This little darling had a delightful time at Madeline’s Tea at the Carlyle Hotel. As soon as we entered into Bemelmans’ Bar I was transported to Madeline’s universe. Pint-sized ladies who lunch and their grown-up escorts were all welcomed by name and escorted to their tables for an unforgettable tea party.
When I sat down I spotted Madeline napkins, china, and tea sets. I put my napkin in my lap and used my best manners. Madeline would be proud. There was a piano front and center with a giant Madeline doll seated on top, balloons everywhere and there were spectacular scenes covering the walls. Apparently it was original artwork by Ludwig Bemelmans and it is the largest uncomissioned mural of its kind. It sounded very cool and important.
Madeline’s friend Tina de Varon was a dynamo of a hostess. She has been leading Madeline’s Tea for 11 years, singing and playing the piano to everyone’s delight. It is a story book dream come true. To get the tea party started, Miss Tina sang a name song for us to get to know one another and it was a sing and dance-along from then on. The group of smart and sassy little Madelines made song requests from “Let It Go” to a kiddie version of “Shut Up and Dance.” Plus, she did a rocking rendition of my request “Bippity Boppity Boo” and sang the most requested song of all time: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” She also made up cool songs about our dresses and shoes and told stories to the grown-ups. We danced and tea-partied the morning away.
The dancing worked up my appetite. And there was a buffet of all of Madeline’s favorite foods which were mine too. From Nutella and banana tea sandwiches and berry scones to mini egg burritos and waffles, there was a tasty bite for everyone. And after I ate my fantastic food, there was an entire Madeline dessert table. Surrounded by Madeline dolls and books and tea sets was a buffet of delectable pastries, Swedish fish, gummy bears, M&Ms, Oreos, and Madeline cupcakes. Yummy in my tummy! I love Madeline’s taste in special treats.
But the best part came after the tea itself. Miss Tina sang a Madeline opera from the book Madeline. I started smiling and signing along as she turned my favorite book into a song. It was show-stopping. The Madeline songbook and other numbers were stupendous.
Madeline’s Tea brought my favorite book and character to life. Madeline’s Tea celebration was tea-rrific!
Are you ready to have a tea-rrific time at Madeline’s Tea? Details can be found HERE!
Elle Belle is an adorable preschooler who lives in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her magnificent mommy, dapper dad, and baby sister. She can be reached at ellebellenyc@gmail.com or like at facebook.com/ElleBelleNYC.
