Secrets of the City

As if The Rat didn’t have enough reasons to eat inside at a restaurant.

It’s either too hot, too cold, too windy, bugs in your food or people driving into your table.

I hope the comments here do not mirror the pathetic thread over at twincities.com. Comment #1 seems to be headed in that direction…

We were finishing eating supper at the last table the truck hit. It happened really fast, heard some commotion, looked up and there’s a white truck coming at us. Before I could figure out what to do, I got thrown back into the bike rack full of bikes. Tables and chairs flying eveywhere. I looked back around and found my 5-year-old under the truck’s front bumper and got him out. Tried to find my 2-year old who had been sitting next to big brother. He had been pushed into the bikes, too, along with my wife. Then I looked to help the people under the truck and knew right away they were stuck. You can pick up the story in the Strib from there.

We’re okay. Bumps, cuts, bruises, etc. 5-year-old must have hit his jaw on our table because it swelled up big. Went to HCMC, xrays were negative on both kids and my leg. I feel really lucky and can’t believe one of us isn’t seriously hurt. I think the truck hit the building which finally stopped it.

Can’t seem to find any news on the one or two people in critical condition. It was a terrifying experience.

sorry to hear about all involved. I live in the neighborhood and love the CC. I will look forward to going back there after everyone has had some time to heal.

I used to work with one of the owners when I first moved here. He quit the gig to start the CC and it ended up taking a year longer than he thought it would because of a variety of reasons. I’m sure he’s shook up about it because he put everything he had into that place and loved running it.

On the flip side, karl’s comment offers a very personal, firsthand look at the story. I could almost feel the terror he and and wife must have felt looking for the two children after the crash — and I’m thankful they are all okay. I wish I could say the same of all sitting there that evening.

Another MNspeak gem. Thanks, karl.

I live two blocks from there. Damn scary. I’m in there a couple times a week, at least.

karl-

Thanks for sharing your personal experience. I hope everyone involved recovers quickly. Anyone know if they’re open? I go there all the time and want to continue to support them but when I try calling nobody answers.

-Aaron

We were actually right down the street at Birchwood and had considered eating at Clicquot. But, for whatever reason, we chose not to. Anyway, we go there all the time and would also like to continue to support them.

Aaron, I read they were closing for the weekend out of respect for the people injured as well as to let the staff take a breather.

Josie-

Thanks for the info. I’ll try to go out of my way to visit the Clicquot Club Cafe this week.

-Aaron

Wow, Karl, what a scary experience — can’t imagine. I’m happy to hear that you and your family are ok.

Cafeapolis has been working on a write-up of the Clicquot Club Cafe and pushed it out today with a note at the bottom:

…we had been working on this story for several weeks when we heard about the accident that occurred in front of the cafe on August 18th. [...] We just wanted to draw attention to this tragedy and offer our condolences and best wishes to any folks injured – it could have been us. We stand by the Clicquot as a fine neighborhood institution and hope that people will continue to patronize it.

I hope the people injured are doing better. Is the restaurant going to open back up soon? Any damage to the actual restaurant, or just the patio?

Their website has been updated and says:

“Due to the accident that occurred August 17th we will remain CLOSED until Wednesday, August 22nd.

We appreciate all your support and hope to see everyone again soon.”

So grateful to hear you’re OK, Karl!

Probably a good idea to have dinner there one night.

Please continue to eat at the cafe, it’s a great place. My father passed away yesterday.

I hope the rest of my family is not upset that I posted this, please also allow for our private grieving.

Oh boy, just realized I made a typo on the heading for the post. Oops.

The daughter-

Thanks for posting. Thoughts are with you and your family.

-Aaron

The Daughter-

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Oh my goodness, the daughter, I’m so sorry to hear about your father. It’s just a shocking accident. I can’t imagine your pain.

Karl: glad you’re OK. It must have been horrifying.

The daughter: What a sad thing to have happen. I wish your family well. All things are impermanent, even the hardest grief.

I’d like to offer my condolences to the family. And I’d like to know who posted that disgusting comment under my name and ask that it be removed.

We MUST erect a memorial to this incident immediately.

To the daughter: I am so sorry for your loss and pray that God will comfort and strengthen you and your family during this difficult time.

bikes don’t kill people.

just, you know, in case anyone forgot.

And bike bridges don’t fall down.

Signed,

Jim Oberstar

The Daughter: I just read the article about your father and saw your comment in this thread. I’m so sorry for your loss and hope that time will heal your sorrow.

Hey, they’re open. Wednesday a.m. Cliquot opened without fanfare… just their usual great coffee and ambience! Business seemed a little slow, since most folks didn’t know just when they’d open. If you get a chance, drop over to wish them well and get some java.

I’m going to stop by for a late lunch around 12:30.

-Aaron

Thanks for all your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I’m sure it’s just me, but it seems the world is out of control, small cars smashed on 94 and people being airlifted from my small town into the city for care. Be kind and careful to everyone you meet, they are someone’s child, parent, brother, sister, friend, partner. Peace to us all.