Le Bec-Fin to stay open
Georges Perrier says he has called off the landmark's closing.
Le Bec-Fin to stay open
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Vive Le Bec-Fin!
As champagne corks popped to welcome 2011, chef Georges Perrier announced to patrons that his Walnut Street restaurant would not close after all, thus maintaining a 40-year fine-dining tradition.
"I have received an outpouring of letters from all over the world, begging me not to close," Perrier told me.
He said chef Nicholas Elmi was his new partner. He plans to renovate Le Bar Lyonnais, the downstairs bar, and the mezzanine dining room. He also plans to open a bread bakery in Narberth.
Perrier, 67, had shown a strong case of seller's remorse in the five months that Le Bec-Fin's building had been on the market, hinting to friends occasionally that the restaurant would remain.
It was clear that Perrier did not have his heart in a sale, even as his restaurant's popularity had been unbuttoning in this age of dressed-down dining.
He was asking $3.9 million for the art deco building. The business was priced at $600,000.
He initially denied that he had signed a listing agreement last summer, even after The Inquirer showed him a copy of the prospectus. The next day, Perrier acknowledged to staff that Le Bec-Fin was winding down. At the time, he vowed to open at least two new restaurants elsewhere in the city.
Perrier opened the restaurant at 1523 Walnut St. in 1983 after 13 years on Spruce Street.
SHOCKED! Shocked I am.— esterrick- George. The Delaware Valley is very happy with your New Years gift to us. Now if you can just cut down on the cream sauces and rich dishes and cook healthier, I think you'd pack the joint. My daughter is at the CIA and I can tell you all that along with Paul Bocuse of Lyon, France, George is regarded as one of the best in the entire world. You know what Cliff Lee's wife said. Philly has it all over NYC in restaurants, cultural events, nice Jersey beaches, and nice people. Philly rules.
- Guy is an egomaniac and yells at his staff like a crazy person. His ego won't let him close with dignity. However, he was good as Corporal LeBeau in Hogan's Heroes.
- Perrier, who is as phony as the water that shares his name, never intended to close the restaurant. It was nothing more than a ploy (albeit effective) to gain attention and free marketing. In that sense, good for him, taking advantage of the local media. However, the restaurant has long been overpriced and overrated -- anyone. If you want a better meal, go to the Cosi or McDonald's at the 30th Street Station (and the restrooms are cleaner). The place is nothing more than a shrine to mediocrity, embraced by the equally mediocre Philadelphia "Pinky's Out" crowd. "Bone" Appetit!!!!!— BillyFortune
- We all knew it wouldn't be closing.— roguefiftyone
- Whatever, I guess the geriatrics will be happy. No one else will care.— samson
- Why would you waste your time commenting on things so mediocre, BillyFortune? Sour grapes much?— The Pack Leader
- Billy, you are an idiot. That man has accomplished more for this city than you could ever possibly know, or express in your disjointed 'hifalutin' comments. In fact, your post makes it pretty clear that you have no idea what you are talking.— andrews
- Whether time and cooking styles have passed him by is open to debate, but it's a fact that George Perrier was the cornerstone of the revitalization of Philly dining. As long as he can make a buck by keeping the restaurant open, I'm happy to see him stay
BigMike100: I'm trying to be nice because the tone of your comments is gracious and sincere. However, I couldn't help but think about a piece in the NY Times a few weeks ago where one of those "healthy eating lady" types posted several substitutions and alterations to some classic French dishes. Under the article the comment I liked best was (and I paraphrase) "who the hell are you to tell the French how to cook?"
And sir, although I know it's a bit extreme and not something you implied I can't help but wonder who in God's name would go to Le Bec-Fin for Tofu, Granola and Yogurt?- Sell it George. We ate there 30 days ago and everything was so bad I actually thought of asking for my money back. All Le Bec is anymore is a name. The food, the quality and the service have all sunk to a level never imagined. I've been eating there for over 30 years. It's time to pack it in and walk away with your dignity and reputation intact. Stay open as you are and you will be remembered as a hack. Move on Chef....— cubalaw
Biilly awesome piece....u said it!— The Philly Shadow- he should just rename the restaurant "MY EGO IS BIG" and call it a day.— bingo
- BillyFortune is right on. Overpriced, overly pretentious and not worth the time. To top it off, the owner lies to the investigative team to hoodwink his staff. Plenty of outstanding restaurants in our region to try, rather than patronize the legend in his own mind.— Bob1
- I heard from folks that know some of the realtors involved with trying to market the building that George decided long ago not to close, and purposely kept the news going so people would run to have dinner ....this guys is a joke. Le Bec Finish already— MCAT219
