A sprinkler valve burst at A Voce restaurant, the Michelin-starred restaurant on the third floor of the Time Warner Center, cancelling dinner Saturday night. The busted valve sent water through the dining room, and patrons huddled together at the elevated bar, like Armani-clad refugees. Our tipster, while spooked, kept eating his appetizer — which was marvelous, he assured us.
While our tipster seemed to think the liquid was some sort of fuel, general manager Louis Andia assured us that it was only water and that it was all fixed by Sunday morning. Anyway, here is the diner’s tale:
We sat down at A Voce at columbus circle at about 6:45, and all seemed splendid. Apps got served, then suddenly patrons begin getting up and walking away a bit startled. Someone told us to turn around and there was a massive fuel or oil eruption happening in the corner. The place literally began filling with gas or some liquid fuel. Patrons started scrambling to get out. You could hear what sounded like Niagara Falls in the corner…clearly something had burst. We headed – apps in hand – to the raised bar area with others to take refuge while the staff – clearly shocked at was happening – tried to get control of the situation. Then came the overwhelming toxic smell of fumes and someone in our party just said, “this is now getting super dangerous, everything could ignite…we’ve got to get out of here!” The entire restaurant floor was flooded with fuel…inches of it in minutes. Had there been candles on the table or something to ignite this thing, I swear the whole place would’ve exploded. Honestly if I wasn’t still entranced by and nibbling on the delicious Tonno app, I probably would’ve been more concerned for my life. At that point, we scrambled out with everyone else who remained and they shut the doors behind us. Felt bad for the restaurant. Open Table sent out mass cancellations moments later. As we left we wondered if Per Se which is right above it would be able to stay open with the major explosion hazard erupting below.
Andia comped the diner his bill and apologized for the “odd evening.”
Image via Shops at Columbus Circle.
Is it just me?
Seriously – you’re at a restaurant.. And liquid is falling from the ceiling and there is the “overwhelming smell of toxic fumes…” You DON”T head to the bar with “apps in hand.” You LEAVE. QUICKLY. I know the food is terrific, and you were “entranced,” but seriously…
As for A Voce… I hope you heal quickly!