Some great places to get a bite

To the editor:

(re: “It’s the end of an era at the Blue Bay,” Dec. 1)

I have enjoyed many excellent meals for decades when frequenting any one of many local diners. Over the years, we have seen the demise of too many diners.

Diners have been part of my life from teenage years to today. Eating out is a periodic ritual with either friends or family. Portions are generous. Who never took a doggie bag home with leftovers to eat the next day?

Between the customary soup, salad, rolls, coleslaw and pickles, along with the main course — dinner could satisfy the heartiest appetite. Many times, we bagged our desserts to go. 

Neighborhoods all over New York City have seen changes over time. Many new immigrant groups sometimes favor their own ethnic foods and restaurants. Diners have also lost customers over time to numerous fast food restaurants. Many of their menus have expanded to also include breakfast items and a greater variety of items to select from for lunch or dinner. 

Remember, these people are our neighbors. Our local entrepreneurs who own and operate diners have continued to invest in our community, creating new employment opportunities without the assistance of federally funded taxpayer stimulus dollars.

They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, they don’t eat either.

Why not honor the found memories we had at diners, which have come and gone, by continuing to patronize our remaining diners. Here’s hoping the handful of others still in business don’t go the way of the dinosaurs into permanent extinction.

Larry Penner