A New Local Eatery Where MG's Used To Be

Shoppers on Austin Street getting geared up for the holiday season have noticed a conspicuous absence where MG's, also known as Mardi Gras Restaurant, used to be. The Cajun-influenced eatery, with one of the most unique facades in the area closed its doors on Nov. 1^st, after announcing quietly that they would be throwing a goodbye party on Halloween.

The closing of the restaurant, which until now had been an active member of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, came as a surprise to many in the area who were used to stopping by on weekends.

The closure was abrupt, and according to Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce President Leslie Brown, there was very little reason given for the restaurant's departure.

While the reason for MG's closing may always remain a mystery, the prime patch of Austin Street real estate won't stay shuttered for long.

Peter Kambitsis, owner of Juice bar right across the street, told Patch he'll be opening Exo, a new restaurant at the former MG's site.

"It will be casual dining, you can go out and meet some friends for a drink, somewhere where you don't have to put a hole in your pocket," Kambitsis said.

He admitted that he's been eyeing Forest Hills, and specifically Austin Street, as a location for a place like Exo for about two years.

Kambitsis was standing outside the restaurant — adorned with one of New York City's telltale signs of incoming commerce, the work permit — with a member of the demolition crew which is stripping out the old restaurant's interior flourishes.

Monday was the third day of demolition for the site, which will have a totally different feel once the juice bar proprietor and his crew are done with it, and should be open sometime early next year.

"It's going to be completely redone on the inside," he said. "We're shooting for February."

Brown was thrilled that a local business owner is able to open a second restaurant on Austin.

"I am quite pleased to see an independently owned place open up," Brown said. "Pete [Kambitsis], the owner of Ripe, is committed to this community and active in the chamber. I am thrilled that his place is doing well and he can expand to open another restuarant!"

Ironically, the opening date for the new restaurant on the block could be right before…Mardi Gras.