We celebrated our daughter’s birthday in one of New York’s most storied settings, the newly renovated Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria.

Once a grand marble promenade connecting the original Waldorf and Astoria hotels, Peacock Alley has always been a place to see and be seen.

The space has been lovingly restored. Its true stars remain…the gilded clock, originally commissioned by Queen Victoria for the 1893 World’s Fair and the Steinway piano once owned by Cole Porter, a longtime Waldorf resident.

Both stand as elegant reminders of New York’s golden age.

We settled into a corner near the piano as the soft notes drifted through the room. With the clock gleaming in the background, we raised a beautifully crafted birthday drink and offered a toast to our daughter’s future, to time well spent and to moments worth remembering.

The crafted cocktails were delicious, but pricy.

I ordered the Lombardo Spritz prepared with Aperol, Grapefruit juice, Koval Rose Hip Liqueur and Prosecco ($28).

My husband indulged in a tasty Little Tokyo Old Fashioned ($34).

The birthday girl enjoyed a fabulous Waldorf Martini with blue cheese stuffed olives ($35).

We passed on the food. The server did bring over cheese crackers and nuts.

When I originally called Peacock Alley the representative mentioned a $75 minimum if you made a reservation.

When the bill arrived it was explained that it is a $75 per person minimum.

I challenged the notion and asked to speak to the manager. Apparently, this misunderstanding is common as the initial communication was incorrect.

The server was a lovely lady and felt badly about the additional charges. She graciously presented our daughter with a glass of champagne, apologizing for the misunderstanding.

Peacock Alley is a majestic destination, serving fabulous, but expensive cocktails, in an elegant environment offering an impressive three piece band and glittery, sultry singer.

History, music and love all in one perfect place.

Peacock Alley Waldorf Astoria Hotel 301 Park Avenue New York City. Open daily from 6:30am-midnight.  Reservations on Resy.