Walking around midtown, my sister and I were hungry-and we needed a place to eat. “I know of a diner on 57th!” I said. We entered and were quickly seated at The Brooklyn Diner. What a funny name, we are in Manhattan! I felt like we had been transported via time travel into a bustling good old fashioned diner like in Happy Days. Certainly, the black and white image of a roller coaster from Coney Island took me back to my delightful childhood summers with my family. Kerv, our lovely server from Ethiopia was attentive with his enchanting smile and menu ideas. The huge bowl of chicken soup that my sister ordered was loaded with chicken and veggies. No complaints from my very picky sibling. My turkey club with avocado slices was delicious and the fries were also tasty but I was unable to eat the whole thing. Moreover and by far my favorite item was their hot spicy apple cider drink topped with whip cream! Yummie. Just what the doctor ordered for the chill in my bones on this 30 something degree afternoon. As we were getting ready to return to the cement jungle, I overheard the host, a well dressed man with a charming disposition speaking to another guest that was being seated. He was astonished that they had never visited the diner which had been in business for 30 years. He was holding the door for another guest leaving with a large stroller as we were exiting, I told him that we are also native New Yorkers that had walked past the diner countless times and never entered. Yesterday was our first time and I told him that this spot is a treasure. We chatted a bit and he shook our hands, introduced himself as Guy. My sister and I walked away happy. Our bellies were full and warm and so were our hearts. When we were 3/4 up the block to Broadway, we hear someone screaming, “My new friends, MY NEW FRIENDS!!!!” When we look back, it was Guy running towards us with the white bag that safely held the other half of my sandwich. He was out of breath when he handed me the bag and we hugged each other really BIG as we laughed. Can you believe he did that? He ran and found us through the crowd of people walking midday in midtown! He did that. HE DID THAT. Unbelievable.

As I recall the sparkle in his eyes, I say that this was a magical moment that belongs in a film. Guy represents excellence. He is deliciousness, NYC style, generosity, nobility, warmth & loving kindness wrapped up into one. He is a reminder to us all that goodness still exists. Stay open to miracles, people. Needless to say that I will be returning to this spot and you should also give it a try. You may fall in love. ♥️