IN one of the most iconic movie opening scenes of all time, a yellow taxicab cruises down an almost empty New York City street in the grey light of dawn, halting just beside a stately and imposing facade. A woman in a black evening dress, masses of pearls, and an updo secured with a glittering comb, steps out of the taxi. She walks up to the window of the building, and while peering inside intently, opens a white paper bag and pulls out a flaky croissant with her black gloved hands. She takes a bite, then dips into the bag again for a container of coffee. As she alternates between bites of her pastry and sips of her coffee, she walks to the next window, and then the next, gazing fixedly at the baubles they showcase — diamond jewellery, crystal chandeliers. Then, her window-shopping done and her pastry finished, she walks away.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s has wowed generations of viewers since it was released in 1961, but the flagship store of its titular jewellery firm on Fifth Avenue, as visited by the film’s protagonist Holly Golightly (played by Audrey Hepburn) has become as much a milestone of popular culture. And since 2017, it has been home to a literal breakfast at Tiffany’s, courtesy The Blue Box Cafe, opened within its premises.
Tiffany & Co began life as “Tiffany & Young” (for its founders Charles Lewis Tiffany and Teddy Young) was launched on 18 September 1837 in New York City. The store was initially classified as a “stationery and fancy goods emporium”. By 1940, the flagship store had moved into its famous 727 Fifth Avenue address, which is also where The Blue Box Cafe is located.
Holly Golightly may have eaten her breakfast on the go outside the store, but guests today can be seated comfortably in the luxurious robin’s egg blue environs of the cafe, and order a full breakfast or afternoon tea. For fans of Breakfast At Tiffany’s, there is a set menu section called “Holly’s Favourites” which features croissant, jam, fresh fruit juice, and a choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. You can also order a “Glass Of Golightly” — a combination of carrot, orange, pineapple, mango and ginger juice.
Non-film related menu items include all the breakfast classics like madeleines, danishes, parfait framboise (Hampton's granola, raspberry coulis) and scrambled eggs with caviar. The tea service, meanwhile, is a foodie’s delight, featuring finger sandwiches of various types (egg and watercress; cucumber, dill and cream cheese; smoked salmon “bagel”; chicken curry and mango chutney; and corned beef, mustard and pickles), scones (traditional or with jam and buttercream), a selection of pastries and three kinds of cookies. Diners can choose between an array of Bellocq teas or fine champagne to quench their thirst.
As per the vision of the highly decorated chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud, who has conceptualised the menu at The Blue Box Cafe, there are seasonal iterations that prioritise fresh ingredients, be it in the salads and soups, or in terms of seafood. Hamburgers and steaks vie for pride of place with quiches and caviar. And lest we forget (although, how could we?), there is a small dessert sampling as well, ranging from strawberry shortcake to figue de barbarie (butterscotch, fig diplomat cream, spiced biscuit and speculoos sablé). We’re sure Holly would approve!