May 15, 2018
Le Cheri Facebook/for PhillyVoice
After four years in the Philadelphia Art Alliances building, Le Cheri has decided to call it quits.
After five years, Le Cheri will close its doors for good this month.
The French bistro just off Rittenhouse Square in the Philadelphia Art Alliance building will end service after dinner on May 27.
Owners Chef Pierre and Charlotte Calmels opened Le Cheri in 2014 and before that, in 2009, their flagship Bibou — a cozier, 32-seat BYOB in South Philly. Pierre Calmels is now working out of Bibou and Charlotte Calmels has transitioned into a new role at D’Artagnan, purveying meat and charcuterie.
Le Cheri was known for its elegant courtyard dining garden and classic French fare.
In 2014 the Inquirer's food critic Craig La Ban gave Le Cheri a high 3-bell rating, calling its French classics "artful" and a "wonder."
But Le Cheri’s lease was set to expire in September, and reeling from a slow
winter the couple decided to close, Charlotte Calmels had explained to the Inquirer earlier this month.
Lyon, France native Pierre Calmels worked for Daniel Bouloud in New York for 10 years and spent several years at George Perrier’s Le Bec Fin in Philly. He has been nominated for James Beard Awards since 2010.
Bibou will not be affected by the closing.
