Photo: Erika Riaño-Mojica
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 6, 2020
As of this writing, our Halloween decorations are going up and there is a chill in the air. Fall has undeniably set in, which means that outdoor dining has taken on a new twist. We have been fielding lots of questions about our plans; here are some answers.
As usual, our first priority is the well-being of our staff. For that reason, as well as for the health of our guests, we are not opening for indoor dining. This coronavirus is serious stuff and requires serious precautions. As much as we would love to welcome you back into our beautiful restaurant, and as frustrated we are with how long this has gone on, the time is still not right.
Our plan is to extend the al fresco experience as long as possible, and to make it as enjoyable as possible. Here’s what you need to know:
Dress warmly. You will be sitting outside! Once the sun goes down, the air cools quickly. Sweaters, long underwear, hats and boots go a long way.
Wrap up in one of our dozens of fleece blankets! They are soft, warm and stylin’. Rest assured -- they are laundered after every use.
Our covered patio is partially enclosed and has infrared heaters in the ceiling. There are four socially-distant tables on the patio, so get here early and claim one!
We are playing with fire, literally. One wood-burning chiminea has arrived and we are considering purchasing more. A chiminea is a chimney-shaped, enclosed fire pit with a 360-view grate. It is safe and warm. Feeling cold? Put another log on the fire!
Don’t forget about carryout and delivery! You can eat our food from the comfort of your home.
Other updates:
The business remains stable and our entire crew remains healthy. Knock on wood! We have strict off-the-clock-activity guidelines to which our staff is expected to adhere...and that seems to be working.
Our voter registration and education project is going strong. To date we have distributed about 60 voter registration forms and about 150 absentee ballot applications. Our staff members have volunteered with voter registration efforts at public housing sites. And we have supplied numerous individuals with forms and directions to conduct voter registration drives at their schools and workplaces. Need info? See https://thelunchrooma2.com/vote.
We remain very concerned about the volatile political situation and our rudder-less reality. In the midst of a pandemic, racial injustice, global warming and the seeming breakdown of civility, we remain committed to social justice and to the preservation of our democracy.
We are community! Stay with us. We need each other now and into the future. Together we can weather whatever comes our way.