In a follow-up essay to his earlier piece, "Supper at Scribners," Michael A. Gonzales recalls his time in the mid-80s working at Miss Brooks, a cafe in midtown Manhattan.
I swore I was only going to glance at this and get back to my own work...but I got totally absorbed. What a beautiful story, relatable and moving. Coming of age in a way that's not preachy or judgy. Really without a moral to the story, which I like. Great descriptions and dialogue. I could see the scenes (and smell!) - the inside of Amber's place, the hotel room, the cafe. Thank you so much. It was a good 10 minutes I took out of my day!
Loved this! Also waited NYC tables almost 40 years ago. Funny to mention & clarify how much indoor cigarette smoking was okay w everyone
When I read 'almost 40 years ago', my first thought was 'oh like in the olden days of my parents' generation.' Then I realized that would be me. LOL.
Yup. I did the math 2x before typing it out . . . We are all #oldster
I swore I was only going to glance at this and get back to my own work...but I got totally absorbed. What a beautiful story, relatable and moving. Coming of age in a way that's not preachy or judgy. Really without a moral to the story, which I like. Great descriptions and dialogue. I could see the scenes (and smell!) - the inside of Amber's place, the hotel room, the cafe. Thank you so much. It was a good 10 minutes I took out of my day!
I loved being transported back to the 80s with this essay.
It really is an evocative time capsule.
I really love this piece so much.
Michael, I found a Daily News help wanted ad for the restaurant from Christmas Day 1980:
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120911251/miss-brooks-restaurant-ad/
I am not sure if people who aren't subscribers to Newspapers.com can see it, but it reads:
RESTAURANT New Soup Salad & Quiche Restaurant seeking full-time & part-time help. All positions Apply In Person: Miss Brooks Restaurant 56 St & 6th Ave. .
Good find!
Fantastic piece! ❤️
Love this! I worked in the area and sometimes would go there for lunch. It was such a different time.
Great story Michael- yours are ALWAYS great reads👍🏽
As I did the earlier piece, I loved this. I hope he will keep this going and turn it into a book, if it's not a book already.
Agree! Mike, go get yourself a book deal!
Close my eyes and I'm there. Brought back memories--similar, but different. Such a great essay.
Ah, I loved "Supper at Scribners" — delighted to read this continuation. Keep it going!
Also, I'm dying to know who the artist couple was, did he ever find out??
Loved this! So evocative of that time in Manhattan.
So cool. Thank you for this.
Right?!