A New York City landmark closes its doors tonight. From NPR:
Tavern on the Green, once America's highest-grossing restaurant, is singing its culinary swan song.
The former sheepfold at the edge of Central Park, now ringed by twinkling lights and fake topiary animals, is preparing for New Year's Eve, when it will serve its last meal. Just three years ago, it was plating more than 700,000 meals annually, bringing in more than $38 million.
But that astronomical sum wasn't enough to keep the landmark restaurant out of bankruptcy court. Its $8 million debt is to be covered at an auction of Baccarat and Waterford chandeliers, Tiffany stained glass, a mural depicting Central Park and other over-the-top decor that has bewitched visitors for decades.
The restaurant may reopen eventually, pending legal battles over the "Tavern on the Green" name and union issues. Read the entire story HERE.
Add "Eating at Tavern on the Green" to the extremely long list of stuff I never got around to doing.
I'm suprised one of today's crop of cheflebrities hasn't swooped in with great fanfare to buy TOTG and turn it into a destination again. There are so many fun options: "Craftsteak on the Green"; "DB on the Green", "Aquavit on the Green"....
ReplyDeleteGotta admit, it's better than the inevitable: "Olive Garden on the Green!"
I always wanted to eat there too. Very sad this happened.
ReplyDeletebizarre but i have been there. growing up in the berkshire region of mass, we had neighbors that were summer people from new york. they liked talking politics with my dad and when they got married, we got invited to their wedding.
ReplyDeletewe stayed at the waldorf astoria. i was in first grade and remember getting very sick in the elevators. it was over st.patty's day and we saw the parade. my mom wore orange plaid and someone threw a bottle at her. the reception was held at tavern on the green. it was like being in a fairy land.
i also remember going to the bronx zoo and seeing the statue of liberty. i had never been in a city before other than boston and it was such an experience, i still remember how bad my neck would hurt from looking UP all the time we were on the streets.
xxalainaxx
I never had a chance to eat there. :-(
ReplyDeleteAw, that's sad. :-(
ReplyDeleteWOW! Now that is depressing.
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