The end of a Philadelphia Icon? Le Bec Fin

Have you ever eaten at Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia?  Well if not, you might to do so soon, if you can afford it.  The owner may be selling in 2011.

This article was originally taken from http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/20100724_C_est_fini_pour_Le_Bec-Fin_.html

Georges Perrier is going to say "Au revoir!" to Le Bec-Fin, his landmark Center City French restaurant, some time next year.

Unless, of course, he changes his mind. Which he might. Unless he doesn't.
"I'm a little tired of doing the same thing. I think we will probably close in the spring," Perrier said last night.

Moments later, he added: "I don't know. You never know. You can always change your mind."
What is known for sure is that Perrier put both the restaurant business and its building, at 1523 Walnut St., up for sale earlier this week.

And Perrier held an emotional meeting with his staff yesterday, where he announced that he intended to close the restaurant.

It was a gut-wrenching decision for the celebrated chef, who opened Le Bec-Fin in 1970.
A decade later, the 5-star restaurant was recognized as one of the best in the country, and it helped transform a once-seedy section of Walnut Street into the revered Restaurant Row.

But the times changed - don't they always? - and the fancy, three-figure meals Perrier offered at Le Bec-Fin fell out of favor.

In a bid to stay competitive, Perrier eased the restaurant's formal dress code and high prices. It was forced to give up one of its Mobil Travel Guide stars because of the changes.

Last summer, he offered four-course tasting menus with a twist - customers were allowed to pay whatever they wanted. Currently, the restaurant is offering a $40 four-course menu to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

"I want to do something different," Perrier said, noting that he is working on three new restaurant projects. "I feel I have given a lot to this town. My head is high."

Perrier also owns Georges' in Wayne and a catering operation, and along with business partner Chris Scarduzio opened Table 31 at the Comcast Center and Mia in Atlantic City.

Patrons of Le Bec-Fin last night expressed a mix of sadness and reverence.

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Dr. Rhoda Maister, who was walking into the restaurant for dinner with her husband. "It's a very nice restaurant, different for Philadelphia."

"He just kissed my hand! He was so nice," Joann Manuel said of Perrier as she left after dinner.

"That's like a Philadelphia icon," she added. "How could they do that to us?"