Back in March, this reporter was dismayed to discover that charming restaurateur Toney Edwards had finally lost his long, drawn-out legal fight to protect his beloved French bistro Le Madeleine from the wrecking ball.

Landlord Mark Scharfman was reportedly planning to tear down the single-story structure on West 43rd Street and replace it with a multi-story residential building.

Now, adding insult to injury, I come to find out, via the blog Lost City, that Mr. Scharfman has installed a new tenant in Le Madeleine's place -- specifically, another French bistro called Le Petit Un Deux Trois. Incroyable!

"...it has to make you wonder by the landlord insisted on kicking Le Madeleine to the curb. Was it personal between the landlord and the restaurant owner, Tony Edwards, who always insisted Scharfman couldn't legally tear the building down. Did the economy foil Scharfman's plans? Or maybe Un Deux Trois just offered more money."

"The irony - business is very strong. Strongest ever!" said Toney Edwards.

When The Observer passed by Mr. Edwards's embattled Le Madeleine bistro on West 43rd Street last week, the joint was packed.

This week? Tumbleweeds. Another French bistro bites the dust. This reporter feels bad for both Mr. Edwards and his beloved ficus tree.

Evicted after a three-year court battle with landlord Mark Scharfman, Mr. Edwards has vowed to carry on: "We have located a possible place to move everyone and open up again within a very short time."  read more »

The Hell’s Kitchen bistro owner can either keep fighting his landlord in court or move 800 feet down the street. The clock ticks.  read more »