"T, a drink with Jam and Bread"... something is going on over at the Carlyle Hotel. Girls in two lines are cueing for Madeline's Afternoon Tea. Inside babies are cooing and children are dancing along with Tina deVaron, jazz pianist and mother entertainer extraordinaire. The parents are actually enjoying their scrumptious lunch.

Nestled inside the Carlyle on New York's Upper East Side is Bemelmans' Bar, a gilded high society room with the illustrations of the children's book, "Madeline," gracing the walls. The illustrations were done by the author of the books, Ludwig Bemelmans, who actually lived at the Carlyle with his family.

Every Friday through Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm, the Carlyle Hotel offers Madeline's Afternoon Tea with a delicious and filling array of finger sandwiches (no crusts!), scones with jam and Devonshire Cream, pastries and your own pot of tea. Their menu also includes adult fare and creative desserts like the Eiffel Tower Hot Fudge Sunday with a cherry on top.

Best of all is the music of resident entertainer Tina deVaron. She manages to play all requests and still converse with parents and children. In fact, she has a following of regulars. Songs from Broadway musicals are popular and Tina invites the children to come up to the piano and sing along. Sometimes she even spontaneously creates a song from the "Madeline" books. Ms. deVaron is quick in recognizing new customers and finding out their names and where they are from, which encourages the children to be seen and heard.

Most of the children engaging with her are from 3-years-old to 12-years of age but, truthfully, my friends and I were quite happy to join in the singing as well. Ms. deVaron is also a songwriter of motherhood. Her song "If Mama Ain't Happy" prompted an invitation to the White House. More of her works can be found at http://www.tinadevaron.com/.

What we found charming was the Madeline dishware, which reminded me of my childhood days visiting my grandmother, where my own personal set of "Mary Poppins" dishes were always waiting to serve me. There are Madeline dolls available to play with, as well as the various "Madeline" books to read while enjoying your tea. Even a bouquet of complimentary cotton candy is available upon request.

The Carlyle has created a sophisticated, child-friendly haven for parents looking for a delicious meal served in style. In New York this is a rare find. If you are nostalgic for High Tea and see it as a lost art, here is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to an elegant scene with a little savory and a little sweet.

As a friend who visited The Carlyle with me said, "Finding new Tea spots helps keep New York fresh."

The fee is $35 per person and advance reservations are required, as many group tea parties are planned. The Carlyle is located at 35 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021 (212/744-1600; http://www.thecarlyle.com/.

A cup of Tea anyone?

by Maria Alaina Mason Book this trip