Tavern on the Green finally reopens on April 24th with a brand new chef and a brand new look. Gone are the garish chandeliers, gaudy fixtures and terrifying topiary. In its place, gorgeous wood floors and sage banquettes; a glowing dining area that peeks into the kitchen; and a handsome, plush bar space with a stunning carousel chandelier. New owners Jim Caiola and David Salama brought in a design dream team to reinvent the space, including lighting designer Ken Billington. Just because it's lost the kitsch doesn't mean there can't still be some theatrics.
Carousel Chandelier at Tavern on the Green from Gothamist on Vimeo.
The restaurant is massive, with five distinct seating areas—both indoors and out—plus a "Green to Go" window serving sandwiches and snacks. The largest of these is the 300-seat Courtyard, currently getting its finishing touches, which boasts an outdoor bar plus completely revamped stone pavers, lighting and trees. There's also a 110-seat garden area decked in espalier fruit trees and planters; a 150-seat Bar Room with an oval bar made from mahogany, with a scagliola fireplace adorned with carved sheep; and the Central Park room, with sunny stone and cheerful fabric chairs and banquettes. Not to mention the South Wing, with its wood, mirrors, orbed light fixtures and seating for 120.
It would all be for nothing without equal talent in the kitchen, helmed by Katy Sparks, who will seek to transform the restaurant's formerly mediocre cuisine. Dishes are still of a higher price point, but nothing completely out of the realm for the area. Items from the wood-burning oven include a small plate of roasted Japanese Eggplant ($15) with pomegranate, fresh herbs and sheep's milk yogurt and larger ones like Atlantic Hake ($34) atop a golden potato puree with clams, saffron and leeks. Grilled items range from a Prime New York Strip Steak ($54) with leeks and potatoes to a Grass-Fed Beef Burger ($18) with fried potatoes and aioli.
Tavern on the Green reopens April 24th with a now sold out dinner seating. For reservations click here. Tavern on the Green is located at West 67th Street and Central Park West.
