Hellooo Locals!

Ruth and Bob Toth, who have owned and run the Cafe Atlantic on Ocracoke Island for over 20 years,  opened tonight, offering everything on the menu at 1/2 price.  Ruth is deeply committed to serving fresh, local seafood.  She also hates waste, so all of last weeks fresh catch was neatly wrapped and frozen before Irene, and stored in a walk in freezer powered by a big ole generator that can run the whole restaurant if need be. 

I work for Ruth and Bob (in case you were wondering, they are the best of employers).  Also, I can do math.  This was not a money making decision.  This has to do with community, and sharing, and giving their employees an opportunity to work.

Work we did.  Locals showed up en masse, and only 20 minutes after opening we were telling people to come back Friday or Saturday, or Sunday if the food hasn't all been eaten by then.  The waiting list was that long, that quickly.  (Did I mention how tasty all the meals at the Cafe Atlantic are, and how everyone knows it?). 

Another thing that's great about Ocracoke?  Everyone who is from here or who works here gets it.  Understanding the reasons for an exceptionally long wait for a table and being contentedly patient;  calmly accepting the disappointment of having to come back another night because there was no way our small restaurant could have accomodated everyone who wanted to eat there tonight.  But happy, and grateful for the blessings on offer. 

My favorite part about hosting tonight?  I didn't have to ask anyone for a name before I put them on the waiting list.  I love my job.  See you tomorrow.