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Lutece, a landmark of French cuisine in the United States, served its last supper Saturday -- a special Valentine's dinner seasoned with regrets -- then shut its front door and went out of business.
For its final night, the restaurant, which for decades was the epitome of exquisite dining and decor but which fell on hard times in recent years and fought to meet expenses, was packed with patrons.
Many came not only for such dishes as beet chartreuse with oyster cream, Dover sole souffle for two, sauteed foie gras with dark chocolate sauce and bitter orange marmalade -- but for large helpings of nostalgia.
The midtown restaurant with an understated green awning was named for Lutetia, the Roman name for Paris. After it opened on Feb. 16, 1961, it quickly became so popular that people had to reserve months ahead of time.
Chef Andre Soltner became one of the first...