Bridal Shower - brunch or tea

[kim e]

I'm hosting a small bridal shower (~10 ladies) in the summer and am looking for a venue (I would do my apt, but we will probably be moving around the time of the shower). I'd like to do an affordable, but nice brunch or afternoon tea. Lady Mendl's is too expensive, Alice's Tea Cup is too child-like. I'm thinking something like the back patio of August--but without the $10 mimosas (I might go broke).

[rockstar14]

You mentioned a Tea place...... I haven't been there in a long time, so make sure it's still there, but the TSalon at 20th btw 5th and Broadway is a great place for tea. check about the 10 people, but it's an idea.

[Stuffed Monkey]

A great option for brunch is Cibo on 2nd ave and 41st Street. If you can get the table in the bar area you'd practatly have a private room.

[asianbun]

Try Podunk in the East Village on 5th st. It has a shabby chic decor, comfortable and charming, and they serve proper afternoon tea with freshly baked scones, savory and sweet, and tons of other goodies. It's truly a hidden gem.

[CMG920]

There is a vegetarian teahouse called Franchia you can check out
Also a Japanese Teahouse called Cha-An in East Village.

[nibbly]

You might want to consider Paradou in the Meatpacking. I've found their management to be very accomodating and they have a lovely outdoor area comparable to August's. If you are booking far enough in advance they might allow you to take all of the back patio? Friday, Saturday and Sunday they put on a $29 unlimited champagne cocktail brunch (or you can just order off the menu) and the champagne cocktails are actually pretty tasty.

[RGR]

If you're looking to do something al fresco, during the summer, we love having brunch in Gascogne's garden, one of the most charming in the city.

http://www.gascognenyc.com

I Coppi also has a very attractive protected garden. We've only had dinner there, but they do serve brunch.

http://www.icoppinyc.com

[LeahBaila]

What's your budget/person? Thanks.

www.thelunchbelle.com

[kim e]

Hmm...I'm thinking $30 pp incl tax and tip. These girls aren't super heavy drinkers...some girls probably won't even drink. A place that might be lenient with me bringing in a bottle of champagne would even be better. :)

[RGR]

As suggested below, Gascogne would fit your budget perfectly. The 3-course brunch prix-fixe is $20 and includes a mimosa, Bloody Mary, or o.j. Don't know about bringing in your own Champagne, though.

[LeahBaila]

Look in to Absinthe Wine Bar (East Village). For $20/person, you get a brunch entree plus 3 alcoholic drinks. There's a small back patio (perhaps you all would be the only table) that will be lovely when it's warm!

www.thelunchbelle.com