La Côte Basque and the Ladies Who Lunch
The Birthplace of the Socialite
In the pilot episode of Ryan Murphy’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, Truman Capote (played by Tom Hollander) is lunching at La Côte Basque with his glamorous high society pals (the "swans"), when he is accosted by a furious Ann Woodward (Demi Moore), who throws a drink in his face. While wiping the wine off, he declares with a giggle, "I want dessert. And maybe let’s stay for dinner, too? I can’t bear the thought of returning to the real world." Perhaps that is the sign of a truly good restaurant.
A Sanctuary for the Social Elite
While there are elements of fiction woven into the series, which is based on true events, one aspect that didn’t require any exaggeration was the role of La Côte Basque and its comparable fashionable restaurants in this social circle.
The Restaurants of the 1960s and 1970s
The restaurants that Barbara "Babe" Paley, Nancy "Slim" Keith, Lucy Douglas "C.Z." Guest and Lee Radziwill frequented in the 1960s and 1970s were more than just a place to eat – they were a sanctuary for the women who ruled over New York society. The Colony Club, Le Pavillon, Quo Vadis and La Côte Basque all gave these socialites a momentary break from their glamorous yet high-pressure lives.
Capote’s Folly
As Capote revealed to the world in "La Côte Basque, 1965," however, his swans’ lives were often far from ideal. For Capote, the restaurant and the women were the perfect source of fodder for his career revival, but after the short story was published in Esquire (it was the first chapter in his intended roman à clef, Unanswered Prayers, which was never finished), it cost him his friendships with this coveted clique.
The Modern-Day Equivalent
But back to the restaurants! If you found yourself wondering about the modern-day equivalent of La Côte Basque, we’ve got you covered.
Where Would the Swans Go to Dine Today?
Some of their last remaining haunts in New York City recently closed, including La Grenouille and The 21 Club. (La Côte Basque shut its doors in 2004, after 45 years of business.) There is, however, a select group of new restaurants (including some that would require the swans to venture below 52nd Street) that have opened over the past few years, and would be perfect for the ladies who lunch.
Conclusion
La Côte Basque may be gone, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember its grandeur. Whether you’re a socialite or just looking for a taste of the high life, there are plenty of modern-day restaurants that would make the swans proud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What restaurants did the swans frequent in the 1960s and 1970s?
A: The swans frequented restaurants such as The Colony Club, Le Pavillon, Quo Vadis, and La Côte Basque.
Q: What was the significance of La Côte Basque to the swans?
A: La Côte Basque was more than just a place to eat for the swans – it was a sanctuary where they could escape the pressures of their glamorous lives.
Q: Why did Truman Capote’s story about the swans cost him his friendships with them?
A: Capote’s story, "La Côte Basque, 1965," was published in Esquire and revealed the often troubled lives of the swans, causing Capote to lose his friendships with them.
Q: Are there any modern-day restaurants that would be suitable for the ladies who lunch?
A: Yes, there are several modern-day restaurants in New York City that would be perfect for the ladies who lunch, including some that would require them to venture below 52nd Street.
