Shuttered

We regret to inform our valued patrons that The Cecchina -- which enjoyed an immensely popular debut season -- is officially shuttered for the winter, due to rain and inclement weather. No one is more saddened by this news than our proprietor, Tim, who is facing the gruesome prospect of watching sports indoors (shudder) during this closure.

His children are not pleased, either, having become accustomed to impromptu parties in the backyard with dozens of friends throughout the summer and fall. Left to their own devices while their parents sip from adult beverages inside The Cecchina, they enjoy unprecedented freedom inside and outside.

They'll also miss outside playdates that have them belly-up to the bar watching Superman, sleepovers with cousins that feature late-night Tangled screenings, and an outside refrigerator that is perpetually stocked with juice boxes and OtterPops.

Finally, The Cecchina's dogs are steeling themselves for a period of time in which hot dogs, hamburgers, and all sorts of delicious snacks will not be dangling from childrens' hands or left abandoned at kid-height tables. The droppings from the indoor high chair are a poor substitute for the treasures to be found outside during a party.

'Till next year, Cecchina!

(Thanks to the random window washer who first called our outdoor bar a cantina, our good friend Thomas who Brangelina'd The Cecchin Cantina into the shortened Cecchina, and my parents who made it official with our new sign!)