The Nomadic Pinoy: Tavern On The Green

Nothing beats eating at a fancy New York restaurant when it is free (and during working hours at that!). After all, no one among us at work would have lunch at the Tavern On The Green under normal circumstances and pay for the price of gold. But this restaurant, featured in several movies, is an undisputed New York legend since 1976: over-hyped, overrated and overrun with tourists - how could we possibly say no to such an offer? When the work memo stipulated a choice between joining this lunch or staying at work for a couple more of hours, everyone knew that eating is the best option.

Tavern On The Green is right at the corner of Central Park West, the only fine dining restaurant afforded with such a fine location. There's a gorgeously manicured garden for al fresco dining, one of the seating options in this Victorian Gothic style restaurant. Today, we have reserved tables at the Crystal Room - a cavernous room filled with crystal chandeliers and glass walls overlooking the park. It's one of those Versailles Palace moment where I half-expected Marie Antoinette to appear. Though this display of ostentation is almost gaudy, I didn't expect much from the mostly contemporary American fare on their menu.

We were served by waitstaff that seem in a hurry and at times, clumsy. The food, served for a large group of about 450, came expeditiously without much fanfare: a pasta for starters, a choice of fish or chicken for entree and ice cream for dessert. Sparkling French wine was served. Our lunch was capped with brewed coffee. There's nothing sensational about the food but it wasn't forgettable either - fish was so-so, chicken and pasta were good and ice cream was great. Overall, it's more the visual than the gustatory delights that get the attention.

STARTERS: PASTA