Culinary Director Geoffrey Zakarian. Photo courtesy of The Plaza.
Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, widely known for his New York restaurants Town, Country and The Lambs Club, as well as his star turns on the Food Network shows “Iron Chef” and “Chopped,” has taken the reins at the newly renovated Palm Court at The Plaza in New York City.
The Plaza has served afternoon tea to elegance-seekers for decades. The historic dining spot is also well known to readers of the children’s book series Eloise, which told of a precocious 6-year-old who lived in and made The Plaza her playground.
The Palm Court’s two month renovation project introduced a new oval bar beneath the space’s centerpiece, the grand 1,800 square foot stained glass ceiling. The renovations were intended to ensure that the space retained its old world charm and splendor but exuded warmth and comfort. Moss green, autumn bronze and sage dominate the carpets and upholstery.
As Culinary Director, Zakarian honors the Palm Court’s past history with perennial favorites on the menu while adding some new twists. The tea menu options include The New Yorker which includes bagels and lox, egg salad and prosciutto sandwiches; a Champagne Tea with prime rib and crab salad sandwiches; and Eloise Tea. The extensive tea menu is stocked by Palais de Thés. The menu has a wide range of blends and single estate teas including more rare “Grand Cru” options. New cocktails have been imagined by mixologist Brian Van Flandern.
The Plaza is managed by the Fairmont Hotel group.
Source: New York Eater and The Wall Street Journal Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
