Midtown restaurant, a Manhattan hotspot for six decades, bids farewell this week.
La Grenouille, a renowned French restaurant in New York City, is set to close this week after decades of serving sophisticated cuisine. The restaurant, which opened in 1962, was known for its elegant ambiance and classic French dishes. Philippe Masson, the current owner, has announced that he will be moving on to pursue other ventures.
La Grenouille was a favorite dining spot for celebrities and socialites in the 1960s and 1970s, with guests like Salvador Dalí, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Truman Capote frequenting the establishment. The restaurant’s opulent decor, including crimson banquettes, mirrored walls, and bursts of flowers, added to its allure.
Despite its popularity, La Grenouille faced challenges in recent years, including a family dispute that led to the departure of Philippe’s older brother, Charles Masson Jr., in 2014. Many loyal customers followed Charles to his new restaurant, Majorelle, causing a decline in La Grenouille’s clientele.
Over the years, La Grenouille maintained its reputation for romantic charm and exquisite cuisine. The restaurant was known for its traditional French dishes like pike quenelles, potage Saint-Germain, and soufflés. The elegant setting, with soft lighting and towering floral arrangements, created a unique dining experience for guests.
In a review by The New York Times in 2009, La Grenouille was praised for its timeless elegance and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s decor, combined with the falling snow outside, created a magical setting for diners. Philippe Masson’s decision to perform lounge music in the dining room in recent years was met with mixed reactions from patrons, with some feeling it was out of place in the traditional setting.
As La Grenouille prepares to close its doors, it marks the end of an era for fine dining in New York City. The restaurant’s legacy as a bastion of French cuisine and old-world charm will be remembered by those who had the privilege of dining there. Philippe Masson’s decision to explore new opportunities signals a new chapter for the iconic establishment.
Source: The NY Times
