FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PROfile Public Relations
CONTACT:  Clare Pelino or Jennie Hatton
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WAYNE, PA  - October 12, 2000  -  In November, world-renowned chef and restaurateur Georges Perrier will bring the spirit of the South of France to Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line with the opening of his third restaurant, Le Mas Perrier, at 503 West Lancaster Avenue. French-born Perrier will serve an authentic and affordable Provencal menu in a relaxed setting, reminiscent of a country inn.  The inviting restaurant will feature12-foot vaulted ceilings, walk-in stone fireplaces, a rustic lounge with exposed wooden beams, a sunlit indoor courtyard and splendid banquet facilities.

"For years, our customers have asked me 'When are you going to open a restaurant on the Main Line?'  Finally, we found the perfect location to present our latest concept," says Perrier, chef-owner of Philadelphia's legendary Le Bec-Fin and Brasserie Perrier, two of the country's most popular French restaurants.

To capture the true essence of the significant culinary region, Perrier went directly to France where he found young, rising star chef, Pascal Valero.  At 29 years old, Chef Valero is highly regarded for his work at top restaurants including Taillevent in Paris and at Le Louis XV at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco under Alain Ducasse.  Both restaurants have been rated three-stars by the esteemed Michelin Guide.  Chef Valero, a native of Carcassonne, France, learned his extensive knowledge of Provencal cuisine during his apprenticeship at Chateau Saint-Martin Trencavel, in his hometown.

"In France, meals are planned events which can last for hours.  Our love of fine cuisine is deeply rooted in our culture.  Chef Valero has an intense passion for food that reminds me of myself when I was his age," says Perrier, who named his new restaurant after the traditional farmhouses or "le mas" of Provence.

To create the timeless ambience and majestic beauty of the South of France, Perrier enlisted the renowned interior design firm, Marguerite Rodgers Limited of Philadelphia.  Designer Marguerite Rodgers traveled to France and brought back decorative antiques such as 40 wooden doors, chairs, cabinets, tiered iron chandeliers and traditional pottery urns that stored wine and olives.  Rodgers also found several artworks that feature the vibrant colors of Provence.

The airy dining rooms will feature cream colored plaster walls, large arched windows, natural wood and terra cotta tile floors.  Warm shades of yellow and green, characteristic of the sun-drenched region, will accent the rich fabrics and upholstery throughout the restaurant.  Brilliant table cloths, plates and fresh flowers will add more splashes of color.  Plush banquettes, comfortable settees and chairs, copied from French antiques, will give guests several seating options.  Chairs will feature yellow slipcovers with a signature "P" for Perrier, imprinted on their backs.

In addition to the 60-seat main dining room, Le Mas Perrier will offer several other dining areas.  A 30-seat indoor courtyard will feature glass doors and a large skylight to cast brilliant sunbeams over guests.  Another charming area will be the 35-seat outdoor brick patio, with wrought iron
furniture, an enchanting fountain and a canvas canopy, for dining al fresco, weather permitting.
 

The exquisite Chef's Table, for up to 14 guests, will be one of the most sought after areas in the restaurant.  Guests will be able to watch chefs orchestrate their meal through antique doors with glass windows.  The area, separated by temperature-controlled wine storage cases, will also be
available for wine tastings for up to 24 guests.

A rustic café-lounge area, with 40 seats, will offer a casual, friendly atmosphere to enjoy light fare, handcrafted beers and noteworthy wines.  The handsome 16-seat bar with a painted wood front will be topped with glazed tiles.  A stone pizza-oven and a six-seat oyster bar will add to the social setting.  One of the building's original features, a glass-enclosed turret, will be enhanced by curved, built-in upholstered seats.  Throughout the lounge, wooden beams and decorative details will be painted with colorful pigments imported from the South of France.

A staircase with a wrought iron railing will lead guests to the private banquet facilities on the restaurant's second floor.  The attractive room, decorated in shades of yellow, sand and terra cotta will accommodate up to 60 guests and can be divided into two smaller rooms for more intimate parties.  Raised ceilings, with exposed wood beams and striped carpet floors, will give
the room a Mediterranean flair.  The private room will be the perfect place for special occasions such as wedding receptions, birthday parties or corporate functions.

The exterior of the breathtaking restaurant will resemble an elegant chateau with slate roof tops and antique pottery urns filled with plants. Attractive landscaping will feature olive trees, hanging vines and meticulously pruned shrubs, evocative of a French country garden.

A spirited personality, Perrier has been the toast of Philadelphia for the past 30 years.  Condé Nast Traveler Editor Tom Wallace refers to Perrier as a "living monument."  Perrier was named "Best Mid-Atlantic Chef 1998," a prestigious honor given by the James Beard Foundation.

Originally from Lyon, France, a city world-renowned for its culinary arts, Chef Perrier began his accomplished career when he was 14 years old.  He trained with the great chefs at some of the finest restaurants of France including Casino de Charbonnieres near Lyon, L'Oustau de Baumaniere in Provence and La Pyramide in Vienne.

In the 30 years since its inception, Le Bec-Fin has received the highest accolades in the hospitality industry.  For three consecutive years, readers of Gourmet magazine have selected the restaurant as their #1 choice in Philadelphia.  Zagat Survey continually lists Le Bec-Fin as Philadelphia's favorite restaurant and gives it the highest score of any restaurant in the
country since 1993.

In January 1997, Chef Perrier opened his second restaurant, Brasserie Perrier, at 1619 Walnut Street, just a block away from Le Bec-Fin.  A more relaxed, less expensive alternative to Le Bec-Fin, the first-rate brasserie is already earning national recognition.  Mobil Travel Guide has rated the restaurant four stars since 1998.

Perrier, who is a Main Line resident, looks forward to his newest venture being close to home.  "I've always wanted to open a restaurant near my home. I love the area and many of my long-time customers and friends live here.  Now I can bring a world-class restaurant to their backyards!" adds Perrier.

Le Mas Perrier will be located at 503 West Lancaster Avenue in Spread Eagle Village.  Dinner will be served:  Monday to Friday from 5 to 10 pm; Saturday from 5 to 11 pm; and Sunday from 5 to 9 pm.  Lunch will be served: Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.  Sunday Brunch will be served from 11 am to 2 pm.  The café-lounge hours will be:  Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 12 midnight;  Saturday from 5 pm to 1 am;  and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm.  Private banquet facilities available.  For reservations or more information, please call 610.964.2588 or visit the website www.lemasrestaurant.com.
   

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