The 28-year-old restaurant hung on longer than expected, but now the last supper has been announced. La Lunchonette's final night will be this New Year's Eve.
Owner Melva Max adds, "A ten story building will be erected, another 'starchitect' flexing their creative muscle along the old rail line."
After the High Line opened, Max's landlord’s phone didn't stop ringing, and it was always a real-estate developer on the other end. She told me, “My landlord’s not a bad guy, but how you can you say no to offers of $30 million?”
She also noted, “The neighborhood is so gross now. It’s all tourists coming for the High Line. People always say, ‘But wasn’t it great for you?’ The High Line has been the cause of my demise.”
Stop in before La Lunchonette is gone -- taking its delicious lamb sausages with it.
Thank you dear Jeremiah! A ten story building will be erected, another "starchitect" flexing their creative muscle along the old rail line.
ReplyDeleteThere was a great piece in the weekend Financial Times recently talking about the development along the High Line and its disregard for the architectural elements of the surrounding area in Chelsea.
And just for the record, at the end of this year it is 28 years. We opened in January 1988.
Thanks Melva--I'll add those.
ReplyDeleteIt strikes me as ironic that the Highline prides itself on having unusual views. These views are getting swallowed up like a visiting storm. This view - http://fav.me/d7eoprr, for instance, is actually no longer available, as an artful high-rise has obliterated it. Nevertheless, I'm sure the apartments are a bargain. Well...
ReplyDeleteThank you Melva for giving NYC delicious, honest, simple French bistro food without fuss. Something to be proud of! Will be sure to come by before year's end.
ReplyDeleteI will never set foot on the High Line.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone recall Michael Jordan's bar before it was la luncheonette (not that michael jordan).
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