The Great NYC Restaurant Massacre: Separating Culinary Casualties from Covid Crybabies
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps... except for that whole March 2020 thing, where apparently sleep was mandatory (and let's not forget the sweatpants trend that refused to hibernate). Remember when your daily commute involved elbowing your way through a crowd denser than a week-old bagel, only to be rewarded with a $17 slice of artisanal toast and lukewarm coffee? Those were the days, my friends.
But then came the Rona, that unwelcome dinner guest who decided to overstay its welcome by, like, a year. Restaurants, the vibrant heart of the city's soul, were forced to slam the brakes on service faster than you could say "artisanal kale salad." So, the question remains: how many beloved bastions of the brunch scene bit the dust?
The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Also Don't Have a Great Sense of Humor)
Here's the not-so-funny part: pinning down an exact number is tricky. It's like counting pigeons in Times Square – there's just too much going on. Estimates suggest thousands of restaurants closed their doors permanently, with independent spots feeling the pinch the most. Think of all those cozy ramen joints and hole-in-the-wall pizzerias – did they survive on takeout alone? We may never know.
However, let's not dwell on the downer details. Instead, let's celebrate the survivors! Those glorious restaurants that pivoted faster than a ballerina on Red Bull, offering ingenious outdoor dining setups (hello, igloo bubbles!), creative delivery menus (deep-fried Oreos, anyone?), and even virtual cooking classes (because who knew Uncle Phil secretly harbored a passion for macarons?).
So, Did Covid Kill Your Favorite Brunch Spot?
Maybe, maybe not. The best course of action? Channel your inner detective and do some recon! Stalk their social media pages (because everyone loves a good stalker, right?), or (gasp!) pick up the phone and give them a call. You might just be surprised to find your favorite spot is still slinging hash browns and bottomless mimosas.
And hey, if your go-to for greasy spoon goodness is truly gone, here's a thought: maybe it's time to explore a new neighborhood. Who knows, you might just discover your next culinary obsession lurking around the corner.
Remember, New York City is a living, breathing beast. It's constantly evolving, even in the face of a global pandemic. So, grab your mask (or your best quarantine fashion statement), and get out there and explore! The city that never sleeps (well, except for that one weird year) is waiting for you (and your rumbling stomach).
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