Afternoon at La Galerie du George V Four Seasons
Thursday, September 2, 2010 
The George V Four Seasons is well-known for its Michelin-starred restaurant Le Cinq. But for those of us who look for more affordable places to treat ourselves, La Galerie is the place to go. This elegant lounge is located along the windows facing the interior garden courtyard, between Le Bar and Le Cinq. That makes it the best place for people watching at the George V, especially if you're sitting close to the bar.
I love the chandeliers, the tapestries, the gorgeous floral arrangements (they always have purple hydrangeas, my favorite), and -- of course -- the food. Even the most simple dishes are well done. Look at this salad: they've peeled the tomato skins off.
The desserts are always incredible, so if you have a sweet tooth come for the afternoon tea to sample the dessert cart. The cheesecake and the apple tarte tatin are classics. On my last visit I had this amazing tiramisu: with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and little crunchy chocolate balls in the cream...I could have eaten a bucket of this!
It should go without saying that the service is among the best in Paris I've ever had. This isn't some trendy Costes restaurant full of pretty yet useless servers.
La Galerie is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea (with piano accompaniment from 3pm). When the weather is nice you can eat or have cocktails in the courtyard next to the hanging orchid garden. You'll want to reserve in advance, especially on weekends: 01 49 52 70 00.
Name that famous French tune...
Four Seasons, George V, La Galerie, Paris, afternoon tea | in Around Town, Eating & Drinking 
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