Unfortunately I have to start this week’s Out&About with sad news again as an Irish icon — Sidetracks Bar and Restaurant in Sunnyside, Queens has burned down to the ground. An early morning five-alarm fire burned through a Sunnyside strip mall, leaving 12 people injured and at least three restaurants in ruins, according to the New York Fire Department.
Flames began around 2 a.m. inside the New York Style Eats diner and quickly spread to nearby businesses like the UPS Store and at least two other restaurants.
Sidetracks is owned and managed by Bernard Reilly from County Meath and was one of the most historical Irish meeting places in New York and will be sadly missed by all.
I was only in Sidetracks myself last Friday and I met up with Bernard Reilly while I was Out&About as he was preparing for the Christmas rush.
Oh Christmas, how I love this time of the year and it is great to see people out there enjoying themselves around this time. This time of the year is also a big boost for the restaurant and bar trade that helps the owners to show some cheer.
Gee, did I write that? It just came out like poetry; I must be getting good at this job. On a serious note it is a grand time to celebrate and to meet some friends and have a cocktail or two and wish everybody a good cheer, here I go again the words just pop out.
To walk around Manhattan and view the beautiful light displays it makes my heart jump with delight and say to myself how lucky one can get. Christmas in New York its just a dream and to meet old friends that you might not see for a long time and wishing them a Happy Christmas and New Year.
We have just been informed about the fundraiser for the victims of the Sunnyside fire between 45 and 46 Street on Queens Boulevard.
In just five days since a devastating fire gutted six businesses, donations have poured in. More than $75,000 has been raised between a GoFundMe page and a well-attended fundraiser Monday evening at Sunnyside Community Services Center. The organizer of the event said 100% of the proceeds will go to victims of the fire.
“The way that everyone is waiting to give a helping hand to be part of the safety net for all these folks displaced at the height of the holiday season, it’s certainly a strong testament to what a special place this is,” said Jaime-Faye Bean, Executive Director of Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District.
Hundreds attended Monday’s fundraising event. So many that they had to split the entrance into two sessions: one from 6 to 7:30 p.m.,and the second from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Even after ticket sales were closed online, people waited in a line outside to get in.
“When I tell people I have a small town feeling in a city that’s why I enjoy Sunnyside,” said resident Francelia Febus. “I know the business owners. They say hello when I walk my dog in the neighborhood. They’re like an extended family.”
“It hurts big time but the attitude is moving forward for a better day,” said Tony Tang, UPS Store owner. “I’m proud to be from Sunnyside, I love Sunnyside,” he added. “Sunnyside people are always together and we get stronger from rebuilding.”
Bryan Chunton, owner of Zen Yai, the Vietnamese restaurant that was impacted, donated food from his other restaurant, Eat’s Khao Man Gai in the East Village for the fundraiser.
“I’m overwhelmed with all the people here, and I appreciate it,” Chunton said.
The fundraiser not only helps the owners of the gutted stores, but also the 70 or so employees of those businesses now without jobs during the holiday season. People like Felix Poma, who worked at New York Style Eats and has also lived in Sunnyside for 20 years.
“I felt I lost a little part of life I began working there 11 years ago,” Poma said. “I cannot have enough words to thank everybody for all the effort they made, I’m really, really thankful for that.”
In a shining example of neighbor helping neighbor, the fundraiser featured food, live entertainment, a raffle, a silent action, holiday shops, even Santa Claus.
There’s no exact given amount yet, but organizers said that victims will each get an initial disbursement before the holiday and another disbursement after the new year.
Although several owners have vowed to rebuild, it’s not immediately clear if they are able to on the same site, now all boarded up.
You can still contribute either calling the Sunnyside Shines office at (718) 606-1800 or by visiting their GoFundMe page.
I have to congratulate all the residents of Sunnyside for standing behind the victims of the fire and say how proud you should be. Now that is what I call United.
Finally before we take our short Christmas break we would like to take the opportunity to thank all our readers, sponsors and friends and wish you all a very Happy and Holy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from all at The Irish Examiner.
Thank you again and we will see you in the New Year when I am Out&About once again.