Philadelphia’s food scene is changing, as more restaurateurs open dining experiences focused on local ingredients, trendy flavors or casual bites. In this world of quick and cozy, where do the famed gilded doors of Georges Perrier‘s Le Bec-Fin fit in?
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Friday evening that Perrier is planning to close the award-winning French restaurant by spring 2011. In an article that breaks the hearts of foodies throughout Philly, the paper explains that with the food climate changing and a variety of new projects on the horizon, Perrier has decided that Le Bec-Fin simply doesn’t make sense any more. The building and the business have been put up for sale at $3.9 million and $600,000, respectively.
For 40 years now, Le Bec-Fin has been a culinary destination on the East Coast. The classic French fare, chandelier-lit dining room and infamous dessert cart were part of the surge that made Walnut Street the destination it is today.
For those who will morn the loss of this culinary icon, there is still time to visit and enjoy the talented staff’s beautifully plated dishes. In honor of its 40th year of operation, the restaurant is currently offering a four-course Celebration Menu that features items such as Roasted Spanish Octopus, Chorizo in Two Preparations, Olive Oil-Poached Salmon and, of course, selections from the cart (I highly recommend the Opera Cake).
Le Bec-Fin is also scheduled to participate in this Fall’s Center City Restaurant Week, running Sept. 12-17 and 19-24, for both lunch and dinner specials.
Le Bec-Fin is located at 1523 Walnut St., Philadelphia, 215.567.1000, www.lebecfin.com.
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