After 13 years of fun and Frenchness, Lilly's on Abbot Kinney closed for good last Friday. It was one of my favorites, and we Venice friends shared many a special occasion within those walls (and out on the lovely patio). Tres triste.
We went over on their last night to wish Chef Francis Bey adieu, and get one last order of moules frites, my favorite mermaid dish.
It was sad as people would come up to the packed and chaotic bar to place their orders, only to be told they no longer had that kind of rum in stock. Or on the night of the Blue Moon, to watch the bartender unscrew the tap for Blue Moon beer - fin.
Though it was sad, there was a lot of laughter and hugs among friends who were regulars at the delightful Lilly's over the years. We celebrated birthdays, babies, marriages, lives, and simple good meals with friends there many, many times over the years, and all of that bubbled to the surface on August 31st, as we clinked our glasses one final time.
Salut, Francis! Salut Lilly's!! And MERCI for the abundance of happy memories you provided so many of us over the last 13 years. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.
*I'm not sure exactly why Bey chose to close Lilly's doors now, but I have a feeling it has to do with the new and ridiculous rents. Now I hear that Jin Patisserie is closing too due to QUADRUPLED rent. Don't these greedy landlords realize that these are the very places that made Abbot Kinney special in the first place?! No one cares about another fancy clothes outpost, and the skyrocketing rents can't be sustained. They'll see. In the meantime, support the local places you love! While you still can.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Adieu et Merci, Lilly's!
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