Before I get into the joy that was “The Secret Policeman’s Ball,” I would be remiss in mentioning that fabulous Hubster grace was kind enough to not only be an excellent NYC tour guide, but also surprise me with an impromptu trip to Tea and Sympathy, the (in)famous location of Stephen’s “My Fair Colbert” field pieces. I was initially shocked to discover that the restaurant was no larger than the interior of a mid-size sedan, with about ten tables scrunched together, and customers attempting to hem in their elbows to the best of one’s ability.
We met a tall British gentleman who drives a Tea and Sympathy-mobile, (I am chastising myself for not getting a pic of the car), and of course I was asking for Mr. Hugo Vickers. Unfortunately, he was not there, but the man talked to us a bit about having Stephen at the restaurant for the shoot. He indicated that filming was done early in the morning before the store’s opening, and that he was quite amiable of course with the staff, as per his usual. He mentioned that Stephen said he doesn’t like tea “because of the tannins.” He also brandished a nice phone pic of he and Stephen in his riding costume, reminding me once again why New Yorkers are so gosh darn lucky. You guys get to have stuff like this happen to you! In any event, do go to Tea and Sympathy if you are in the Village, and have the roast beef sandwich. But be prepared to scrunch.
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