They had their cake, but then they bit the dust.
These Brooklyn restaurants were long-time neighborhood institutions and well-reviewed newcomers, but they all met a watery end far, far too soon.
Here, we pay tribute to the Brooklyn restaurants that Sandy ravaged to the point of no return. They will be missed.
Cha Cha’s
Cha Cha’s, of Coney Island, suffered a fatal injury when it took a beating from Sandy’s waters. The Surf Avenue stand-by had a vivacious, defiant spirit. It served its drinks strong, hosted corny carnie performances, and boasted a relaxing roof deck. It moved from the Boardwalk to Surf Avenue in 2011, ignorant of the fact that its next home would be in heaven.
Almondine
Almondine, of Park Slope, died of kitchen damage when Sandy knocked out its Dumbo-area manufacturing space. It was 2 years old. The Ninth Street eatery offered $1 macaroons, a welcome price for local parents who already were spending too much on their children’s preschool.
Since those halcyon days, the Almondine space has been taken over by a restaurant specializing in grilled cheese.
In lieu of flowers, please eat at the new Almondine in Dumbo.
Governor
Governor, of Dumbo, drowned in a five-foot storm surge that damaged many Main Street eateries in the area. It was a mere 3 months old.
Governor was vivacious and beloved, receiving an enviable two-star review from New York Times critic Pete Wells shortly after opening in July 2012.
After its injuries during Sandy, its parents tried to crowd-fund the restaurant’s repairs, garnering $40,000 for their efforts.
But it was not enough, and Governor perished.
It is survived by its siblings, Colonie and Gran Electrica, which are owned by the same crew.
