Gaia Italian Cafe, a hidden gem on East Houston Street, may or may not be closing.
On Friday, proprietor Gaia Bagnasacco posted an item on the restaurant’s Facebook page indicating she planned to close on Saturday “probably forever.” The posting went on to explain, cryptically, “too much has happen and the owner does not feel anymore to do it.” There was an outpouring of support on Facebook, expressions of appreciation for a little place that has stirred strong passions since it opened in 2011.
This morning, we stopped by the garden-level space at 251 East Houston Street and found Gaia behind the counter serving her first customers of the day. In a brief conversation, she said the last few weeks have been difficult. The charming and very affordable place is almost always busy, so it’s really not a financial decision. Gaia suggested that her initial decision was the result of recent conflicts with customers, people who she said have different expectations for the restaurant than she has herself. Gaia said the spot has always been a labor of love for her and she tends to take things personally. There’s a cultural divide, she suggested, that has left her questioning whether to continue cooking. The many effusive comments online may have her rethinking the decision. The bottom line: Gaia could decide to tough it out or to close up shop at any moment.
We profiled Gaia in 2011, highlighting her fresh, homemade, authentic cooking and personal approach. We also mentioned the restaurant in our Best of the Lower East Side issue earlier this month.
Gaia is so wonderful and her food is out-of-this-world delicious. Her departure would sadden so many customers.
I decided to check Yelp.com to see if I might find the offending customer (s) and I think I found her.
Look up Gaia on Yelp and you will see an abusive, insulting attack on Gaia herself by Yasmany C. on Dec.29th
I just walked by Gaia’s place today and their is a sign on the window that it will be closed until mid February. I wonder if it will open again.