Dear patrons,
We know it’s been a few weeks since we’ve checked in with you. The whirlwind of events that developed so quickly in such a short time span since the mandated closure of “dine in” portions of food establishments has taken us all by storm. Our beautiful vibrant “city that never sleeps” has been forced into a very uneasy slumber by the Covid-19 virus.
In the face of recent tragedies (the horrific events of 9/11 or the extended partial blackout as a result of Superstorm Sandy) our city demonstrated its resilience by its residents coming together and unifying in the face of hardship. We grieved together, suffered together, and overcame together. On the day of the 9/11 attacks so many of our patrons (particularly employees of Morgan Stanley) who were in or around the towers and fortunate enough to escape coalesced at the restaurant in a state of shock but able to gain some sense of comfort in being together to mourn together in a familiar place. As the majority of our staff had not yet arrived for work, neighborhood patrons hopped behind the bar to mix drinks for others while Chef Pietro and the minimal kitchen staff present provided copious amounts of “comfort food” in the truest and deepest sense of the word. When Superstorm Sandy hit some of the perishable food from the restaurants was given to a patron who produced a gastronomical feast for fellow villagers in his apartment to avoid waste.
New Yorkers are viewed by outsiders as tough and standoff-ish but in times of darkness we tend to shine brightest. We come together to overcome. With the onset of this latest trial we have entered into uncharted territory. This virus has been very unique in its attack on our city. It has forced us apart. We cannot mourn the loss of friends and family together. We cannot share stories of hope or recovery over a glass of wine or with a cocktail while enjoying a meal together. We have been forced into a state of isolation and loneliness even within a city that is so densely populated. Of course, those of us with immediate families are fortunate not to be completely alone but still cut off from other relationships we have fostered over the years. For a family run business it’s felt acutely when you only see that family now via FaceTime or Zoom or some other video chat technology (and thank goodness for that technology). And to so many of you that have become like family to the Mosconis over the years, we do indeed miss you terribly.
Unfortunately, we have gotten news of some losses among our patrons. We have heard from patrons who have lost someone close to them. We have had to mourn from a distance and offer condolences without the warmth of embraces. We are sure many of you are enduring similar experiences. The pain and sadness we feel will have to be revisited once we come together again. We cannot complete our grieving processes as we are normally accustomed to doing. It is the worst state of limbo in which to be stuck.
Indeed, these are dark and unusual times we are being forced to endure. However, we will endure them and emerge on the other side hopefully stronger and more closely connected. We look forward to seeing you all again when the dust settles. We anxiously await the opportunity to mix your favorite cocktail or pour your favorite glass of wine while you enjoy one of your favorite dishes with us. We will heal together again as we have in the past. We will overcome as we have in the past. We hope you all are remaining safe and healthy and continuing to use extreme caution. We hope to see you all again sooner rather than later. Continue to take care of yourselves and each other. God bless you all.
Those of you familiar with our restaurant music rotation may know that we enjoy an occasional Broadway musical track. In this clip from the James Corden show, we hope to offer you a little solace and friendly reminder that you are not alone.