Blackout 2003 - Restaurant Re-Creation

When the owner of Palmira's Restaurant in Brooklyn Heights told me that he was planning on throwing a special event this Saturday night to celebrate the anniversary of the Blackout of 2003, I thought he was a bit daft. Unless he was thinking of serving some sort of amazing Chocolate Blackout Cake, what could possibly be in it for patrons?

Then I really started remembering what it was like in the 'hood during the blackout: My local wine and spirits shop gave out free tastings in front of the store. And, if that wasn't neighborly enough, they also grilled hot dogs on a Webber grill for hungry passersby. The subway stop's ice cream vendor gave heaping, drippy cones away before his wares completely melted into a puddle.

That evening, restaurants and bars brought out candles in bulk and proffered cold dishes, cold white wine and cold beer before they succumbed to the heat of the day. Crowds of locals and folks stuck in the area sat along the Promenade and played with glowing, crayon-colored light sticks that were passed out gratis.

Considering the situation, New Yorkers were unusually upbeat and cordial. Then again, perhaps some of the positive mood could be credited to the initial wave of relief that swept through the city, once it was announced that the blackout wasn't due to terrorism.

All in all, though, there was something lovely and magical about the blackout, if you could look past the heat, humidity and darkness to see the glow of candlelight, flashlights and community.

Palmira's clearly has the right idea. On Saturday, the restaurant will be dark, except for the illumination of candles. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own flashlights, if they would like a bit more light shed on their dinner. But, in deference to the dog days of August, the air-conditioning will be left on. (Accurate re-creations go just so far in my book, anyway!)