Famed NYC eatery Elaine’s to close down six months after owner Elaine Kaufman dies
Lukas I. Alpert, DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
The era of Elaine's is finally over.
The famed New York City restaurant is shutting its doors for good next week - just six months after its legendary owner, Elaine Kaufman passed away.
"This is one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make," said Diane Becker, Elaine's longtime manager who inherited the restaurant. "But the truth is, there is no Elaine's without Elaine."
"It's simply not a viable situation. The business is just not there without Elaine," she said.
Elaine's will serve its last meals on Thursday, May 26.
The Upper East Side eatery opened in 1963 and quickly became one of the hottest night spots in the city.
Home to a legion of hungry writers, athletes and screen stars, the city's elite were drawn to the its tables for nearly 50 years.
But the main attraction had always been Elaine herself, and it was long suspected the restaurant would not be able to exist without her.
Kaufman died at age 81 on Dec. 3, 2010. A memorial service for her is being planned for June, Becker said.
Top - The famed New York City restaurant is shutting its doors for good next week, at 1703 Second Avenue in Manhattan. (Tanya Braganti /NYDN) Bottom - Kaufman died at age 81 on Dec. 3, 2010 (Braganti/NYDN)
