BY ANISHA LAKHANI

There’s a new fantasy experience in Gotham, and until now a well guarded secret amongst its loyal patrons. Meet Tracy Stern, the Willy Wonka of tea and the creator behind the phenomenon she calls simply, SalonTea. Dressed in haute couture and stiletto heels, she can be found almost daily in the magical world she has created at 501 East 75th Street.

Entering the doors of her SalonTea Bar is like escaping into a bejeweled reality, complete with a glittering disco ball, pink ceiling, and zany bursts of orange. Rainbow colored macaroons and pastel petit-fours dazzle behind glass counters and are reflected in the mirrored silhouettes of her signature teas: The Writer, The Romantic, The Musician, The Artist, The Society Hostess, The Fashionable Dandy, and The Lover. Sampling all the teas is a must, but a personal favorite is The Writer, a heady blend of chai and cayenne spice that Tracy whips up herself, not a platinum blonde lock out of place.

Mid-afternoon the doors of the French Lycee open, and uniformed boys and girls pour through the doors of Tracy’s wonderland. With children Tracy is truly in her element, answering questions and weaving stories of tea and modern society while serving with endless patience and grace. “Afterall,” Tracy extends a tray of fresh macaroons imported from France, “Tea is not only healthy and fashionable, it is a lifestyle. It’s historic…tea brought countries together.”

Mother-daughter duos linger on elegant white banquettes, feasting from three tiers of delectables. For those in a rush, SalonTea can just as easily be taken “to go” in a chic signature cup. “I want to bring joy to the Upper East Side and to my neighborhood,” Tracy shares, her own two children beaming with pride from white swivel counter stools.

Tracy’s Tea Empire is hardly limited to the jewel box she has created on 75th Street. Tracy aims to open SalonTea Bars worldwide, with a brand new salon opening February 2010, in Dubai.

Tea infused beauty products and shampoos, while available at the store and on her website, www.tracystern.com, will soon be amenities in luxury hotels as well, including a special line for slimming, rejuvenation, and detox. Tracy is also the author of two books which she hopes will help share her love of tea with an even broader audience: Tea Party: 20 Themed Tea Parties with Recipes for Every Occasion, from Fabulous Showers to Intimate Gatherings and Tea For You: Blending Custom Teas to Savor and Share. A press favorite, Tracy has been lauded by The New York Times to Oprah Magazine, and she regularly appears on national TV. “We recently filmed for E! Entertainment. I hope it was okay,” the eternally humble Tracy shrugs. “Anything is possible. My motto is: Enjoy life. Drink tea. Celebrate often.” Indeed, anything does seem possible when standing under Tracy’s disco ball, a New York moment not to be missed.