topic Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM in Community Chat

RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

catlover7777 — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:41:46 GMT

Has anyone eaten at the Russian Tea Room in NY?

Looks so pretty.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

Bookplate — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:45:56 GMT

In the distant past - the 1970's and 80's, and sometime into the early 90's. It is a different Russian Tea Room now.

The decor was gorgeous - you felt you you were sitting inside a Faberge egg.

The food was rich, traditional Russian haute cuisine. Great blinis. It has to have been lightened up by now. You often saw performers and celebreties there but I think that is over. I really think its time has past but I would also be interested to hear if anyone has been there recently.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

PA Mom-mom — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:47:11 GMT

@catlover7777 Well, yes! Here I am with a friend:

Just kidding. I can never think of that place without recalling Tootsie. I did peek inside in the mid 1970's when visiting NYC with my mom and SIL. It was empty - I guess because of the time of day. I'm sure some of the forum contributors have experiences to share.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

El from NJ — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:48:14 GMT

Yes, many years ago, in the early 1980s. Don't remember much a bout it, just I really thought i was "something". Good food and good company. Then we went to the Empire State Building.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

Love my grandkids — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:05:54 GMT

@PA Mom-mom "Michael, I begged you to get help." Always wanted to go to NY and see this place.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

Tori3569 — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:32:14 GMT

@catlover7777 wrote:
Has anyone eaten at the Russian Tea Room in NY?
Looks so pretty.

Yes, I've been there several times. Most recently before a Christmas concert at Carnegie Hall last year. I wish I could say it looks just like that picture, but it doesn't. The best word I can use to describe it is "shopworn". I wouldn't say it's dirty or dusty but not as vibrant or crisp as that picture. Downstairs where the restrooms are is kind of dark and dingy. The food is what it has been for years and years, which is good.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

DSD2 — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 22:41:02 GMT

Yes, many years ago my dear mother took me for a treat.

I remember being impressed by the ambiance and while I can't remember what I ate, I enjoyed every moment, mostly because it is a cherished memory with my mother.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

ahoymate — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 01:39:11 GMT

@Tori3569 wrote:
@catlover7777 wrote:
Has anyone eaten at the Russian Tea Room in NY?
Looks so pretty.
Yes, I've been there several times. Most recently before a Christmas concert at Carnegie Hall last year. I wish I could say it looks just like that picture, but it doesn't. The best word I can use to describe it is "shopworn". I wouldn't say it's dirty or dusty but not as vibrant or crisp as that picture. Downstairs where the restrooms are is kind of dark and dingy. The food is what it has been for years and years, which is good.

It's time has come & gone. It used to be "the place" for celebrities, politicans, ladies who lunch. No more as Tori3569 has commented.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

judy0330 — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 23:26:39 GMT

@Bookplate Ditto to everything you said. My mother used to take me when I was a child and the restaurant was in its heyday. The last time I was there it was a totally different place. A friend wanted to go for his birthday. One of the worst meals I have ever had -- from start to finish. I don't know how it stays open.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

Stray — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 15:37:43 GMT

I loved it but haven’t been since the 90s. Really excellent food and ambience at that time. I think I read it was sold a way back & if it hasn’t been updated or as a poster stated “shop worn” it’s probably not the grand place it once was.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

manny2 — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 16:21:12 GMT

It’s dark and moody. Quite pricy to eat there too, but it’s an experience. It’s been there so long. It’s one of the iconic places to go in the city.

Re: RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

Indra — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 17:06:40 GMT

Yes, some of my fondest memories with parents. They would take me there after seeing a show at Carnegie Hall. Also, after my high school graduation which also happened to be held at Carnegie Hall, we went there to celebrate. I haven't been back in years. Sad to hear that it hasn't stood the test of time.