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Three regulars raised their glasses for a final toast to an institution that helped transform downtown New Havens upscale food scenebefore the scene even existed.

The toast took place Tuesday evening at Ibiza restaurant.

Doug Smith, Richard Formica, and Sanjay Kapoor (pictured), three Yale physicians, were the first customers seated at the High Street restaurant on Tuesday evening, Ibizas last night of operation

The doctors came as soon as they heard the news. Ibiza owner Sonia Blanco had sent out an email Tuesday afternoon announcing the restaurants abrupt closure and word spread fast among New Havens foodies.

Ibiza closed due to personal family problems and a dispute between the landlord and restaurant owners Sonia and Ignacio Blanco.

Ibiza, which serves upscale Spanish cuisine, was consistently listed among New Havens top restaurants. When it opened in 1996 as Pika Tapas, the restaurant was a pioneer of fancy food at a time when New Haven was known for its apizza but not for gourmet small-plate delicacies.

Shortly after the restaurant opened for its dinner service at 5 p.m. Tuesday, fans of the restaurant started coming in to say goodbye, to have a last drink or meal, and to ask why.

Sonia Blanco, who owned the restaurant with ex-husband Ignacio Blanco, said the landlord wanted more money and we couldnt really afford that.

He sent an eviction notice, she said.

They werent being evicted, said John Wareck, the landlord. He said he didnt raise the rent. There was a settlement after many months of them trying to meet their expenses. We were doing everything we could to accommodate them.

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Last Supper For A Foodie Pioneer