My colleague Casey Cora, in working on a story about the closure of The Kitchen and De Santo in St. Petersburg, came upon the disturbing news that The Table in St. Petersburg has also closed its doors, perhaps temporarily. Turns out owner Rafael Manzano pulled up with a U-Haul on Sunday night, took the light fixtures and the reservation book and got out of town. General manager Joe Moledo and building owner George Rahdert have plans to reopen in a couple weeks. According to Moledo, the Sarasota location of The Table has closed as well, thus co-owner and chef Pedro Flores will be free to come to oversee the kitchen at the St. Petersburg location. They hope to keep the concept (Atlantic Rim cuisine, heavy on the South American) and much of the decor, but to reduce prices somewhat. Right now, Moledo and Rahdert are awaiting a liquor license to reopen, and we'll just sit tight and see what happens.

In other ominous news, right next door at Bella Brava lunch business is on temporary hold until a new lunch menu has been worked out--they are shooting for October to open back up for lunch.

St. Petersburg's Central Avenue Restaurant Row is starting to look a little gloomy...