othing says old world elegance like afternoon tea. It’s a totally gluttonous fourth meal of the day that some of us less refined folk call “linner” or “dunch.” Imagine what a fabulous day it would be if you got to sit down and be served breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. I’m pretty sure that’s what socialite bourgeois princesses used to do with their days. Only, they could only pretend to eat because their corsets were constantly cinching their insides into a sort of gelatinous goo. You can imagine how that would act as a digestive deterrent, can’t you? How do you think Dita keeps her figure?

Anyhow, I digress. These wasteful, kept women are just the sort you would expect to be perched on a satin stool at The Park Room enjoying Executive Chef Michael J. Hill’s delectable afternoon tea.

After a total refurbish, the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel has thrown open its elaborate doors to the public. The heavy drapes have been tossed to the wayside in lieu of a gorgeous park view and natural light galore. Hill has truly outdone himself to the point of going overboard. Reading his new menu has a physical effect on me. My taste buds swell and I swallow in anticipation. I really don’t know where to start.

The options are Sunday brunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. Why don’t we sample the perfect dining day in the hands of Michael Hill?