If cats have nine lives, then it's safe to assume that Fish 'N Chips are good for a least a dozen. Residents and long-time acquaintances of our fair village can attest that the fate of Arthur Treacher's has hung in the balance on numerous occasions. Just when you are convinced that this time the puppies have really been hushed, doors reopen, and it's business as usual.The faithless will say that 2008 looks dim for Art. There was actually a "For Sale" sign in the window for a time, and this blogger spotted a well-dressed gaggle gazing about the property a month or so ago. Soon after that, construction vehicles frequented the establishment, ripping up the parking lot and landscaping. Those with good vision will spot equipment still hanging about the front door. The shop itself is gutted, the only things resembling a working restaurant are the donuts on the fresh pavement.
I, however, can be counted among the devout believers. Past experience tells me that all of the carnage could simply be part of a well-deserved face lift. Until the sign is removed and I witness customers leaving with burgers or lattes, I will not count Arthur out.
I have learned an important lesson from the fortitude of Arthur Treacher's. Things aren't always as they appear.
Truth be told, I am often guilty of quick judgement. Recently I made an assumption at work that had me up in arms for a full 24 hours. I was sure of my conclusions and layered them into a solid reality, like fresh asphalt compacting under the roller's weight. Problem was, my deductions were built on a faulty foundation, and cracks formed in the pavement when the underlying truth pushed its way to the surface. Things were not as they appeared.
Likewise, one can drive through Danville and see a shell of a building and assume that a run-down old restaurant has met it's demise. I will not give in to that temptation. I have not eaten in Arthur Treacher's in at least 14 years, but I assure you that if it is resurrected again, I will be first in line to honor the long tradition of fried fish, cornmeal, and good, old-fashioned hope.
3 comments:
By far, your best piece yet! What a gem--I laughed aloud heartily, and see also the wisdom in both your wariness concerning Art's exit from the Danville culinary scene and in your broader observations. I pledge here in this public forum to emerge from a strong 23 year Fish and Chips-less tradition to join you in line should there be an encore of this Art form.
haha, this is a good one, good title and exellent writing, with humor, and is so true
This is an amazing post, really. Lots of wit and wisdom. I can understand why you want everyone to see it right away when they come to your page. But it's been a couple months, and it's time to move on. Give us a new laugh, or a new nuggest of truth upon which to ponder. Something. Please "plug" back into the blogging community. We miss you
Post a Comment