July 8, 2020 By Christian Murray
A popular French restaurant located on Skillman Avenue has closed.
Vincent Caro, who established Côté Soleil in 2016, posted a message on Instagram Tuesday announcing that he had closed the 50-12 Skillman Ave. venue for good.
“We are proud to have provided high-quality food and been an enthusiastic part of the local community for several years now,” Caro wrote. “But because of the recent challenges we face during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant will close.”
The closure of Côté Soleil, which means sunny side side in French, does not mark the end of Caro in the restaurant business. He owns a French bistro located on the border of Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst that will continue to operate.
This venue—named Bistro Eloise (after Caro’s daughter)—opened at 75-57 31st Ave. a little under two years ago.
“We have the same staff, the same ambiance and good food, a full liquor license and an exclusive terrace where you’ll always be warmly welcomed,” Caro said, adding that the establishment delivers to Sunnyside and Woodside among other neighborhoods.
Caro, who grew up in Brittany in the northwest of France, thanked residents for their support over the years and also noted that he is not necessarily leaving Sunnyside for good.
“We are not giving up on the neighborhood and when circumstances are favorable, a new and improved version of Côté Soleil shall be back in the area.”