Mexicali Rose Is Open Yet Again

Are we living in the Twilight Zone? After writing only last week that at 10 Park Street had definitely closed—the restaurant was blaring a red "Open" sign in its window late Tuesday night.

This Montclair Patch editor asked if indeed Mexicali Rose was open again and an employee said, "yes, we got all our problems worked out with the town."

Uh, okay. Patch is waiting to hear the township's point of view on this one.

On Jan. 10, signs in the window said that the Mexicali Rose property had been seized by law enforcement officials and that the restaurant was now for sale.

The restaurant also was closed down last September—by New Jersey tax officials—with new signs plastered across the windows announcing that a "New Mexicali Rose" would be re-opening soon. And, indeed in October, Montclair Patch reported that a newly re-opened Mexicali Rose was completely redecorated, looking sleeker and more nuevo latino than it previously did.

But then on Jan. 10 it appeared Mexicali Rose was closed for good, a move that came just days after Watchung Plaza Home and ColorStoryHome announced they were closing.

The good news is that many restaurants were bustling Tuesday night including the right across the street from Mexicali Rose. And around the corner, where this Montclair Patch editor dined, wasn't packed but there were a few tables of customers to be seen. And the food—especially the ceviche—was spectacular.

The bad news is that there wasn't a soul inside Mexicali Rose—except a handful of employees.

Do you know of any restaurants/businesses that are opening or closing? If so, please let us know in the comments section below or email Shelley@patch.com