. Weekend party reservations are accepted for 8 or more people. Weekday parties can be arranged for smaller groups. 212 734 4832 or alicesvents@gmail.com
Needless to say, a vast range of teas is available (sold in minimums of two-ounce cello-bags-foil and cello covered, with an Alice sticker) to enjoy there or in your own home. There’s even a tea-of-the-month club for those who love to sip and sample. The restaurant has a lovely shop up front which carries tea and/or Alice related gifts as well as fanciful items not seen on the web site. Magic wands are always in supply.
Lastly but hardly least, the on-premise bakery is a resource for not only spur-of-the-moment breads and muffins but specially ordered custom cakes. Wait until you see their scrapbook of imaginative confections! Please order 7-10 days in advance.
Alice’s Tea Cup on the UWS is located at 102 West 73rd Street. Learn more here.
