In the end it just comes down to cash.
So, we've been expecting it for a long time now but were still surprised to hear it. The Phoenician is closing Mary Elaine's on the fifth of April.
They will be re-opening the room sometime after October as a joint venture with Jean George. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this. Mary Elaine's has been a home to me for almost five years now and I have learned so much there. But I also know that the room is dead. We do a fraction of the business we should be doing. Several months ago I had told them my intention of leaving, but still, while waiting for several restaurants to open have not found a place to land.
So I'm not broken up about it. But Phoenix has truly lost something special. Mary Elaine's is a treasure. A unique experience. The food, the wine, and the service create a dinner that surpass any that you could get at any steakhouse in the valley. And sadly that's what Mary Elaine's is to become... another steakhouse.
Albeit a very good steakhouse that I'd love to work at and make a crap tonne more money then I'm making now.
They will be re-opening the room sometime after October as a joint venture with Jean George. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this. Mary Elaine's has been a home to me for almost five years now and I have learned so much there. But I also know that the room is dead. We do a fraction of the business we should be doing. Several months ago I had told them my intention of leaving, but still, while waiting for several restaurants to open have not found a place to land.
So I'm not broken up about it. But Phoenix has truly lost something special. Mary Elaine's is a treasure. A unique experience. The food, the wine, and the service create a dinner that surpass any that you could get at any steakhouse in the valley. And sadly that's what Mary Elaine's is to become... another steakhouse.
Albeit a very good steakhouse that I'd love to work at and make a crap tonne more money then I'm making now.