12.30.2009

Tavern on the Green

Central Park's famed "Tavern on the Green" restaurant will be closing at the end of 2009 after being a New York City landmark (some say tourist trap) for decades. Once America's highest-earning restaurant, the management is now bankrupt, and will be auctioning off all of the restaurant's Baccarat and Waterford chandeliers, Tiffany stained glass, a mural depicting Central Park, the restaurant's name, and anything else of value. The restaurant opened its doors 75 years ago, and the Victorian Gothic building dates from the 1800s when it was a sheephold.

Ok, so that last pic is a gingerbread house, but I couldn't resist including it.

I never visited Tavern on the Green myself. I've read that the food was quite mediocre, although this restaurant is probably all about the atmosphere and history. Flickr's cuttlefish writes "i think the place looks like liberace's hunting lodge. that doesn't have to be a bad thing, i guess." The demise of the restaurant is a noteworthy loss, and sadly will be putting 400 people out of work. The city does have plans to revive the restaurant (of course, as a less over-the-top version of its former self), under different management and possibly with a different name.

I just realized the irony that yesterday's post was entitled "The Rainbow Room", a play on another famed NY restaurant's name. I hadn't even read of the Tavern's troubles at the time that I composed that post. Weird.

9 comments:

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

Wow!! This is gorgeous and how sad it will be closing. It really does affect the local residents when a place closes after being a fixture for so long.

Loving your blog. Of course I don't mind at all if you use some of my kitchen pics, I'd be honored! Have a wonderful New Years!
~Michelle

Beth said...

When I saw your post yesterday, the first thing I thought of was New York's Rainbow Room, a place I have never been. However, I did visit Tavern on the Green once -- for a disco! So you can guess how long ago that was. I always liked seeing the little twinkly lights outside the Tavern on the Green. I was sorry to hear that it's closing.

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

So unfortunate to lose another historical/legendary establishment...
xo*

Hello Lindello said...

I hate to see stuff like this close. It looks so stunning!

Unknown said...

I have eaten there and it was a wonderful experience. I loved their prix-fix pre-theatre dinner.
I can't believe the city is closing such a special NY landmark. The Tavern survived the Depression, but not the Recession. How very sad.

Sam said...

Wowsers! Look at that!! We just don't have anything nearly as opulent and glamorous as that in little old Sydney town!! Would have liked to have visited! Nobody wants to rescue it - that seems strange to me....

...and Happy Happy New Year for 2010!!! Very much looking forward to keeping up with you and your adventures in 2010!!!

Gabbi said...

So sad to hear it's closing... very much wanted to visit and just never got around to it when visiting.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

I just heard that today too. From what I heard, the quality of food has gone down in recent years, I've never been, but just what I've heard. Maybe they will reopen it with a new owner. Happy 2010!

molly said...

oh no!! i can't believe this. it's so beautiful and my favorite aunt got married here :-(

the food being mediocre is pretty accurate though, unfortunately. however, the outdoor garden and the homey feel on the inside makes everything worth it.

this is oh so very sad. i hope it revives!