Nick and Tony Cibel know all about “The Perfect Storm.”
While DC area residents were stockpiling batteries, flashlights and other storm prep accessories, Nick Cibel (owner of Nicks’ Riverside Grill) was actually taking the whole gig rather calmly and very much in stride – surprising for someone that suffered a flood disaster at Washington Harbour when the floodgates overflowed in 2011.
Photo credit: Jeff Mallet Photography
He didn’t even “board up” this time.
“The Waterfront Complex has taken its own precautions,” Cibel told Hollywood on the Potomac. “The floodgates were raised on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. to prevent the likelihood of any flood disasters like the one on April 18, 2011. But, because the restaurants are considered under sea-level, they are not covered [by insurance] at either (Tony & Joe’s) restaurant. Hopefully, the Potomac doesn’t reach over 14.5 feet, but there is no way to tell. Until then, we have our fingers crossed!”
It was the calm before the storm.
It was just last week when a balmy breeze floated in from the Potomac river to the shores of Tony & Joe’s where it joined forces with the aroma of seafood from their famous crab balls, their tuna tartar and freshly caught oysters for the grand reopening of both restaurants.
No expense was spare when they turned their Potomac flood scandal 17 months ago into a a reason for celebration. The restaurants were buzzing with socialites, sports figures, media, lobbyists and a colorful collage of other assorted Washingtonians who enjoyed the popular dishes complimented by heavy doses of premium liquor.
“Nicks Grill menu has been created by Chef David Stein. The cuisine is fresh fish and steaks on our grill as well as international flavors infused throughout,” said Nick. “Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place is just that – fresh seafood menu supplied by our own seafood wholesale company, Profish.”
“The restaurant will be closed for a couple of days,” he noted, “resulting in “yet more lost revenues.” But when it comes down to the hurricane on its way, his “mood is actually quite calm,” noting that the structure of the building is secure, with no need to board the windows, not to mention that the media is known to exaggerate this sort of thing.
When it comes down to it, a lesson was learned after April 18, and Nick Cibel is an inspired man.
“After going through the devastation of April 18, 2011, I can handle anything life throws at me with resilience and determination. Always have and will continue. I’m especially proud of my staff and their dedication to rebuilding two fabulous businesses.”
