I am a
woman that feels comfortable practically anywhere, from the inside of a tattoo
shop to a five star hotel. I am a woman of the world. Anywhere I want to go the
only validation I need is my desire to be there. Luckily I have always been
like this. That hasn’t necessarily been popular but I don’t care. Peer pressure
didn’t work when I was younger and it certainly has no chances now. After all I
am thirty-five and still alive, and damn proud of it!
Speaking
of which, this big birthday warranted an equally big celebration. You have
already found out that on the night of my actual birthday I visited Le Boudoir
(http://bit.ly/2jgoztI) in Brooklyn and I
am ecstatic to share my plans for the day after. I was crossing another item
off of my 2016/2017 to do list (http://bit.ly/29H6zRG)
and finally having brunch at the Four Seasons. The party had no end in sight,
just the way I like it.
Courtesy of the New York Times
The Four
Seasons is a legendary institution and has been at this location in New York
City since the beginning. The Garden Room has hosted many, many infamous events
most notably for me was Bethenny Frankel’s wedding on her television show
“Bethenny Getting Married?” This room is marked by the pool in the center of
the room. Sadly this portion of the Garden Room is currently under
construction. I was originally very disappointed because I was so excited to
finally be going but you know what? It was amazing even without that touch. I
will just have to go back when it reopens and eat some more.
I was
exhausted this morning but I still put on my Sunday best, which is normally
sweats and a t-shirt, but I dolled myself all up. I don’t mind when something
is this exciting and worthy. The building from the outside really doesn’t give
off the impression that you are about to enter somewhere special. I had brunch
last year at Peacock Alley in the Waldorf Astoria (http://bit.ly/2dDLNIi) and boy when you
approach that place you feel its magnificence all the way outside. That is the
kind of entrance I prefer to make.
No matter
I was still pumped. I flung those doors wide open before the poor doorman even
knew what was happening. Like I said I am comfortable anywhere, anytime.
When I
stepped inside I was met with a grand Christmas tree, keep in mind this was
less than a week before. It was breathtaking. I knew I would want a family
photo in front of that on our way out.
The
Garden Room was in vicinity to the lobby on the right hand side. It was up a
level and decorated in a very clean, modern way. There were trees lit in a very
distinctive green with red poinsettia plants all around. The dark wood was
perfectly polished and the lightening wasn’t too bright. All of the things I
look for in a room fit for this Queen. We were seated at a table with a couch
on one side, which is where I sat, just like in Le Boudoir the night before.
Upon
sitting down we were offered a complimentary beverage. We all went with
mimosas.
A good
rule of thumb for me is the more beverages in front of me the better. I
typically have three whether out or at home. I need coffee, love alcohol at a
brunch, but am too thirsty not to also have water. This afternoon was no
different.
A pot of
piping hot La Colombe coffee was brought to me. I love a whole pot to myself!
Sadly I already knew I would never have the room to finish it but I did manage
to get two cups down.
Prior to
our food arriving we were visited by the bread man. I do not know his name but
he gave us each a piece of focaccia bread and something similar to a garlic
cornbread. They were each so good I would have pocketed some if the breadbasket
had been left on the table. I choose to believe that is the reason for such
fancy service. I know I am not the first one to think of that.
Additionally
we (there were three of us) had decided to have: two orders of the Brie stuffed
French toast with holiday berry compote, with a side of pork sausage as well as
one Hearty Gotham burger with cheddar, fried egg, and crispy onions served with
a side of French fries. The food came pretty much immediately.
Since
Brie is my favorite cheese of all time I knew I was getting this from long ago.
Despite having some the night before and using it to make Christmas dinner
later in the week (http://bit.ly/2ipWXyb) I
went ahead with my order.
I was
super anxious for my first bite. Brie is a soft creamy like cheese and I wasn’t
so sure how it would be inside of bread rather than on top as a spread. Turns
out this might have actually been a bit too much Brie for me. It was very
filled and because it was baked inside it was falling out making me think of it
as mozzarella instead of Brie. It tasted good but was very heavy. The berry
compote was delightful though and I ate as much of the toast as I could. The
sausage arrived way too under cooked for my preference so I had to send it back
for a few minutes although it was quite enjoyable.
The final
portion of my meal came as a surprise. The staff surprised me with a birthday
dessert, candles and all. Both the gesture and the cake were very sweet but
made me happy. The cake was chocolate on the outside with a peanut butter
filling. Normally this would not have been my thing. I only tasted it to be
polite but shockingly enough it vanished right before my eyes. Whatever they
used to make that crunchy peanut butter and crispy chocolate layer came
straight from heaven above. Toxically enchanting. That might have stolen my
Brie’s thunder.
Another
great meal and memory was on the books. If I had all the time in the world I
could have sat there staring out the window from my seat all day long. It is
the kind of high quality relaxation I feel whenever I am lucky enough to have a
spa day. There is nothing else in the world on my mind but enjoying the
present. It is an opportunity we don’t get nearly enough of. This is the way I
was meant to live. Just being there was something altogether in itself.
The
service overall was wonderful. Everyone was friendly and pleasant. Despite the
one rude faux pas my waitress made that I won’t soon forget, I had thought very
highly of her.
Executive
Chef John Johnson is a Four Seasons man. Before joining the New York location
he worked in Atlantic City. During the 1990s he worked with superstar chef
Geoffrey Zakarian. His food is so well known that his Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes
are the most ordered item on the menu. The generous chef has gladly published
his recipe for those willing to attempt them. The recipe is the last link
below.
I think
the next time I dine here I will try the hanger steak and eggs along with the
TY Bar Toddy. I have never had a hot toddy but it sounds delicious. But most
importantly I am still satisfied with my choices for my first meal here.
Besides
brunch, the New Year TY Bar’s Roaring ‘20s Soiree sounds like a ton of fun. I
definitely want to give that a try as well one year soon. I love a roaring
twenties theme plus this night you watch a live feed of the ball drop (see
previous post), have a Louis XIII Cognac toast, receive party favors, marvel at
the ice sculptures, dance to the music performed by the swing band, and feast
on caviar and canapés. Plus, like you need anything else; there is a step and
repeat all set up!! I love when my photos are already planned out ahead of
time. The only thing I am missing is the perfect dress, which I should start
shopping for right now. I am thinking something along the lines of what Kris
Jenner wore to her roaring twenties themed sixtieth birthday party.
The only
other high quality brunch I will now seek out is located at the Rainbow Room. I
had to be sure to save some fun for this year’s birthday bash.
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