Bistro Duet Bids Adieu to Arlington

Bistro Duet, a French restaurant that had been open for just over a year in East Arlington, has closed, according to Wicked Local. A letter from owner and general manager Wayne A. Duprey indicates that rising costs and other challenges influenced the decision to close down the restaurant at 190 Massachusetts Ave. The message was also shared on the Bistro Duet’s Facebook page.

Duprey had partnered with chef Cyrille Couet in 2016, and the pair raised funds to renovate the former Flora space, which was located in the building that once housed the Arlington Five Cents Savings Bank.

Couet, a native of France’s Loire Valley, oversaw a menu that featured modern French dishes, including duck confit risotto, 48-hour coq au vin, a roasted lobster Thermidor, and more.

Bistro Duet made its debut on New Year’s Eve in 2016 and quickly became a local fan favorite for French food, earning a ranking among the Boston Globe’s best new restaurants for 2017 just a few weeks ago.

For the full text of the letter announcing Bistro Duet’s closure, see below:

To Our Dearest Friends & Loyal Patrons,

For the past year it has been an honor to provide our best food, drinks, and service for this vibrant community. We took great pride in creating a special experience for many birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and other memorable events. The many new friends and strong bonds we have developed with our loyal customers will forever remain in our hearts.

Despite so many personal successes, we have many challenges as well. Pre-opening delays, coupled with the rising costs of the restaurant business, are enough to force us out of business.

We have all been touched by your generosity that has been displayed to us in so many ways. Your support in voting us as “Best French” by the 2017 City Voter speaks volumes to how much the Arlington community embraced us.

Your thoughtful public reviews are a tribute to our personal successes and demonstrate the very basic reason why we do what we love to do.

Being recognized as “Best of the New” for 2018 by the Boston Globe two weeks ago is bitter-sweet, really. Please continue to support local Arlington businesses.

With Warmest Regards,

Wayne, Cyrille, Carla and the Entire Team at Bistro Duet

• Bistro Duet Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
• East Arlington’s Bistro Duet Is Closing its Doors [WL]