The VIP Café, on the corner of Rochambeau Avenue and East Gun Hill Road, recently reopened after a fire in early July left its doors closed for four months.

Steve Larous, the restaurant’s owner since 1997, said that they had cleaned up the water damage from putting out the fire, but it was a complicated permitting process that kept their doors closed until Dec. 5.

“For safety reasons we had to be issued all new permits,” he said.

Whatever the reason, VIP, located directly across from the Montefiore Medical Center, is finally open again and sporting a fresh facade and a leaner menu.

The large solarium (glass room) that faces the street brightens the restaurant and creates a cozy ambiance for a lunchtime meal, while the attentive wait staff and friendly owner who can usually be found in-house add to VIP’s simple charm.

VIP’s has diner favorites like chicken wings, nachos, burgers and bottomless cups of coffee to be enjoyed in a booth, as well as very generous salads that don’t skimp on the toppings. Several options feature all organic ingredients and are noted on the menu.

Sandwiches are also creative, such as the Ultrasound, which comes with grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, sautéed onions, jalapeño peppers and melted cheddar cheese, on your choice of a wrap, bread or hot panini.

VIP also has a popular catering service, and by the looks of the quality of their food and its presentation, it makes sense why. Their healthy alternatives and good flavors make for a deserved stop amid the bodegas and pizza joints on Gun Hill Road.

Ed. Note: VIP is located at 131 E. Gun Hill Rd. For more information, call (718) 655-8500. This story first appeared in the Jan. 12 edition of the Norwood News.