New York's Famed Eatery, Social Hub Elaine's Closes Its Doors

After its opening in 1963, Elaine's became one of the most famous night spots in America, with regulars ranging from Jacquie Kennedy to Frank Sinatra to Woody Allen. Last night, just six months after the death of Elaine Kaufman at the age of 81, Elaine's closed its doors and ended an era. Today's New York Times reports that "whatever happened in Elaine's not only never stayed in Elaine's, but often found its way onto the pages of newspapers, magazines and books." One of the regulars was writer Gay Talese, whose memories go back to meeting Elaine Kauffman herself just a year after the restaurant opened.