WEST VILLAGE — Louro, the West Village restaurant where Chef David Santos served weekly special supper club meals lovingly named "Nossa Messa," meaning "our table," is closing abruptly due to a massive, sudden rent hike, the chef said.
Louro has operated at 142 W. 10th St. for two-and-a-half years, according to Santos, and its lease is coming to an end. Santos did not disclose what he currently pays in rent, but said the landlord wanted to increase the rent by approximately 70 percent. He said he was given very short notice.
“It is very disappointing that this chapter has come to an end but I’m grateful for all the support we have received over the past few years,” Santos wrote in an emailed statement.
His landlord could not be immediately reached for comment, and the Winick realty agent listing the space did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Santos' inventive cooking adventures have included: a Portuguese Passover special; a Christmas dinner inspired by his favorite movie, "A Christmas Story;" a Mardi Gras special with authentic New Orleans delicacies; and a "hangover feast."
He will serve his last meal at Louro on Thursday night. Starting at 5:30 p.m. until all the restaurant's food and beverages are gone. All wine, liquor, beer and cocktails will be 50 percent off.
The restaurant will hold a fire sale on kitchen equipment, tabletop ware, and other items on Friday from noon until 4 p.m., he said.
