'Back to Doing What We Do Best'

Tuesday, while his restaurant was empty, except for painters and carpenters, co-owner vowed he'd open on time - 5 p.m. Wednesday, just like the sign they put up on the door.

On Wednesday, the tables at were set with linens and dishes, new art made with dried flowers by DeMarco's wife, a florist, adorned the wall and the double doors of the restauarant swung open wide onto the sidewalk and customers came in and shook DeMarco's hand and welcomed him back.

"We're back to doing what we know how to do," said DeMarco, after spending the last 24 days left by Hurricane Irene. "We're back to doing what we do best - running a restaurant."

The patio's still a mess, he said, but should be open by Friday.