One of NYC’s Most Iconic French Restaurants May Shutter Amid Family Feud

La Grenouille, one of NYC’s most iconic French restaurants, could close permanently

An ongoing legal dispute between the two brothers behind La Grenouille may lead to the shuttering of one of New York’s best-known French restaurants. According to the New York Post, Charles Masson alleges in a filing to the Manhattan Surrogate Court earlier this year that the Midtown East establishment faces “imminent” foreclosure because of mismanagement under his brother Philippe Masson, who also inherited the business from their mother.

Charles accused his brother of defaulting on a $1 million loan and leaving the restaurant adrift during the pandemic, the Post reports. But Philippe claims the restaurant, which is currently open, only temporarily closed because of COVID-19 restrictions earlier last year and that he took out the mortgage to pay taxes he claims his brother was supposed to pay.

French restaurants — such as La Côte Basque, Lespinasse, and Lutèce — once dominated the fine dining scene in New York, but La Grenouille is one of the last to stand. It is known for its classic Gallic fare and opulent dining room filled with fresh flowers.

In other news

— The New York Post follows up on two recent arson cases: Caleb Ganzer, who allegedly set fire to two outdoor structures in downtown NYC, told a fire marshal he doesn’t recall starting a fire at Prince Street Pizza. But the rising sommelier, who’s also a partner behind wine bar La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, did offer to pay $1,000 in damages to Prince Street’s dining set-up, the Post reports. The accused arsonist that set Chelsea restaurant Loulou’s dining shed ablaze had gone on a social media rant about the gay community prior to allegedly setting the fire, according to the Post.

— A New Jersey comic book writer is aiming to hit up Krispy Kreme every day through the end of the year to help raise awareness around vaccinations and fundraise for the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where the doughnut chain is based. The New York Times profiled Joe Caramagna, who is donating one dollar for every free Krispy Kreme doughnut he eats — the chain announced a few months ago that vaccinated customers can get one free glazed treat a day through 2021.

— Kissaki, a growing collection of omakase-themed restaurants, is slated to open Kamasu in the Hudson Yards development, at 20 Hudson Yards, in October, according to a restaurant spokesperson. The spot will serve lunch, a quick omakase option, and features a takeout window.

— Grand Prospect Hall, the iconic banquet hall, could soon be demolished. New owner Angelo Rigas has filed a permit to tear down the Park Slope building, which sits on a 60,000-square-foot lot, Brooklyn Paper reports.

— Bagel Boss’ latest expansion takes over a former Oddfellows ice cream shop at East Houston and Mott streets, Bowery Boogie reports.

— There’s never enough peak tomato season content: