La Ripaille, a popular West Village boîte, has announced that it is closing after more than four decades in the same location on Hudson Street. Chef-owner Alain Laurent, 70, will take his well-earned retirement.
One of the things that set La Ripaille apart from other French bistros around town was the inventive twist the kitchen would inject into classic recipes. Escargots for example, which the menu acknowledged is prepared “our way,” arrived out of the shell and in a reduction of cream and tomato perfumed by basil. Another difference was Chef Laurent’s enduring affection for butterfat at a time when other French restaurants were cutting back on butter and cream.
The chef’s plan going forward is to spend more time with his family. He also plans to sell the restaurant and the building that houses it. The asking price for the property is $17 million.
