Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Where Do Restaurants Go When They Die?

A nice post by Ken Levine on the closing of one of his favorite restaurants.

He poses the question "is it too weird to mourn the passing of a restaurant?," a question to which I would reply "absolutely not."

Think of the great memories and meals that you associate with restaurants. In Sacramento, just off the top of my head, I can think of some late, lamented eateries:

- Chuck's Steak House. Of course I'm biased since I worked there for four years, but it really was a great steak restaurant. There is still one located in Waikiki, and when we were there four years ago, we made sure to have dinner there one night. I ordered my favorite, the Teriyaki Steak/Chicken Combo. Still the best Bleu Cheese salad dressing I've ever had in my life.

- Ken's Red Barn. A place we went often when I was a kid. I always had spaghetti.

- Alhambra Fuel & Transportation. Why this sticks in my head 25 years later I have no idea, but I remember a wonderful lemon chicken that I ate there one night with my then girlfriend, soon to be wife Debra.

- Wulff's. A classic French restaurant, the perfect "special occasion" place.

- Coral Reef. In the 1970s, this was the place to take your date on prom night. Great Chinese food, and as I learned later, great tropical drinks - including one that was served in a glass as big as a fishbowl.

- D.O. Mills. A great place in Old Sacramento.

And heck, that's just off the top of my head. So yes...if a restaurant you love closes, you should definitely mourn it.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I loved Kens Red Barn..I remember the wonderful auroma that filled the air, when entering in this design of vintage decor! The intoxication of steaks grilling, and festive elixer breezing from within the bar and the circling of hazy cigarette smoke (then allowed) swirling around the room, embracing the laughter and enjoyment of people, relaxing in the ambience of atmosphere and good dining!
Yes I shall never forget!