Bosie Tea Parlor

Why does a ladies afternoon always include pastel treats of some kind?  That's not a complaint...Just wondering.  Bosie Tea Parlor in the West Village is an under-the-radar tea spot that looks like an assuming little cafe.  Ladies who lunch don't get dressed up to come here, (but ladies wearing jeans, but arriving with their own driver do).

Don't be fooled.  Bosie Tea Parlor has one of the better full tea services in the city.  Their standard tea service is $51 for two and includes your choice of tea sandwiches, your choice of exotic or seasonal macarons, a selection of tea cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam.  The sandwiches range from the expected cucumber or egg salad, to cheddar and chutney, or chicken with curry mayonnaise and raisins.  If you want an upgrade, there is a special champagne tea and the mother of all tea services, the Chef's tea.

The Chef's tea includes 24 canapes for two guests. This includes things like quail eggs with black truffle, duck breast and pastries from the big display case in addition to all the other goodies.  Don't worry, there are many a la carte menu options if you're not good with commitment.

I like the cozy, tucked away location of this tea parlor.  I feel I could sneak in here during the day and gorge myself on sandwiches and cakes without anyone seeing me to judge me.