Florent closed last night. To many, this place symbolized NYC in all its grittiness and diversity - a charming place that opened ALL walks of life 24 hours a day. If you Google it, you’ll find plenty of emotionally charged stories about how this is the final nail in the nightlife coffin. In many ways, it does serve as a final sign off to a different era - one that will most likely never be replicated.
I was shocked and appalled when Dho sent me this - Florent to re-open as R&L 2 days from now. So pretty much, she closed up shop on Florent by raising his rent to astronomical levels and then she plans to leave it open, and try to replicate the eatery - same locale, same menu, same staff - but under a different name. Will it be successful? Will people go back?
My Aunt and Uncle have lived in the west village, in the Westbeth Artist’s Community for over 30 years, and have some amazing stories about Florent. The man was there when it really was a district of meat packers, and a flourish of burgeoning avant garde artists. I’ve had some amazing meals there myself.
I realize there’s a lot of the story I’m probably missing - but if what I’ve read above is true - I hope people boycott this place.
