A Night at Maison Close: Where Parisian Soul Meets New York Glamour

Inspired by France’s distinct dining culture and its devotion to shared experiences, Maison Close is more than a restaurant—it’s a living, breathing celebration of joie de vivre. My evening there wasn’t just dinner; it was a vibrant, elegant reunion with my high school best friends from Scarsdale, and a night that reminded me how food, laughter, and friendship can transport us through time.

I grew up in Hartsdale, just next door to Scarsdale in Westchester County, where our small all-girls school produced an unforgettable group of women—bold, mischievous, and full of dreams. Decades later, visiting a friend for the weekend, I wanted to gather that same energy for one night in New York City. I reached out to Jeff Krauss, a highly respected figure in New York’s hospitality and events world, known for curating exclusive dining experiences and high-profile celebrity dinner parties at the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Jeff has an impeccable sense of what’s trending in the culinary scene, and when I told him I wanted a memorable night for my high school friends, he immediately recommended Maison Close a destination he knew would blend exceptional food, atmosphere, and style. Maison Close, the SoHo hotspot redefining modern French dining in Manhattan.

Five of us piled into an Uber from Westchester, chatting about wild high school escapades and our adventures from Italy to Mexico. By 8:15 p.m., we arrived—early for the Manhattan dinner crowd—but the energy was already simmering. By 9:30, the restaurant transformed: dimmed lights, pulsing beats, fashion-forward diners, and an electric, cosmopolitan hum that felt unmistakably Parisian yet quintessentially New York. It was the perfect mix of glamour and comfort—like slipping into a Chanel dress with sneakers.

The Culinary Theatre of Chef Geoffrey Lechantoux

At the heart of Maison Close’s allure is Executive Chef Geoffrey Lechantoux, whose culinary artistry bridges French sophistication with modern creativity. Born and trained in France, Lechantoux honed his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens before bringing his talents to New York. His philosophy is simple yet profound: dining should be a sensory performance—beautiful, bold, and unforgettable.

He invited my photographer into the kitchen, posing for photos with the confidence of a seasoned artist and the warmth of an old friend. Later, he joined us at the table—a gesture that perfectly captured the Maison Close spirit: inclusive, joyful, and deeply human.

The evening began with Foie Gras Terrine paired with toasted brioche and a tart rhubarb accent, followed by the Golden & Red Beet Salad—a bright, jewel-toned composition of goat cheese, pistachios, and passion vinaigrette. Then came one of my lifelong favorites: Escargots à la Bourguignonne, glistening in garlic-wine butter, perfect for dipping warm bread. When the Whole Roasted Branzino arrived, served tableside with beurre blanc, we gasped—it was a moment of pure theatre. The waiter, charismatic and playful, carved it with flair, his showmanship turning the presentation into a performance.

For mains, we tasted the Filet de Bar Sauce Champenoise, delicate striped bass with leek fondue and a champagne butter sauce that melted like silk. The Boef Bourguignon was a masterclass in slow cooking—tender beef chunks, pearl onions, and carrots bathed in rich red wine sauce. And the Linguine à la Truffe—fresh linguine coated in creamy truffle sauce and shaved truffle—brought a comforting decadence that only true French kitchens achieve.

Every dish was plated like a work of art—vibrant colors, elegant garnishes, and the unmistakable precision of a chef who understands both flavor and fashion.

A Night to Remember

By 11 p.m., the restaurant had turned into a cabaret of laughter, music, and motion. Waiters began to sing and dance, the lights flashed, and an impromptu parade of Parisian-inspired burlesque erupted behind our table. We were surrounded by models, creatives, and the city’s most glamorous crowd—but for us, it felt like home. The energy was pure joy—an intoxicating reminder of youth, freedom, and the beauty of shared experience.

For me, the night carried a special nostalgia. I’ve spent my career as a top New York model agent and publicist, bridging the worlds of fashion, film, and celebrity—producing international shoots, launching models into Hollywood, and working with icons like Pamela Anderson for GQ. Having lived in France and been raised by a Paris-born grandmother who spoke fluent French and served us frog legs as children, Maison Close felt like a return to my roots. When frog legs appeared on the menu that night, it was an almost emotional connection—memories of childhood elegance and the Parisian table.

A Personal Reflection

That night wasn’t just about the food—it was about friendship and evolution. Sitting with my high school crew, all of us successful, wise, and radiant, felt like stepping into a time capsule where laughter erased the years. My daughter joined us, meeting the women I’d told her about for so long. We were girls again—dressed up, gossiping, celebrating our stories, and marveling at how far we’d come.

Maison Close, with its impeccable service, refined yet playful menu, and effortlessly chic crowd, captured the essence of French dining—convivialité, that irreplaceable joy of being together.

Final Thoughts

Whether for a romantic date, a special occasion, or a night out with friends, Maison Close delivers a full-sensory journey through French gastronomy and New York glamour. Go after 9 p.m.—that’s when the magic begins. Expect music, fashion, champagne, and a crowd that defines the word fabulous. For me and my Scarsdale girls, it was a reminder that life, like great French cuisine, is best when shared—with laughter, love, and a touch of style.

• Website: https://maisoncloserestaurant.com/
• Photo Credit: Danise Talbot