Popular Nyack Restaurant Re-opens Tonight With Fundraiser

A popular downtown restaurant and bar had to close Tuesday night because of water damage it sustained as firefighters battled a blaze in an apartment above the rear of the Main Street business, according to Nyack fire officials.

No one was injured, but Nyack Fire Chief James Petriello said Casa del Sol was affected by water as volunteer firefighters fought a blaze that damaged a room and destroyed its contents in an apartment that has its entrance at 37 New St. - a small street just north of Main Street that runs from Broadway to Park Street.

Read more details about the fire in this Nyack Patch article. 

“It was an amazing team of fire departments that all worked together and they did a great job,” said Owner Gina Cambre, adding that she knew some of the firefighters personally and was touched to see how hard they worked to contain the fire. “They really kept us from being a big disaster.”

Owners Gina and Jorge Cambre moved quickly this morning to get the place back up and running, mostly because there was a fundraiser Wednesday night.

“We have three main areas, the bar, lounge and main dining room. We also have a separate space where we set up the music and that’s where the water damage was (isolated to) so we're really lucky,” she said, adding that since the fire, they’ve already had electrician and inspector come in.

“They signed off on it saying that the restaurant is fine to reopen, so we’re opening this afternoon at 4 p.m. with regular service,” said Cambre. However, area with the flower shop “will be closed for a couple days because of water damage.”

She was excited about reopening because the fundraiser tonight is hosted by Cambre’s friend Julie, who is raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through a Team in Training program in preparation for the 2013 Boston Marathon on April 15.

Team In Training assists with fundraising and training for an endurance sports event. In exchange for the training and support, participants raise money toward a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

“(Julie) She’s looking for people to come out and sign up as sponsors,” said Cambre. “Julie will also be guest bartending and donating her tips as well.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly the cause and Casa Del Sol is offering drink specials, salsa dancing and some great prizes that are being raffled off for the cause.