Le Tastevin Closes Doors As Eating Habits Change

Le Tastevin, often cited as one of Seattle's finest restaurants, closed this morning as its owners prepared to file for bankruptcy, the restaurant's director of operations said.

"The bank has called the loan. We can't pay it. It's the oldest story in the world," said Stephen Bosworth, director of operations.

Bosworth said the 17-year-old French restaurant at 19 W. Harrison St. in lower Queen Anne closed for a number of reasons, including slowed business and financial obligations incurred by one of its partners.

"People's eating habits have changed," he said. "I don't think our quality has changed.

"It's a very sad day. It's too bad because we've been fighting this for a long time."

Bosworth could not provide details of the bankruptcy filing, but said it was imminent.

The corporation's lawyer could not be reached for comment this morning.

Bosworth said the building likely would be sold.

The restaurant's closure follows a trend of the past several years in which established, upscale restaurants in the city have drawn competition from stylish but less-formal eateries opening in the suburbs. Some of the Seattle restaurants, such as the Mirabeau, the Other Place, Henry's Off Broadway and now Le Tastevin, have not survived.

Last year, Le Tastevin was one of three Seattle restaurants to receive the new Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) award of excellence. The awards, sponsored by American Express, recognized 313 restaurants in the United States, Canada and Mexico.