Well, merde. After 28 years of slinging top-drawer French food to Nob Hill denizens, noted chef (and occasional DJ) Hubert Keller will shutter Fleur de Lys later this month. "We have decided it's time to turn a page in our lives and close Fleur de Lys for good," says the announcement on the restaurant’s website. "All of us here at Fleur de Lys want to give our most sincere gratitude to all our loyal customers who have shared with us an amazing 28 year journey."
Among other things, Fleur de Lys was best know for kick-starting the chef-driven trend—Keller was a culinary darling long before he made an appearance on the first season of Top Chef: Masters—as well as offering an all-vegetarian menu. Though Lys’ quality diminished in the eyes of some critics (Michelin stripped it of its star in 2012 due to “inconsistency,” while Michael Bauer booted it from the SF Chronicle’s esteemed four-star club back in 2007), Keller’s star wattage continued to soar via seemingly countless appearances on morning gab fests, The Real Housewives of Orange County, the Travel Channel, the Food Channel Network, and more.
The final day of business will be Saturday June 28. The restaurant adds: “It has been a very difficult and emotional decision and we are very sad to say goodbye. Please come see us during the month of June to get a few last Fleur de Lys experiences, share stories, and say goodbye.”
No word yet on what will replace this iconic, romantic eatery. To nab a reservation, call 415-673-7779.
