Saturday was the last time Four Seasons will ever serve supper. That midtown location for over fifty years will soon be empty. The iconic New York restaurant is closing its doors for good.
But only in that location. The restaurant is moving a few blocks away from the E. 52nd Street to Park Avenue between E. and 29th Streets a year later. They will be competing with Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick's restaurant.
An employee from Four Seasons worked the shift during Saturday and said "We're just so busy right now." According to reports, the restaurant was home to most of the New York City power lunches and it did not disappoint.
Co-owners Julian Niccolini and Alex von Bidder have opened the restaurant's white marble pool, French walnut paneling and shimmering curtains to many guests like Sophia Loren who was said to be the first guest to jump into the pool.
Pecko Zantilaveevan, the executive chef of the Four Seasons restaurant, was overseeing the roasting of 102 ducks for the last dinner service that Saturday night. He has been employed in that restaurant for the past 20 years. He has been ordering ducks for the past few years and on that night, the walk-in refrigerator is empty. He will not be ordering any more birds.
New comers and repeat guests will miss the nostalgic place. "It's like attending a wake," said George Nettles, a first-time visitor to the restaurant.
Diners from all over came to say their farewell to the business. Taking the last sip or martini at the bar and even hop into the pool. Niccolini and Bidder did not create a grandiose event for the last night of operations. Instead, they continue greeting regulars and guests like normal.
For the past week, there were charity dinners, a reception for high-rollers and even auctions for some of the furniture. Although the hard plans have not yet been finalized, it is for certain that they are still moving to a different location.
