October 21, 2005
OH, THE HUMANITY
What is wrong with the world? Where will the prejudice end? Is there no Flying Spaghetti Monster?
I find myself staring into the abyss after reading a story sent to me by the Rev. Joe Kendall about a new restaurant planned for New Paltz, N.Y.
The words uttered by the owner chilled me to the core:
Adios, Ariel. Hola, BlockheadsNEW PALTZ – Goodbye, Ariel. Hello, Blockheads.
If things go as planned, the space that has contained Ariel Booksellers for 34 years will become a Mexican restaurant called Blockheads next spring.
Ken Sofer, co-owner of a string of five smaller Blockheads restaurants in Manhattan, said he and Ariel owners Dean and Susan Avery have reached an agreement for the restaurant to be the new tenant in the heart of the village.
In a community that once boasted four independent bookstores, Ariel's replacement is a sign of the village's changing times. What once was book heaven has become what one local booster calls restaurant heaven.
Sofer, who lives in West Park, described his plans for the 3,500-square-foot space as a place that will cater to families, with moderately priced entrees ranging from $8 to $11.
He described the cuisine as "San Francisco-style" Mexican fare set in a decor that won't shout its name.
"We won't play mariachi music on the sound system," he said. "There won't be sombreros hanging on the wall."
If I were you, I'd prepare yourself for bankruptcy, my friend. Brace for a possible wave of bad mojo-inspired e. coli infections among your customers. Plan for the health inspectors to descend upon you every day you turn the key on the front door.
You might think you can mock the mariachi and get away with it, but shun the sombrero and only misery and woe will follow you until you do right by it.
Consider yourself warned.
Jeff, it is blasphemous to question the existence of his holiness The Flying Spaghetti Monster. I know he is real. Why you ask? Because I was touched by his noodly appendage.
Posted by: Ben at October 21, 2005 08:48 AM