When word came earlier this year that Le Bec Fin would be closing, it was met with mixed feelings. There was sadness that the end of a storied era in Philly’s dining was coming to close. But most took comfort in and remained mostly optimistic that the restaurant would soon reopen under new ownership. Unfortunately that’s not the case for Gilmore’s, the swanky and very well received BYOB in downtown West Chester from Le Bec alum Peter Gilmore. It just closed, ending an 11-year run. West Chester Dish reports that Gilmore cites his age, countless years of 16-hour-plus days at the stove, and a bum economy for his decision to close up shop. And unlike Georges Perrier’s palace of fine dining, Gilmore’s won’t be getting a second lease on life with a new operator and new chef. Here’s hoping another restauranteur comes along that can summon the same culinary magic in void left by its closing. [WC Dish]
