Dainty sandwiches, delicate pastries, and crumbly scones
with clotted cream and preserves, Bosie serves decadent high-tea at reasonable
prices. Set in the West Village in
lower Manhattan among criss-crossing cobble-stoned streets reminiscent of
England, the glass-fronted parlor is cozy, inviting and -modern, reflective
of the times, more Dickens than the Edith Whorton many tea parlors today aspire
to.
Seating is at the bar, at a handful of tables in the front,
or, my favorite, in the back in comfy upholstered chairs. The shelves behind the bar and at the back of the parlor are
lined with large copper tins of
loose-leaf tea, the flavors circling the globe from African Rooibus and English
Breakfast to Ceylon and Japanese matcha.
All are selected and developed by the parlor's tea masters and feature
original blends such as Caramel Chocolate Rooibos, Apple Crumble, and Chocolate
Hazelnut. The separate tea menu is
a small book with pages of choices, and the tea is served in a cute little pot
with enough for a few servings.
The delectable entrées include, triangular sandwiches of
chicken curry, cucumber, and crab;
chocolate and matcha eclairs; darjeeling and lemon meringue tarts, crepes, and
macarons of various flavors including chocolate, rose, and salted caramel. All can
be ordered à la carte or as a tea
service for two where the pre-selected assortment is presented on a three-tiered
cake stand. So Victorian!
For those who'd like to be transported even further to
another world, a selection of wines is available.
http://bosienyc.com/
In the vicinity:
After tea, take in a movie at the nearby IFC Center, or
explore the surrounding boutiques and shops. CO Bigelow Apothecary, the nations oldest pharmacy on 6th Avenue and 8th Street is a delight. Dating back to 1838, the apothecary doesn't seem to have changed much. Step inside and enter into a different age. A pharmacy occupies the back, a cosmetics counter the front and a superb selection of organic and imported body-care products fill the surrounding shelves. Take in the fine lotions from France, the exotic soaps from Italy, and the beautiful hand-crafted products made in the USA, the best of the best all assembled under one roof rather like a World Expo.
