When I heard that Victoria & Abdul- a story of an unexpected friendship between Queen Victoria and an Indian clerk - was opening at The Paris Theatre in New York City, I couldn't wait to go and see it.

Note: I was invited as media by Focus Features to the movie screening and High Tea experience at The Palm Court at The Plaza. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.



For one, I've never been to the The Paris Theatre. Can you believe it?! I walk pass there so may times! Now that I have been there, I recommend seeing a film there when you can. The theater is cozy but very stylish and a great spot to enjoy a film like Victoria & Abdul.



If you do see Victoria & Abdul there, get ready for a very cool perk.

Focus Features has partner with The Palm Court at The Plaza and The Paris Theatre to offer moviegoers regal fare inspired by Victoria & Abdul.

Guests who purchase tickets to see Victoria & Abdul at The Paris between September 22nd and October 22nd, can present their tickets at The Palm Court to enjoy the following:

• In the afternoon, those who indulge in an Afternoon Tea will receive a complimentary glass of champagne.

• In the evening, those dining for drinks or dinner will receive a complimentary Queen Victoria Rose Tea Cake as an ode to the film.

Of course I had to try this promotion out myself. After screening Victoria & Abdul, I wanted to enjoy tea and mini sandwiches along with The Queen and Abdul!


While I've been to The Plaza before for different events, I had yet to enjoy tea time at The Palm Court. Folks! If you go, be prepared to be wowed. And I'm just talking about walking into the The Palm Court. I didn't get to the tea yet!

Before sitting down for tea time I had to enjoy the scenery. There's real palm trees, along with other floral and planet life. All sitting nicely under an amazing roof. Oh so pretty. While I could gaze at the surrounding all day, it was time for tea!


Since I invited a friend to the Victoria & Abdul screening, she also joined me for tea time at The Palm Court. I'm glad she did because then we could each chose something different from the menu. My friend chose "The New York Tea" and I chose "The Classic".


Both came with tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries. For a little bit more you can also enjoy champagne. We both decided to get the extra treat also!

Let me just say that those sandwiches and others yummy treats were SO good. SO GOOD! I swear I did more snacking then chatting with my friend. But she didn't mind since she was busy snacking and sipping her own tea. LOL


And my tea. OMGosh! I had a Rooibos Des Vahines and couldn't stop drinking it. Seriously. They give you a nice big pot of tea that will last with anyone. But I'm not ashamed to share I nearly drank it all. I really couldn't but I did try.

I was so sad to leave any of my tea behind, so I asked for a cup to carry some with me. They were very gracious to find me one, so I can take my tea with me. I'm not sure if that standard but clearly my waiter understood how much I was enjoying my tea. LOL

As I said my goodbyes to the staff at the The Palm Court, I sipped my tea and left feeling like royalty. What a great way to experience the feeling of Victoria & Abdul after seeing the film.

I highly recommend seeing the film at The Paris Theatre and then enjoying this tea time experience at The Palm Court at The Plaza!


SYNOPSIS:

The extraordinary true story of an unlikely friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria's (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) remarkable rule.

When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen's Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy.

As the friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.

Cast: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, Adeel Akhtar, Tim Pigott-Smith, Olivia Williams, Fenella Woolgar, Paul Higgins, Robin Soans, Julian Wadham, Simon Callow, and Michael Gambon

VICTORIA & ABDUL - Official Trailer [HD]


Director: Stephen Frears ("The Queen," "Philomena," "Mrs. Henderson Presents")
Writer: Lee Hall ("Billy Elliot"), based on Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen's Closest Confidant by Shrabani Basu

To learn more, visit - www.victoriaandabdulfilm.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/VictoriaAndAbdul
Twitter - www.twitter.com/VictoriaAbdul
Instagram - www.instagram.com/VictoriaAndAbdul