My Guinan's: Gennaro's

In "Little Chapel on the River", Gwendolyn Bounds, a Wall Street Journal reporter, develops a fascinating book based on true-life experiences at a bar in Garrison, New York. This hole-in-the-wall establishment is referred to throughout part 1 of the book as somewhat of a time machine to an era in which honesty, morality and sense of community were valued above all else. "Guinan's" comes to represent Wendy's connection to her own past, and as she introduces an interesting and diverse cast of characters, it's nearly impossible for the reader to avoid conjuring up an image of a "Guinan's" in his or her own town. In fact, similar establishments exist in nearly every smalltown in America; each one a remnant of simpler times. My home town of Scarsdale, New York is traditionally seen as an affluent, white-collar neighborhood with a plethora of doctors and lawyers who commute to New York City, work long hours, and return to the suburbs late at night. Many residents don't take the time to fully appreciate their surroundings, and are often so caught up in the "race" that overlook the importance of establishing strong bonds with the community, one that tends to be extremely active and close. Just down the hill from my house is a little pizza place called Gennaro's, which has occupied the corner location of the shopping mall at Mt. Joy and Central Avenue for as long as I can remember. Though the seats have changed from dark red and brown booths to cafe-like tables, and the menu which used to consist of merely pizza and wedges has grown to include a variety of wines and wraps, the atmoshpere has managed to stay the same. Maybe it's due to the staff, which has consisted of the same 4 people for the last 10 years. John, the owner of the restaurant, is currently behind the counter making pizza just as he did 20 years earlier. As he spins the pies around, he greets every customer by name, knowing them from years of business or perhaps his mornings working as an elementary school crossing guard. Ray, who was recently made part owner, is constantly joking with every high school student who approaches the counter to order, knowing just as much of the school gossip as half the kids. A resident of Edgemont would be hard pressed to walk through the door, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, and not see someone they recognize. Discounts are routinely offered to college students returning from college, although full price is often paid anyway, that's just the kind of place this is. My buddy and I always joke that the pizza could be awful, (which it isn't, as a stay in central New York will teach anyone who has lived in the vicinity of New York City) and people would still come to Gennaro's for the warm atmosphere and the friendly faces. It certainly holds a special place in my heart just as Guinan's does for Wendy Bounds, and the thousands of other hole-in-the-wall establishments do for people across the country.