Basilico Plans to Re-open on Wednesday

To Mario DeMarco, the co-owner of , was a tougher customer than .

The restaurant was flooded in both hurricanes, but after Floyd, Basilico re-opened in eight days. When it opens its doors on Wednesday for the first time since Aug. 27, it will have been closed 24 days for cleanup and this time.

"It was the mud this time," said DeMarco. "In Floyd, it was mostly water. This time there was a ton of mud."

Some of the paint is still drying, the patio is still a mess, but DeMarco is determined to be open on time on Wednesday.

Not to put the pressure on, but Downtown Millburn sent an email out yesterday letting its list serve know Basilico would open then.

“No, I’m not stressed,” DeMarco said. “It is what it is. We’re going to open tomorrow. Everyone should come in – you know it’s going to be really fresh!”

Looking around the patio, where work was was being staged for the inside and where the furniture and black trash bags are still stacked, he said he’s not sure whether the patio will be open yet, but the restaurant will be, he said.