Russian Tea Room Closes for a Year

New York City’s fabled Russian Tea Room--famous for its cavier-covered blinis, year-around Christmas decorations and celebrity clientele--closed its doors for at least a year on Dec. 31. When they reopen, the 69-year-old landmark will be gone, replaced by a taller, flashier structure on the same 57th Street spot, next to Carnegie Hall. The restaurant is changing hands as well. Owner Faith Stewart-Gordon sold the property to Warner LeRoy, the showman-restaurateur and owner of Tavern on the Green. The new Russian Tea Room will feature the cooking of David Bouley, an owner and chef of the much acclaimed Bouley restaurant.