Excelsior is closed

It will reopen as a more casual restaurant in the fall, according to a statement on the restaurant's website.

"Several dining options will be offered; from casual supper and drink at the bar to a full dinner menu on both the first and second floors," the statement says.

Alison Arnett gave the restaurant 3 stars in her 2003 review.

It was clear from the many deals they'd instituted of late that they were struggling. I recently spoke with Paul Dias, senior vice president of operations for American Food Management, which operates Excelsior, Harvest, and Grill 23. He didn't indicate a closing was imminent, but he did say "the recession is having a pretty significant impact. It's a little different across the three restaurants."

Harvest held up best, he said, due to strong neighborhood support. Excelsior and Grill 23, more dependent on business customers, weren't faring as well.

"The Boston restaurants, which carry a little higher check averages, feel the effect more. Particularly December saw a slowdown in private dining events."

What does this mean for Grill 23? For high-end dining in Boston in general? The joy of cities is in part their diversity, on every level. I hope we continue to see the increased culinary adventurousness of recent years.

See a bit more on this subject in my upcoming review of Bina Osteria, which should be up on Boston.com later today.

P.S. They say Grill 23 is doing fine.