à votre santé

Sadly, Celestin’s Island Eats & Cajun Cuisine (1815 K Street) will be closing at the end of this month, after 28 years in business. It isn’t a victim of the economy; it is a victim of the reality of running a restaurant.

It takes a lot of time—nights and weekends mandatory. In 2006, founders Patrick and Phoebe Celestin turned over the day-to-day operations to their son and his wife. The younger Celestins found the life too tumultuous for raising children, though, so the parents took over again.

Now hoping to retire, they decided not to sell the business—which was inspired by Patrick’s memories of growing up in Haiti—but to call it quits.

While there are other places in the area to find Cajun food (see “NOLA style,” SN&R Eat It and Reap,” March 24), Celestin’s has been the go-to spot for authentic gumbos, platanos, curries and Creole flavors. You should stop by for one more caipirinha or Cuba libre and some excellent sweet potato fries and spicy pork grio.