HELP!! CAFE PIERRE (Pierre Hotel) or THE MARK for great afternoon tea??

Which would you pick? Is there a difference in food quality or atmosphere?

(I like classy but friendly service.)

I've already been to Lady Mendl's, Takashimaya, Fauchon and Tea & Sympathy so those are out.

THANKS, Chowhounders!

[whs]

The Carlyle hotel has a nice afternoon tea, and in a pinch, Tommy makes a nice drink at Bemelmans Bar.

[RGR]

The Mark has closed.

Just as another option, the Mandarin Oriental is getting very high marks for its afternoon tea, at $38 per person, great tea, pastries and beautiful view to boot.

[Liquid Sky]

Thanks for your replies! Because Cafe Pierre in the Pierre Hotel had such restricted hours, we ended up trying the Peninsula Hotel. Not bad, but definitely overpriced for what you get.

Sean: I had tried Sabarsky before, but we were looking for a slightly more formal tea.

Trish: Thank you. Mandarin Oriental sounds like a great alternative... and that killer view! I also recall their service being very friendly.

I love the Mark, but if you're on that side of town, why not Cafe Sabarsky at the Neue Gallery on 86th and 5th? It's got fantastic, Austrian confectionary (it is run by Kurt Guttenbrunner from Wallse in the Village), it's in a gorgeous room overlooking 5th Ave, and except at lunch, it generally flies under the radar. Highly recommended.