Is Phat Pug closed for good?
Warthog brought up an interesting point about the responsibility of this blog as a source of up-to-date news as opposed to comment, ruminations and discussion. It was under the post The Latest on Phat Pug, Part Deux.
Here's what he said: ...
The food business is tough enough without a major source of restaurant reviews telling customers a place doesn't exist (if in fact they still do).
Granted, given the story so far, I wouldn't be surprised at either outcome, but if they are still in business, I think we owe it to them to not leave the story at "presumed closed for good" without verifying that for certain, one way or the other.
I'm a natural pessimist after so many years observing the restaurant business. Too often "closed for renovation" is code for "closed." And I also think no news is not good news. Still, I'm happy to keep trying to get in touch with Mr. DePasquale -- Warthog was right in assuming I'd forgotten about the place because so much else is going on, and I'm glad of the nudge.
Also, I'm assuming the owner will let us know if and when Phat Pug reopens because he let us know when it might reopen in the first place. If not, some of the many pizza lovers who have posted here about its coal-fired pizzas in the past will surely have something to say if it reopens. The instant updates are one of the best things about this blog.
Comments
It still looks like it is empty (from Bel Air Rd). I will peek in the window on my drive by tomorrow and post an update.
Thanks!
Posted by: C Double | January 24, 2008 4:38 PM
i just drove by yesterday and it looks like it will not open as the same place or pizza venture.
anyway i got the pizza from this place and i tell you i will not miss them and this why:
1) the sauce was so sweet i was convinced i was eating a damn tomato pie
2) i did not finish it because i found a piece of plastic wrap in between the dough.
i'll keep making my own pizza.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 24, 2008 4:44 PM
Speaking of "closed for renovations," does anyone know about the fate of the Sylvan Beach Cafe on Preston Street in Mount Vernon? I stopped there in the mornings and thought they had one of the best cups of coffee in the city. It had been featured in The Sun and elsewhere because part of its mission was to train and employ young folks from the city who might have a hard time getting job elsewhere. They also made (or maybe still make) ice cream there. Anybody?
Posted by: Coffee in Mount Vernon | January 24, 2008 5:07 PM
I think the Sylvan Beach in Mt. Washington is still open.
Posted by: Robert from Cross Keys | January 24, 2008 5:29 PM
Sylvan Beach in Mt. Washington open Sat. & Sun only, 1-5 PM, with limited flavors.
Posted by: PaulyR | January 25, 2008 8:41 AM
Looks the same as it did on the 4th.
Posted by: C Double | January 28, 2008 11:34 AM
I tried to send a statement to Phat Pug and had it returned stating that they moved and did not leave a forwarding address. So with that said, I am assuming that they have closed for good.
Posted by: Canton | January 31, 2008 11:20 AM