Eber: Lima closes

Government looks for any way to kill a business or to enforce costly and deadly rules.

“What bothers me most is the decision to shutter Lima was not made because of poor support from patrons.  According to Marquez. a lawsuit brought against him claiming gender discrimination because of offering Ladies Night half price drinks on Wednesday nights, resulted in Lima closing its doors.

Apparently, the cost of defending his business against an arguably frivolous lawsuit brought against him for financial gain, was more than the business could endure.

It is hard to imagine the effect of serving one of Lima’s famous Pisco Sours on Ladies Night could determine  the survival of the business.  The drink is so tasty that it might give one the incentive to shop at Cross Dress for Less to qualify for purchasing  this half price delight.

There is a cheap solution to this problem.  A sign at the door can note that if a man proclaims himself a woman for the night, they can also get half priced drinks.  This is California, stupidity reigns.

Lima closes by Richard Eber

Richard Eber, Exclusive to the California Political News and Views,  12/30/24    www.capoliticalnewsandviews.com

It breaks my culinary heart to see one of Concord’s best restaurants Lima having to close. Headed by master Chef John Marquez, this eatery located  in historic Todas Santos Square, provided the community with Michelin quality cuisine not found in most other local eateries.

What bothers me most is the decision to shutter Lima was not made because of poor support from patrons.  According to Marquez. a lawsuit brought against him claiming gender discrimination because of offering Ladies Night half price drinks on Wednesday nights, resulted in Lima closing its doors.

Apparently, the cost of defending his business against an arguably frivolous lawsuit brought against him for financial gain, was more than the business could endure.

It is hard to imagine the effect of serving one of Lima’s famous Pisco Sours on Ladies Night could determine  the survival of the business.  The drink is so tasty that it might give one the incentive to shop at Cross Dress for Less to qualify for purchasing  this half price delight.

Over the years as a restaurant reviewer for local publications, I have written about the wonderful food Lima serves. The Peruvian roasted chicken with  Aji Amarillosauce was my favorite.  Their ceviche and Seafood Paella with fresh clams, calamari, prawns, and mussels, was a fish lovers delight.

I would be remiss not to mention their braised lamb shanks seasoned with Peruvian spices. Their stuffed Potato Rellena and Papa a la   not been duplicated anywhere else I have dined

Each day, Lima offered a lunch special that allowed diners to experience a gourmet meal for around $20.00.  This included a main course or sandwich,plus soup or salad, including a non-alcoholic beverage. 

I gladly ordered on several occasions a rare Wagyu Lunch Burger, Carnitas, or chicken sandwiches, that allowed me to depart Lima without taking out a second mortgage. All of this ends on December 31st.  If  Lima’s closing due to settling the alleged act of discrimination is wrong, it will be  for others to decide.  In my mind the high quality of the food John Marquez lovingly served, was more important than offering half priced drinks to spur traffic on slow Wednesdays.

Prior to opening Lima. he previously worked under renowned Chef Kevin Gin in Danville’s Bridges and for iconic Thomas Keller, at his world famous French Laundryin  Yountville.  With such a distinguished  resume, Marquez will have no difficulty finding future employment in the culinary world.

What disturbs more even more than Lima being forced to close has been the weaponization of lawsuits by Ambulance Chaser Lawyers who use public interest laws for their own financial gain. Especially grievous have been the frivolous lawsuits brought forth under the umbrella of the American’s with Disability Act.  This law passed in 1990 was designed to protect handicapped people from discrimination with employment, in public accommodations, communications, and public services.

As it turned out unfair treatment need not be proven prior to proceeding against a business. All that needs be proven is that discrimination exists.  Lawyers can sue without having an actual victim. As an example we have Ciao Restaurant that was located across from the park next to the Embarcadero Center development in San Francisco.

This festive place featured the best anti pasta and Carpaccio I have had, before or since.  As this business had only one upstairs bathroom, when those with disabilities, could not climb the stairs, they were carried by the waiters.”

This was done in good fun for several years without complaint,  Such a practice came to an end when a  building Inspector decided Ciao had to build new restroom facilities.  The cost was too high so the popular restaurant closed its doors.

Such a sad ending has been forced to occur repeatedly to fit one size fits all regulations put forth by Uncle Sam to protect its disabled citizens.  The question remains what transpires when social justice collides with common sense? Litigation instituted by public interest attorney’s does not end here.  We might recall the lawsuits and threats of legal action brought forth by attorney

Kevin Shenkman to force District elections in cities that previously utilized an at large system. The threat of Shenkman firing suit, forced local governments to comply in order to avoid paying damages and legal expenses This resulted to change the manor local office holders are selected.

Several years later many communities found they preferred the old at large way.  Unfortunately, reverting to the previous system has become impossible. The will of the people no longer matters. District elections are the law of the land.

Laws passed by the legislature to protect consumers, have done in many cases just the opposite.  Outside of increasing insurance and legal expenses, the results, other than attorney’s becoming wealthier, have been mixed.

Unfortunately for John Marquez, the present system has forced him to close Lima. Culinary challenged Concord lost one of its best places to dine as half priced drink Ladies Night fades into history.