Charles Masson Jr. Hired As Baccarat Restaurants Director
Charles Masson Jr., although not a chef, is a culinary household name who spent the better part of four decades serving as the manager of the Masson-family-owned La Grenouille on East 52nd Street in Manhattan. Earlier this year, he abruptly resigned his post over a"a family issue" and was replaced by his brother Philippe. Masson is back in the restaurant business, however, having just been hired as the director of restaurants and bars inside the soon-to-be-opened Baccarat Hotel, a luxury hotel and apartment tower located across the street from the Museum of Modern Art. The restaurant will open in December, with executive chef Shea Gallante at the helm (formerly of Cru and Ciano).
"The restaurant will have 85 seats, similar to La Grenouille," Masson told The New York Times.
Masson has hinted that his new position could be good luck, and remembers fondly the large crystal Baccarat vase that his father bought when he opened La Grenouille, which still sits inside the restaurant to this day.
Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @JoannaFantozzi