I grew up in a town where the only restaurant we had who’s reputation spanned a nation and crossed the oceans was Le Bec. I am deeply sorry to see it go. Georges was and is an inspiration to several generations of Philadelphia chefs (I worked for him right after I moved back home from France). I hope that its next reincarnation wows us all and lasts for decades to come.

On a side note, I am looking for line cooks so if any Le Bec workers are looking for a job, perhaps they can find a home with me.

It is truly a shame that this has happened to Le Bec Fin. Having lived through the birth of the Philadelphia Restaurant Renaissance, it is sad to see the last vestige of that era go away. Le Bec may keep its name after the reno but clearly it won’t be the same it was in its hayday.
Memory Lane: Places like Alouette, LaCamargue, Frog, Boujour, Deux Cheminees, La Truffe and one of my all time favorites, though not particualry fine dining, Knave of Hearts have all gone away.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to dine at Le Bec numerous times, more so over the past three years and change. My food was always outstanding but I think Le Bec probably losts its way when George Perrier decided to give up the 5th Star in lieu of a more casual approach. Something got lost in translation. I think he probably was listening to the wrong people in order to keep the restaurant current with dining trends. Casual dress might have been acceptable on weeknights but it probably didn’t bode with the “old money” on the weekends.
What’s done is done but I feel for all of the associates who got caught up in this. In all the times there, my wife and I were treated like royalty. On many occasion, Executice Chef Nicholas Elmi came out into the dining room, to chat with customers. Outstanding chef; too bad he had to take a couple of hits for food for which he wasn’t responsible (namely Georges classics). Elmi’s food was outstanding, especially his rendition of Faux Gras.
Au Revoir, Le Bec Fin!!! You will be missed.
Thank You, George Perrier.
P.S. George – Stay Single – Marriage Doesn’t Become You. Too costly.

Its a sad day for Philadelphia. I had the delight of sharing my birthday lunch, and found every one to be exceptional; above all, the food and the service were all the stars it deserves; as a former owner of a restaurant in New York, it would be up there with the best days of Le Cirque, also a restaurant l would select to celebrate my birthday lunch; something l reserve for the best of the best on my special day.