From when it opened in 1970 to its closing in 2013, Philadelphia’s Le Bec-Fin was an unparalleled testament to American fine dining. Chef Georges Perrier, a native of Lyon in France, had an unrivalled influence on cooking in Philadelphia and the world. There will never be another!

On Friday, May 5, we celebrated the most famous Chef and restaurant in the history of our city, fine dining or otherwise!

Le Bec-Fin was named after the French colloquialism for “fine palate”. It was celebrated by those with the most sophisticated and discriminating of palates. Dinner was luxurious. Service was precise. The evening always memorable. For one night only, we brought back the legendary Le Bec-Fin.

Two of George’s closest friends, Dinner Chair Dr Bruce B Zappan and Danny Liberatoscioli, President of Walnut Hill College, spent over six months preparing for this one night. George’s classic dishes returned along with the legendary French wines that paired so well with his cuisine.

When you think of Le Bec Fin you think of the classic dishes like crab cake with mustard sauce, spring lamb chops with thyme and caramelized vegetables, and salade Lyonnaise. All were featured along with lobster bisque with Scotch Whisky, snails in Champagne sauce, foie gras terrine with Szechuan peppercorns, and blinis with caviar.

And how can you forget the celebrated cheese cart and multi-tier dessert cart!

Le Bec-Fin had the finest wine list in Philadelphia. We honoured it with classic French wines. Thank you to our Vice-Échanson Larry Weitzner for supplying almost all the wines for the evening.

Finally, we toasted Chef Georges and 43 years of Le Bec-Fin with Champagne Pol Roger Réserve (generously donated by Dr Bruce B. Zappan).

Ten years without this beloved restaurant has been 10 years too long!

Adapted from an article prepared by Bailli Paul Koulogeorge