Tavern On The Green Prepares To Serve Its Last Meal
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New Yorkers will be given a rare opportunity next month to purchase a piece of history, as items from Tavern on the Green go up for auction. NY1’s John Schiumo filed the following report.The renowned Central Park eatery, Tavern on the Green, is serving its final meals on New Year's Eve, and in mid-January, will be converting its dining room into an auction hall.
Originally built in 1934 upon the remains of a Central Park sheepfold, the restaurant has been celebrated for decades as an icon of the glitz and glamor of New York.
In 1974, the Tavern was acquired by the LeRoy family, who spared no expense decorating and expanding the restaurant. The LeRoy dynasty's reign held until this past September, when the family filed for bankruptcy after the city failed to renew its operating license.
“It's understandable how this developed into more than a restaurant,” said Arlan Ettinger, president of the auction house Guernseys. “It's part of us all and it's sad to see it go.”
Patrons from across the United States filled the Tavern's dining rooms, almost all for the last time.
“Tavern on the Green goes way back to my mom who had her Sweet 16 here, and my parents who had their wedding reception here,” said restaurant patron Robyn Siegal. “And then many years later, I met my future husband here.”
“We're here to celebrate and also say farewell to our favorite Tavern on the Green, and I wanted my daughter Gia to remember it,” said fellow patron Barbara Constantino.
The auction of the Tavern's keepsakes will begin on January 13th and continue through the 16th. Hundreds of decorative items from the restaurant will be open for bids, from the exquisite Baccarat crystal chandeliers to the silverware.
“There are hundreds of lots, things as simple as knives and forks, and china and glassware, so you could recreate the Tavern on the Green table in your apartment or home,” Ettinger said.
“Can I just buy a whole room? That's probably what I would do, buy a whole room and put it in my backyard and have my own Tavern on the Green,” asked a patron.
In order to bid farewell to the Tavern, or to bid on piece of the Tavern, check out Guernsey's website, Guernseys.com or call 212-794-2280.