Over the years we have had our fair share of brunches. Bottomless brunches, Drag brunches, and even Lazer tag brunch. We were pretty sure there wasn’t a brunch we hadn’t tried, then we got invited to experience Tea with Lady Mendl at Elsie Rooftop. The event marries brunch to burlesque, for an enthralling new experience. Every Saturday brunch enthusiasts, flock to the rooftop for an eye-opening High Tea, full of music dancing and sexy performers. When thinking of High Tea, our minds conjure up images of fancy people with hoisted pinkies. At Elsie elements of that traditional sophistication are updated with a more relaxed modern atmosphere. The concept of High Tea has had many iterations over the years but remains a light meal of finger foods and hot tea. Over the years this small meal was synonymous with luxury, as many aristocrats, socialites, and royal family members use it as a means to connect and socialize. Though high tea may not be as popular as it once was, Elsie’s modern take, adding the excitement of burlesque, could revive the concept with a new audience.
On any other day, Elsie Rooftop is a popular watering hole, brimming with local professionals and tourists. Saturday it is transformed into a classic speakeasy, as a fitting tribute to its namesake. As the performers dazzle the audience with their talents, guests feast on an assortment of sumptuous finger foods and gourmet teas. Everything is served in the High Tea style common to the socialites of yesteryear. The treats are presented on a tower, separated into sweet and savory levels. Among the savory offerings are, Angus Sliders, Mushroom flatbreads and scrumptious truffle grilled cheese with bacon. Each table is also provided a teapot and choice of tea, which can be served plain or spiked with a spirit of choice.
Elsie is named after Actress and Socialite Elsie De Wolfe aka the original Lady Mendl. Though Wolfe was a performer for a few years she is best known as one of the country’s first interior designers. Her legendary fashion sense and functional styling are the subjects of several books. The Burlesque Brunch is an homage to Elsie and her heyday, celebrating the pageantry and beauty of the roaring 1920s. The show is hosted by Burlesque performer Lady Mendl, a talented songstress with amazing vocal range. The youthful Lady Mendl performs popular modern tunes remixed as jazz standards. In her arsenal is an amazing setlist that includes a sultry rendition of Britney Spears’s classic anthem, Toxic, as a ballad. The slower pace matches her graceful moves as she strips down to a tasteful set of sparkly pasties and matching underwear. Joining Lady Mendl is a collection of NYC’s best burlesque performers, each with a unique specialty, including belly dancers, singers, and aerial artists. In between performances, the audience is invited to get involved, with fun games and other surprises. Tea with Lady Mendl is a refreshing update to the brunch scene offering an adults-only experience that will impress your visiting guests and titillate even the most jaded New Yorker. Tickets range from $29-820, visit Eventbrite.com. Learn more about Elsie Rooftop on elsierooftop.com.