Francine Du Plessy - Gray

Francine Du Plessy- Gray is a dear old friend, one of those who has been a patron of the restaurant since its inception in 1986. She is a timely remarkable woman. Her mother, Tatiana Yakovleva, was an incredible beauty. Niece of the famous Russian artist and adventurer, the young Tatiana had just escaped communist Russia and was living in Paris when she met the poet Vladimir Mayakovsky who fell madly in love with her. After Mayakovsky returned to Russia, failing to take Tatiana with him, he sent her passionate letters but the young beauty absolutely refused to love him. Mayakovsky desperately tried to get to France but the Soviet authorities would not give him a visa. Vladimir Mayakovsky realized that he might not return and might not see his love again. Disillusioned and dejected the poet committed suicide. Soon after Tatiana married a French aristocrat, Du Plessy and from this union their daughter Francine was born. Her Father Du Plessle was a pilot who was shot by the Germans at the very beginning of World War II. Soon Afterwards Tatiana Yakovleva married an émigré artist Alex Lieberman with whom they brought young Francine to New York, where she grew up. At home she was called Frosia. Francine grew up in New York, married a very talented painter, Clieve Gray and lived with him all her life until his death a year ago. In the meantime Alex became the artistic director of one of the greatest publishing empire, Conde Nast. The owner of the publishing house was Sy Newhouse who became a devoted friend of the family. Francine wrote recently a wonderful book “Them” where she described her mother and stepfather, their relationship, and their life in New York society. She received the national book award for this book. Both Tatiana and Alex died several years ago.
Yesterday Francine brought to the restaurant a few friends. I joined them for a drink and they told me how they enjoyed the food and the ambience of the restaurant. Later when they were leaving I introduced them to our chef Patrick and they conversed in French for a few minutes. It turned out a good evening.