The long awaited reopening of Brooklyn’s iconic River Café has been set for February 1, more than a year after the restaurant was forced to close due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. The restaurant will begin accepting reservations for the official reopening of dinner service early next week.
In a trial run, the River Café hosted a small, $55 fixed price brunch service on New Year’s Day. The restaurant had previously reopened for private events.
The River Café’s ownership had previously hoped to reopen the restaurant the week of Christmas, according to reports. The reopening has been subject to a series of delays in the wake of the October 2012 storm. A May 2013 update on the restaurant’s website indicated hope of a summer 2013 opening, while a December 2013 listing asked visitors to “stay tuned” for an official opening date.
“I had hoped to reopen on the anniversary of the storm, and I missed that,” Buzzy O’Keeffe, the River Café’s owner, told The New York Times late last month. “Then I wanted to be open for Thanksgiving, and I missed that one, too. You can’t rush these things.”
Chef Brad Steelman has returned to his position and will take over a newly renovated kitchen. New items added to the menu will include crisp oysters wrapped in smoked salmon with caviar and pheasant with chestnut stuffing.
