Austin's Oasis restaurant burned down

[rainbow4321]

I don't live down there but went a few times while in town....it was a beautiful place to relax

;(

Sorry to hear this happened......

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8AEUEOO2.html


Popular Oasis restaurant destroyed by fire


An early morning blaze Wednesday destroyed the popular Oasis restaurant.

Fire quickly engulfed the restaurant including its famous wood porches that overlook the cliffs of Lake Travis.

Flames could be seen from several miles away, and a plume of smoke was visible from downtown Austin, authorities said.








edited for link

[Sannum]

1. Oh No!!!!

:(

[meg]

2. I loved the view and the atmosphere!

Oh, no!

[rainbow4321]

3. Me, too..

Hugs to Austinites over their loss.....it was an awesome, breathtaking place/view.


Heard a blurb on CNN that it may have been lightening??


http://www.statesman.com/metrostate/content/metro/stories/06/1oasis.html


The fire might have been caused by a lightning strike to one of the decks, said Hudson Bend Fire Chief Bruce Watson. A line of thunderstorms swept through the Austin area early today. "What neighbors are telling us is it was one of the decks (on fire)," Watson said. "They said it was solid red."

Theriot estimated the restaurant sustained at least $1 million in damage. He said there is "no question" that he will rebuild. "I've got 24 years of creation over there, and I've got to start re-creating," he said.

By 7 a.m. dozens of employees, some still in their pajamas, arrived to watch the Oasis burn and share in each other's shock and grief.

Throughout the years it became a mandatory stop for countless tourists and visitors to the Austin area. As the sun dipped behind the surrounding hills each night, employees would ring a bell as customers cheered.

[sonias]

4. That is sad news

It was a nice view of the lake. A very popular spot.

Sonia

[bluestateguy]

5. I never had the chance to go there

But maybe I will someday since the owner says he will rebuild. That was one nasty storm last night. Not much rain, but very loud thunder and a lot of lightning.

[Longhorn]

6. We have a metal roof

and it sounded like our house was getting pressure-washed!

We used to go to the Oasis fairly regularly. Beautiful view but the food was mediocre and over-priced the last few times we went. It's been awhile, though.

[PDittie]

7. It's not gone

Kitchen was saved and Bo Theriot (the owner; he's from Port Arthur, I know his family) says they'll try to open later in the week and get rebuilt quickly:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3207775

[Justitia]

8. OMG! One of our favorite spots in TX! -eom