French Eatery Closing Its Doors After 20 Years In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Locals are downtrodden at the news that Les Folies Brasserie at 2552 Riva Road will be closing its doors soon. The French restaurant is a gem, owned by 76-year-old Alain Matrat. The chef, dining room captain and restaurateur has been a fixture at his restaurant and elsewhere for 60 years, but his health is telling him it's time to hang up his apron. Les Folies will close its doors after dinner June 26.

The fine dining restaurant opened Jan. 1, 1999, in a space previously occupied by an Italian eatery. Its menu items introduced many Annapolis residents to food they had never imagined trying, such as Escargots de Bourgogne, Le Coq Au Vin and souffles. Matrat told the Capital Gazette that he doesn't really want to retire, but he has been unable to find anyone willing to engage in the intense training required to prepare French cuisine.

Les Folies' customers have expressed how saddened they are at the closure. Matrat emailed thousands of customers to share the news and people from around the world responded. Andrea Wagner shared on Facebook that she "loved this place and the people" and she wished Matrat well in his retirement. Linda Seitz said on Facebook that she and her family would miss the restaurant, its "amazing French cuisine, your superb service and delightful staff."

Read the full story on the Capital Gazette website.