I worked for the Waltucks at Le Zinc during the early aughts. The Waltucks take great care of their staff, and I will always treasure my experience working at Le Zinc as a young woman new to New York City. Thank you, David and Karen, for all you have done over the years for New York City and your employees. Best of luck with the next chapter of your lives.
2
That address has to be cursed. First, Veritas which received a NY Times 3-star review and now Elan. The room was small, quiet and elegant. Might have done well in another era before smartphones.
1
This was a jewel of a restaurant. It shall be missed not only because of its excellent food and wine list, but because of the great service attitude and ambiance that was characteristic to it.
2
There are familiar signs that were also present before the last recession. Restaurants closing, empty retail properties in prime locations, rising inventories, people getting fired from high-paying jobs at financial firms, a declining stock market. People tend to snap their purses shut suddenly. Restaurants with high prices are at great risk suddenly. The consumer has spoken, and has said, "I can enjoy good food with friends at home, with the same bottle of wine that costs 20% of the after-tip&tax price the restaurant charges.
6
A selective reading. This restaurant never caught on, but plenty that opened at the same time have. Try to book a table at Santina for Friday night before 11:30pm and tell me that the American public has collectively decided to stay home.
2
That's too bad. Building a loyal, regular clientele depends on personal interactions, and most young diners have a closer relationship with their smart phones than with the date or the spouse sitting at the same table, let alone the restaurant's proprietors.
9
I've never eaten at Elan but it's always sad to see the fruit of someone's labor close it's doors after so much hard work. All my best to Mr. Waltuck and Mr. Stinson and their crew. Good luck in any future endeavors.
9
"If you build it, they will come" so build it where rents are more affordable and your challenges are gastronomical, not economical.
1
"like going to the movies", a great and sad quote.
4
I'm sad to hear this, as I had hoped to try the place on my next trip. But I would like to thank David Waltuck for writing the cookbook, Staff Meals At Chanterelle. It is my favorite of all time. A great book for those who wish to broaden their international repertoire and learn how to use unfamiliar ingredients. Also very thoughtful about and fun approach to family meals with children in mind. So generous with professional kitchen tips as well. Good luck in his next venture!
3
So true about diners moving on to the latest/greatest or being turned off by the smallest thing. This happened with me and Chanterelle years before it closed.
Right after 9/11, downtown was a wasteland, with restaurant (and their staffs) hurting badly. My friend and I made a reservation at Chanterelle shortly after it reopened as a sign of support. Got there early for our reservation (a weeknight, no less) and was kept waiting for 45 minutes with only the slightest of apologies. And then were offered some unrequested champagne as the wait continued and later was charged for it.
Sure, a first-world problem, but in an industry where folks like Danny Meyer understand the value of above-and-beyond service, a rookie mistake at a place supposed to be staffed by pros. Maybe Elan is suffering some karma.
Right after 9/11, downtown was a wasteland, with restaurant (and their staffs) hurting badly. My friend and I made a reservation at Chanterelle shortly after it reopened as a sign of support. Got there early for our reservation (a weeknight, no less) and was kept waiting for 45 minutes with only the slightest of apologies. And then were offered some unrequested champagne as the wait continued and later was charged for it.
Sure, a first-world problem, but in an industry where folks like Danny Meyer understand the value of above-and-beyond service, a rookie mistake at a place supposed to be staffed by pros. Maybe Elan is suffering some karma.
6
Wow. What a long time to hold onto such a small slight. Chanterelle was my favorite restaurant, because the food was wonderful, the service imppeccable and especially because we were always made to feel as if we were regulars even though we were not. Elan had a different vibe but the food was good and so was the service. Sad I don't live in NYC any more and sad that Elan is closing.
2
It is always sad to read when a restaurant known for its good food has to close its doors for economic reasons.
Even in New York City, where new restaurants pop up like mushrooms after a rain and just as quickly disappear, one would have expected more of stability and longer longevity in the Flatiron district, SoHo and TriBeCa.
Alas, reality does not always meet expectations.
Best wishes to the owners and chefs in their next carriers.
Even in New York City, where new restaurants pop up like mushrooms after a rain and just as quickly disappear, one would have expected more of stability and longer longevity in the Flatiron district, SoHo and TriBeCa.
Alas, reality does not always meet expectations.
Best wishes to the owners and chefs in their next carriers.
22