Soltner in New York

Shortly thereafter, André Surmain offered Soltner the chance to come to New York and be the head chef of a new deluxe French restaurant that he was opening there. Surmain wanted Lutèce to be the grandest, most formal, most expensive restaurant in America. When Soltner arrived in New York, it turned out that Surmain had also promised the top job to two other people; Soltner threatened to leave and was made head chef. This became a pattern, with Soltner threatening to quit in 1965 unless Surmain allowed him to become a partner as promised. In 1972, Soltner bought out Surmain.