Long Island has several top-notch restaurants, but when it came time to choose a lunch spot today, I shunned them and settled on the Rocky Point Townhouse Diner, just a couple miles up the street.
And, it was one of the best lunches I've ever eaten.
The Greek salad was solid and tastily loaded with feta. The chicken souvlaki was just okay. And the cole slaw was mediocre at best. Overall, a slightly above average meal to be sure.
That probably doesn't sound like the stuff of a great lunch, and yet it was.
You see, it was my first lunch out with just Jackson, father and son.
I took the day off today to have a guys day. No, there weren't any beer, chicken wings or scantily clad dancers involved in this guys endeavor, but there were plenty of smiles, laughs and hugs.
So, as much of a food snob as I can be at times, this little guy is a perfect reminder of just how important our company kept is when dining out. Never discount the importance of loved ones at the dinner (or lunch) table. They can turn a run-of-the-mill meal into something special.
Hell yeah! It doesn't get any better than that, Lenn. But don't blink. He'll be 17 in a flash and you'll be longing for the good old days.
On the other hand, when your kids have one foot out the door there's a lot to look forward to...
Posted by: Bill | February 06, 2008 at 03:00 PM
I bet that lunch was so memorable that you will never forget it.
Posted by: Dan | February 06, 2008 at 04:31 PM
That is awesome, Lenn. fWhat a fabulous way to spend the day. And I'll tell you, I think Long Island has some of the best diners in the nation. You just can't find LI-style diners out here in California!
Posted by: swirlingnotions | February 06, 2008 at 05:39 PM
I hope this is just the start of a father-son tradition. My 90-year-old dad and I have lunch together every Monday and Tuesday at the local diner. Two weeks ago my daughter joined us and was blown away when the waitress brought him his coffee and me my decaf, and then told us what we were having -- she knows us so well.
BTW for the true diner experience you have to come to Jersey!
Posted by: MrTaz | February 06, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Thats what the kids will remember too...once they're old enough...those special outings (particularly if theres siblings).
As for the Diner experience and having ate in many diners in both states, its a wash. having fam in both states, the jersey ones don't get to the outer boroughs or LI enough to compare. Trust me, those exiled tri state folk in FLA and the West Coast would kill for one of these diners.
Posted by: Chris | February 07, 2008 at 09:34 AM