English Tea, With Fall Colors

The annual fall display of foliage entices many who celebrate the season to drive into the “country” for an up-close look at leaves that have turned from green to brilliant copper, bronze and gold. But a ground-level view can be limited — often one cannot see the dazzling forest for the trees.

To take in miles and miles of the splendid show at one glance, from the comfort of a well-appointed aerie, consider making a reservation for Sunday afternoon tea, offered between noon and 3 p.m. at 42, the restaurant on the 42nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton Westchester.

A traditional three-tiered server comes stocked with tea treats. At the top are delicious scones, house-made jam and clotted cream. The middle tier is for savories, an assortment of dainty cut sandwiches made with high-quality breads; well-seasoned fillings might include curried chicken salad with raisins, Black Forest ham with Gruyère, and egg salad and cress. Sweets fill the bottom tier — perhaps miniature lemon curd or custard tarts, buttery cookies and chocolate bonbons. Assortments change from time to time.

Pots of black, green or herbal tea are replenished often.

While English tea time is later in the day, and 42’s service may not be quite as grand as that of London’s Palm Court at the Ritz, 42 offers a matchless view and, at $37 (plus tax and gratuity), rings in at half the price.