Critic Roundup: Grass Isn't Greener For Tavern On The Green

The critics agree: Tavern on the Green remains a culinary disappointment.

Pete Wells of The New York Times did his very best to highlight what the New York dining institution is doing right, but he still gave it a zero star rating due to multiple menu, décor, and service misfires. Adam Platt of Grub Street also left his review starless, and New York Post's Steve Cuozzo was offended by the service and some of the lackluster dishes when he revisited the establishment just two weeks ago. The consensus appears to be that although there has been some improvement on the original, the reboot still leaves much to be desired.

Boston's storied Parker's Restaurant received a similar treatment from The Boston Globe's Devra First. The critic nodded to the famous spot's historic significance, but the nostalgia was just not enough to win her over. She awarded it just 1.5 stars, citing outdated ambience and overpriced food as the culprits for its lackluster performance.

In Seattle, The London Plane is successfully venturing into new territory, according to Providence Cicero of The Seattle Times. Beyond a simple eatery, it's tapping into the lifestyle trend becoming so prevalent in consumerism by splitting the space between its café, deli, bakery, and florist. Even with such varied offerings, Cicero assures us that chefs Emily Crawford and Kyle Wisner still deliver, and that the kitchen "is integral to the space." Readers are encouraged to dine in and take some of The London Plane home, which is a telltale sign of a very happy food critic.

Restaurant Critic Roundup: 6/25/14

Kate Kolenda is the Restaurant/City Guide Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @theconversant.