A tea party is not a tea party without freshly baked scones - forget about talking rabbits - and Lady Mendl's were the most scrumptious I have ever tasted. Fresh cranberry and plain scones accompanied by jams and clotted crème were light and delicate, with just the right amount of sweetness. The crème lent a buttery hint; it was heaven in a pastry.

Moving onto dessert, the million-layer cake was fluffy and flaky with layer upon layer of pastry stuffed with sweat cream and adorned with fresh berries; it was absolutely divine! Just when I thought that I couldn't indulge my sweet tooth any further, a pedestal of petit fours, adorable heart-shaped shortbread cookies, and milk chocolate covered strawberries arrived. Melt-in-your-mouth treats, they're worth saving room for.

Since debuting 5 years ago, Lady Mendl's has been a popular wedding and baby shower destination, as well as a must for some quality girl time. If you crave an afternoon spent in Old-New-York-style splendor, take a trip to Lady Mendl's to escape the hustle of modern, urban life. -L.M.