Autre Monde Damaged in Mid-morning Fire, Will Close For a Few Weeks

Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits was damaged in a fire this morning, but fortunately no one was injured. Co-owner Christine Tully Aranza was working in the basement with the restaurant's bookkeeper while a prep cook was in the kitchen. Someone opened the door and screamed that the restaurant was on fire, according to Autre Monde's publicist Janet Isabelli.

The pair rushed upstairs and saw that the immediate rear exterior of the restaurant was engulfed in flames; the dining room was apparently not damaged. According to the Patch report, the fire may have been caused by an unattended grill, but Berwyn fire chief Denis O'Halloran said the investigation is still in its very early stages.

Isabelli said the restaurant will likely be closed for three to four weeks while necessary repairs are made. She added they fortunately have insurance and Tully Aranza was just thankful no one was hurt. The critically acclaimed restaurant has been celebrating its first anniversary this month and this likely was not the anniversary present they had hoped for.
· Fire Damages Berwyn's Autre Monde [Patch]
· John & Christine Aranza on Autre Monde's First Year [~EChi~]

[Photo: Patch]