Once a month or so, I leave my midtown office (I work in television) for a quiet street in the East Village where I have a ladies' luncheon tea at Podunk. Six buttered cucumber sandwiches bracket a beautiful platter of fresh veggies and greens, and cake or scones and cream finish my meal. I sometimes order bite-size tea pies instead of the sandwiches, when I want something hot. Going to Podunk is like taking a mini-vacation, as others have noticed; the room is usually quiet enough for reading or reflection, even when there are conversations going on at other tables. I've even come to recognize other customers who deeply love the place--I think we all believe we're ""in"" on something special. Everyone I've brought to the tiny tearoom likes it enormously, and the owner has been unfailingly courteous at the minimum and at best, warmly welcoming. So I'm not sure why she's gotten the negative press, or what provoked her, or why people who in their reviews admit that they weren't even paying customers are allowed to comment here. It's not exactly a community center, no matter how welcome you feel there--it's a business. That old adage about the customer is always right only kicks in if, duh, you're actually a customer.
Pros: Great place to read or bring friends
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