La Folie, a French Fine Dining Institution, Will Close After 32 Years in San Francisco | Eater SF

"After 32 soigné years in Russian Hill, the restaurant will close on March 14 as chef-owner Roland Passot retires to spend more time with his family and write a book. Known for foie gras, poached lobster, lofty soufflés, and other decadent dishes, La Folie opened in the 1980s alongside Stars, Zuni Cafe, and Square One and represented an old-guard era of white tablecloths and fine silver; Passot lamented that “French fine dining seems to be an endangered species” and echoed Paul Bocuse’s maxim that “Happiness is in the kitchen.” The restaurant endured a rough year—suffering a flood in June that forced four months of renovations to replace floors and ceilings—while Passot turned 65 and his wife Jamie battled breast cancer; unlike many peers he remained in the kitchen, cooking six nights a week, and admitted, “I’m getting too old for this,” describing even taking down New Year’s Eve decorations at 3:30 in the morning on wobbly knees. He is seeking a buyer but doubts a new owner would continue the La Folie concept; the operation will relinquish two leases (the restaurant and kitchen in one building, the lounge and private dining room in another), though both landlords have agreed to honor current lease rates and the spaces were recently renovated after the flood. Passot said the most emotional moment was telling long-serving staff—some of whom had been there up to 20 years—and expressed gratitude and pride in the many employees who went on to become chefs; his partnerships with Vine Dining, Left Bank Brasserie, and Meso will continue." - Becky Duffett