Poor Ron Perelman and the residents of East 63rd Street. As if the stress of dealing with noisy, popular local cafe Le Bilboquet weren't enough for the cranky billionaire, now he has to fight a nasty legal battle to ensure that the boîte doesn't open a sidewalk cafe. Perelman claims the restaurant's patrons are drinking and smoking outside the establishment until the wee hours; he's even sent a private investigator to observe these threats to his gentle slumber. And, if the story intrigues you further, you can rent A Table And Two Chairs, a fictionalized account of the bistro's early struggles with its neighbors, or keep your fingers crossed for the production of the documentary sequel, which is currently being filmed by the wife of Le Bilboquet's owner. Riveting, indeed.
Boîte's Battle Boils Over [Observer]