Closings

Bussaco and Bellavitae Have Closed

West Branch’s shuttering wasn’t the only notable one today. Eater reports that Bellavitae has closed. The casual Italian spot made Adam Platt’s list of “The Best New Restaurants of 2005” but eventually fell into the shadows of about 5,000 more recent Italian openings (once it was off the critical radar, its tucked-away location amid Village nightlife spots probably didn’t help it). The former chef tells Eater that the owner is “in court with the landlord, which I was told he lost over back rent and new increases. He owes many vendors $$ who always needed to call to collect something.” Meanwhile, FIPS notices that Bussaco has finally closed after some very public struggles with chefs Matthew Schaefer and Katy Sparks. The suicide note reads, “That’s all, folks.”

Bussaco is Closed [FIPS]
Village Sweetheart Bellavitae Closes After Five Years [Eater NY]

Bussaco and Bellavitae Have Closed