I shunned Tavern on the Green for years.

The last time I was there was in 2006 when I was invited to all-star baseball player, Bernie Williams, retirement party. The food was inedible and the place was as out of style as trump’s hairdo.

On a gorgeous June evening with a deep yearning to sit outside, I finally revisited the restored Central Park icon, situated in an elegant setting with courtyard and garden seating.

The renovation which was completed in 2014 is impressive.

The bar has been updated with a sun defying sturdy overhang.

The Bar menu now offers entrees rather than just snacks and charcuterie plates.

We commenced with drinks. I ordered an Aperol Spritz which was delicious, but half the size of what other establishments serve ($18).

My husband’s Talea Sun Up IPA draft was very good and priced appropriately ($10).

We started with a chilled Shrimp Cocktail served with a spicy cocktail sauce. The tasty jumbo shrimp were meaty ($29).

We shared the Organic Scottish Grilled Salmon in a Beurre Blanc sauce and shaved green and white asparagus. It was presented cold and they made another  piece of salmon for us which was excellent.

Unfortunately, it was replated on the same crockery. The sauce and asparagus were cold, although the asparagus were still tasty ($38).

We enjoyed a side dish of delectable Mashed Potatoes ($15).

BTW, the gentleman sitting next to us enjoyed a huge portion of Maine Lobster Mac N’ Cheese ($28) and Roasted Lemon Chicken ($38). He raved about both.

A live quartet filled the outdoor venue with good vibes, couples danced, the lights twinkled and the view was impressive.

Time for a brief history lesson…originally designed by Calvert Vaux, Tavern on the Green was built as a sheep fold in the 1880’s to house the 700 sheep that grazed in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow.

Robert Moses transformed the building in to a restaurant in 1934, as part of his park renovation.

After a hiatus starting in 2009, the city searched for a new operator and Tavern reopened in 2014.

Tavern on the Green is now a delightful place to have a lovely meal, enjoy live music and the phenomenal Central Park ambiance.

Tavern on the Green 67th Street and Central Park West New York City. Open Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-10pm. Reservations on OpenTable.com.