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Public House Apologizes for Steam Pipe Explosion Drink Specials
By
John Del Signore
Published Jul 17, 2008
Modified Jul 17, 2008
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By
John Del Signore
Published Jul 17, 2008
Modified Jul 17, 2008
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Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of that horrible steam pipe explosion in midtown that left one woman dead and others seriously injured. And Public House on 41st Street has some theme drink specials tonight to commemorate the occasion. We're talking $8 Car Bombs, $6 PipeBomb Drinks, and a “Taste Bud Explosion Platter” with wings, nachos and calamari. This is going to be the best steam pipe explosion anniversary party in town!
Or, rather, it was; apparently some people thought the explosion theme was in poor taste. Reached by phone, a Public House employee told us they got a very negative response to their first email announcing the specials, adding that “some people are very sensitive” and qualifying that "this wasn’t meant to be a celebration but a remembrance.” Instead of the drink specials there will be an open bar from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. But no celebrating! After the jump, read the full apology email that Public House fired off in response to the complaints, as forwarded to us from a tipster.
To Whom It May Concern:
Public House would like to apologize for the possibly inappropriate names of our drink and food specials referring to the steampipe explosion. We were directly affected by this incident and we merely wanted to thank all of our loyal clientele for standing by us through such a hard time. We also wanted to honor and remember the people who were injured and who lost their lives. BY NO MEANS has this matter been taken lightly. Our intention was not to capitalize on a day that horrified people; it was intended to say Thank You to everyone who was here with us when it happened. We all stuck together as a united force to get through that day and we never wanted to offend anyone.
We apologize profusely for the lack of thought behind the names of our food and drink specials and we hope that you understand and forgive us for this miscommunication.
Thank you,
Public House Management
Photo of steam explosion on East 41st between Third and Lexington Avenues by Joseph Marty/AP
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John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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