CRUZ BAY — Carlos DeBlasi and Maria Ines of Morgan’s Mango, above left and center, with friend and volunteer Niall Bartlett, have persevered through the recovery efforts and the couple are ready to rebuild the kitchen and business office of their iconic restaurant which was damaged by an after-closing fire on April 28.
Scores of friends and fellow restaurateurs turned out in force during May to demolish the remains of the “back of the house” at the open-air restaurant overlooking Cruz Bay Creek and prepare for rebuilding. The permitting process for the reconstruction of one of the island’s oldest hospitality businesses has gone smoothly and work will continue, according to Carlos.
As of Saturday, June 6, a “relief fund” started by friends of Carlos and Maria on the gofundme internet site had raised $23,240 from 72 people to help the popular couple, who could not get fire insurance for the ramshackle wooden structure. The restaurant’s bar and dining deck were saved from damage by both St. John companies of the V.I. Fire Service who quickly contained the early morning fire.
Fans can only hope the couple will be able to offer their unmatched hospitality by the July 4 parade.
