Tavern On The Green Auction Raises Millions

NEW YORK — A court-ordered auction of the glitzy decor at New York City's Tavern on the Green has raised millions of dollars to cover the bankrupt restaurant's $8 million debt.

The sale ended Friday and included about 20,000 items from the landmark establishment in Central Park – from crystal chandeliers to a pig-shaped weather vane and all the china and kitchen equipment.

The highest bid – $180,000 – was for a Tiffany glass ceiling used in other restaurants owned by Tavern operator Warner LeRoy, the Russian Tea Room and Maxwell's Plum.

Other top items at the Guernsey's auction were a Tiffany glass ceiling piece that went for $120,000 and a Tiffany peacock mural that sold for $75,000.

Tavern on the Green closed its doors on New Year's Eve after 75 years.

Comments

[johnnygoodwud]

11:35 AM on 01/17/2010

when i lived in wash. d.c. yrs ago LeRoy tried opening a rest. in georgetown. the decor was much like tav. on the green, but the food was nasty, seemed more intersted in presentation that substance. i think it might have last 6 months to a yr. i'm betting that set him back a ton of $$$$

[naschkatze]

10:04 PM on 01/16/2010

That exterior photo in the snow is beautiful.

[scottco]

11:15 AM on 01/16/2010

700,000 dinners plated a year (plus booze) and they couldn't make a profit. Union staff.

[StJames]

06:02 PM on 01/16/2010

Get a grip.

[JhNyc]

12:30 AM on 01/17/2010

It had a union staff for decades and did very well. The problem was more likely Jennifer LeRoy's complete lack of experience when her late father left her in charge.

[AnglScarlett]

10:57 AM on 01/16/2010

I cannot believe this. The memories that I have of this beautiful place. I have dined there in the spring and fall, which to me are the best times because it's not to hot or cold, and you can sit outside, right in the park. It's such a wonderful evening. I have had very romantic evenings there. All in the past now. So sad and really stunning that this would happen to Tavern on the Green. I am thankful though, that I have been able to have the experience before it was too late.

[Crix]

10:20 AM on 01/16/2010

Glad to see such big money being spent on stuff like this rather than those Haitian people.

[AnglScarlett]

11:01 AM on 01/16/2010

We'll all be dead soon enough. I have donated and cried many tears for the Haitian people, especially the children. Whether or not I enjoy an evening out at a restaurant won't stop anyone's suffering. To stop living is not an answer.

[Crix]

11:36 AM on 01/16/2010

I wasn't talking about giving up dinner, I was questioning spending obscene amounts of money on chandaliers, pig weathervanes and Tiffany glass at a time when tens of thousands need help to survive.

[fraught]

07:03 PM on 01/15/2010

All junk.

[seancito]

09:01 PM on 01/15/2010

"...and you are?"

[HHUA]

11:27 PM on 01/15/2010

Yes, that Tiffany stuff is sure "junk".

I'm guessing you prefer Wal Mart.

[scottowego]

08:43 AM on 01/16/2010

LOL!!!!!!!!