Balthazar Closing? Gael Greene Claims Legendary Restaurant Will Shutter

Breaking news! Gael Greene’s all-seeing Twitter claims that Keith McNally’s legendary Balthazar will shut down:

Devastating news that Balthazar will close at end of lease. I have always felt it was Paris in NY. Say it isn’t so Keith. Pastis too.

— Gael Greene (@GaelGreene) April 18, 2013

McNally had recently opened up an offshoot of Balthazar, the cornerstone of his New York restaurant empire, in London — to enthusiastic diners and disappointing reviews. No word yet as to whether his London opening has anything to do with the purported closing of the New York location of Balthazar, which is still very popular among the city’s A-listers.

A reservationist at the restaurant  said on the phone that “as far as we know, the restaurant will not be closing,” pointing to the recent London opening as a proof of the empire’s health.

UPDATE: Eater’s Gabe Ulla Tweeted that McNally, “categorically” denied that any of his restaurants would shutter. So, uh, Gael, what’s up?

[Gael Greene]

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