Nicole GuzzardiLet’s douse some more cold water on those ridiculous rumors that Mermaid Inn is taking over the Candela Candela space, shall we? Turns out, the owners of the Cuban-Italian restaurant are remodeling it and turning into an organic Italian eatery.
Candela Candela officially closed its doors last Sunday, said owner Shai Zvibak. Mr. Zyibak, who also owns Hummus Shop in the Lower East Side, and his partner Marchello Assante will open a new spot, Organika. There, the pizza will be made from all organic ingredients, including dough made with white flour, kamut and favao.
“We are going to buy lots of the ingredients from farmers in upstate New York,” Mr. Zyibak said.
The eatery will have a full-sized bar offering organic wine and juices. Even the décor will be “green,” consisting of recycled wood and other items. The tables will be made from old bowling lanes.
“We are considering the ecologic situation of planet earth,” said Mr. Zvibak.
Organika is set to open in the next three weeks and hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to midnight, and weekends 10 a.m. to 1 or 2 a.m.
