Sad Culinary News...

I read some sad news that The Tavern on the Green will be serving it's last meal this New Years Eve 2009. I confess that I never ate there, but dreamed of having brunch with a view of the amazing gardens and central park. It seems the recesson has claimed another victim and the powers that be could not resist the new owners promise to renovate the facility into a "Green Building" (gag) But I guess all things change and I am sure that the memories will live on in the hearts of the millions of patrons that sampled the delights The Tavern on the Green had to offer.

I would love to attend the auction of all of the ornate decor and treasures that graced the interior. Here is a sample of what will be on the auction block...

"Describes as a "gorgeous and glorious wonderland, Tavern on the Green has
six spectacular dining rooms and three exquisite gardens. With its "rustic baroque" decor, Tavern is full of whimsical ornamentation in a woodsy setting. Tavern also makes use of light - in mirrors and crystal, sunlight and moonlight pouring through huge windows, and flickering light from candles and chandeliers. Tavern on the Green has a total of 45 chandeliers, made from more than 15,000 pieces of crystal. The 16 stained glass chandeliers in the corridors, Chestnut and Rafters rooms were designed by Warner LeRoy and made under his supervision in various workshops.
There are 14 sandblasted and etched mirrors, designed by Warner LeRoy and
made by the famous Sheft Brothers of Bronx, New York. Warner LeRoy also designed the 38 carved puntice mirrors that capture the light throughout the restaurant. Also known as "bulls eye" mirrors, they were popular in England in the 17th Century. There are 24 copper and gold-leaf weathervanes made in 1976 by hammering from original 18th Century molds. The molds have since been lost, making these weathervanes quite rare."

AP has more

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091230/D9CTON5O0.html

Consider a TOTG Cocktail for New Years! From the Cocktail menu...

Tavern's Signature Very Berry Metro $15
Skyy Berry Vodka, Cointreau,
Cranberry and Lime Juices

Caramel Apple Martini
$14
Sour Apple Pucker, Butterscotch Liqueur, Vodka, Sliced Apple and Caramel
Swirl Garnish

Iced Vanilla Latte $14
Navan Vanilla Cognac,
Hazelnut Liqueur, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Light Cream
Shaken over ice

Plum Fizz $14
Pearl Plum Vodka, Chambord, Cranberry
Juice, Splash of Perrier
Garnished with Fresh Blackberries

Golden Orchard $14
Absolut Peach Vodka, Triple Sec, Apple
Cider, Splash of 7-Up
Garnished with Red Apple Wedge

Harvest
Sunset $14
Cruzan Orange Rum, Triple Sec, Chartreuse, Splash of Orange Juice
and Perrier
Orange Twist

Citrus-Sake Martini $14
Tyku Fruit
Infused Sake, Alize Passion Liqueur, Citrus Vodka, Cranberry Juice
Splash of
Lime Juice