Structural Issues, Awkward Space Doom 5 Seasons Bistro

Unique restaurant is hanging up the chef coats on Sunday, April 15, according to head chef/owner Laurie Cera.

"Sadly, we are closing our beloved bistro due to lack of support and financial strain," Cera wrote in an e-mail to Patch Thursday morning. "[We] loved being here in the village and sincerely thought it was the right fit for us, but there were many issues with the space that tapped us out and we just can't float it any longer."

The awkward space – which – features restrooms up a rickety staircase, dips here and there, narrow alleys for tables, and mirrors adorning the walls. 

Cera said the multitude of issues with the space quickly exhausted her financial capital.

"The previous operators put nothing into it and by the time we took over it seems everything went, including the electric panel and kitchen air unit," she said, forcing her to re-wire the entire space, rebuild an air unit motor and attend to "a million other miscellaneous repairs."

Cera said she feels the landlords "are a real problem in the village" and cited a on who pays what – the tenant or property owner.

"The tax issue is a non-existent one for most - pretty much all of we tenants are paying what's known as 'triple net' on our leases, meaning we directly pay the taxes to the landlord, along with all necessary repairs; for us that included structural issues," she said.

Opened in summer of 2011, the high-end restaurant (with high-end prices to boot) . Diners could feast on everything from a pecan-crusted filet of sole (replete with roast corn, zucchini and tomato mélange) to de-constructed carbonaras (with guanciale strips & a poached egg, naturally) and sweeten their palates with her son Larry's much-lauded desserts.

Cera, who , said she's not yet sure of what to do next.

She did, however, express disappointed she wasn't able to stick around and entrench herself further into the Ridgewood community.

"[We're] going through a real rough time with this, [we] never expected it at this location," she said.

5 Seasons will be open for brunch on Sunday, April 15.