Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise
A car speeds past the weathered sign at Carlo's restaurant in Beaumont on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. Saturday was the restaurant, bar and art gallery's curtain call.
Fine wines and spirits await customers at the bar in Carlo's Italian-Greek restaurant.
Schaeffer Bres of Beaumont sits alone at the bar in Carlo's restaurant.
The player piano at Carlo's in Beaumont plays "Blue Skies" to an empty room at the restaurant. Only one other business-supported gallery remains for local artists.
Although I don't have as many fond memories of Carlo's as other local residents, I acquired some. Primarily, Pete introduced the rest of the staff to me at Carlo's after I signed on with The Enterprise. On another occasion, Fayrouz and I celebrated a milestone in our lives here. Fay said they had the best calamari she's had in America.
Many in the newsroom mourn the loss of Carlo's. It was considered "our place" by many "newsies." At one point, they had antique typewriters and cameras as wall decor in the bar area.
The main dining room allowed local artists a place to display their works. Many local performers entertained diners from the tiny stage in an intimate setting. The story below mentions the remembrances of other folks.
While overly-franchised restaurants continue to build in the area, the neighborhood restaurants and bars are threatened. Most importantly, local artists have lost a dear friend and supporter.
Please read, "Carlo's closing after 40 years" by Jemimah Noonoo.
2 comments:
I like the warm tones and dark colors. It really tells the story of the atmosphere of the establishment.
It's actually much darker than it appears. Tripod to the rescue. ;-)
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