A Miracle No More

Southwestern stalwart Miracle Grill was one of those rare places in the West Village where the food was fresh and tasty, the drinks solidly poured, the atmosphere warm and inviting, the staff friendly and efficient -- and the price tag affordable.

You'd think spots like that could withstand the recession with ease. Instead, the restaurant's landlord asked to hike the rent up considerably and after tonight, Miracle Grill, who's kitchen was once home to one-time up-and-coming chefs like Bobby Flay and Patricia Yeo, is shutting its doors.

Word among the regulars is that owner Lynn Loflin plans to spend more time on her upstate farm tending to vegetables, but is receptive to the concept of potentially opening up a smaller cantina, simply offering up Margaritas, beer, wine and a few of the restaurant's signature dishes, such as the zesty Catfish Tacos pictured above. That said, no definite plans are underway.

Right now, we'll just have to surrender to New York's restaurant world roller coaster and accept that miracles don't last forever.