Tim Wiechmann’s Self Portrait Has Closed
After just six months, the reborn T.W. Food Restaurant is no more.
Self Portrait in Cambridge has closed. / Photo provided
Chef Tim Wiechmann unveiled his Self Portrait earlier this year, but it was apparently just a fleeting glimpse. The French bistro, which opened in April where T.W. Food had been for 10 years, has shuttered.
A guest with a reservation on the books for this weekend was informed of the decision to close on Thursday, per a tip Boston magazine received. The voicemail message on Self Portrait’s phone line confirms the news.
“We have unfortunately closed Self Portrait Bistro permanently,” the voice of Bronwyn Wiechmann says in the greeting. “We apologize for the inconvenience of this difficult decision.”
The Wiechmanns, who also own and operate the beloved bier hall Bronwyn in Union Square, entered the Boston restaurant scene with T.W. Food in 2007. They briefly did lunch at Playska, but closed that Balkan sandwich shop after just a few months, as well.
In February 2017, they announced their original spot would close in favor of a “totally unique” new concept, something “faster, more accessible, and more easy-going” than the refined tasting menus of T.W. Food, Tim Wiechmann told Boston.
Self Portrait revisited Tim Wiechmann’s roots. Updated continental classics, like warm oysters and snails with coconut-rum butter, and coriander-garlic saucisson, nodded to the chef’s French training, while incorporating ideas from his travels over the years. The bistro also debuted with a full liquor license, bringing a succinct cocktail menu and digestif flights to the formerly wine-only dining room.
Self Portrait was well-received in the neighborhood, judging by online reviews. “This chef is not dull for sure—creative and surprising, and the effort shows!,” wrote one Yelper in September. “Amazing dinner from start to finish. What a neighborhood gem,” shared an OpenTable user just last month.
Boston has reached out to Tim and Bronwyn Wiechmann to learn more about their decision to close Self Portrait.
377 Walden St., Cambridge, 617-864-4745, selfportraitbistro.com.
