Looks like future Gracie Mansion dinner guests are in for a treat; the city has announced that the kitchen will be shutting down tomorrow for an overdue $1.4 million renovation. The current kitchen was installed way back in Mayor Ed Koch's day, when it was headed by now-top New York chef Mitchel London.
But despite spending a decade without a permanent resident, after 27 years of campaign receptions, weddings and other politico shindigs, the old-school cooking nook is due for a fancy new facelift. The pricey renovation—which will be paid for using fundraiser and sponsor funds from the Gracie Mansion Conservancy— will include installing energy-efficient equipment, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, and a layout redesign. Now Ray KellyChristine Quinn our next mayor can look forward to a high-tech dining experience should he or she ignore Bloomberg's advice and set up shop in Gracie once more!
