I got the news via email, earlier this week. The good news: The Laughing Moon, one of my favourite places to shop - especially for gifts, but also for stuff for me - was announcing a 50-80% off sale. The bad news: It's a closing out sale.
The Moon has been a cornerstone of boutique shopping in these parts for the past 14 years. From cards, stationary and artwork to clothes, jewellery, home decor and pampering beauty products, there was a time when I couldn't enter the store without buying something.
I haven't visited much lately. Not only because it's way on the other side (nay, further) of town. Part of the draw, for me, was the Laughing Moon restaurant, a funky, friendly food spot that I once frequented almost every Sunday morning for breakfast during the warmer months of the year. I'd get on my bike, and rally friends or family (especially visitors, who would often point to the ride and breakfast as the highlight of their trip) to join me. Despite being in the far reaches of town, it was a hot spot for cyclists, joggers, walkers and neighbouring residents who liked to pour over their morning paper with a side of coffee, a giant, wholesome muffin and the best fresh squeezed (think whipped) orange juice I've ever had, ever.
Before leaving, a quick peruse through the gift shop side was customary for many of us.
Sadly, the people who ran the restaurant decided to move away, and the space was taken over by a more sophisticated chef, who still has awesome breakfasts but changed everything from a casual, breakfast nook style to a more upscale, tapas bar type look that you don't feel comfortable entering first thing in the morning with riding gear.
So I found a new breakfast haunt, a little closer to home, and only visit the gift shop when I'm, well, gift shopping. Apparently, I'm not the only one. Since the new restaurant opened, about 18 months ago, business has dropped off for what remains of the Moon. And so they're closing down. *Sniff*
My one consolation is that I heard about it before hand, and was able to get one last visit in, and chance to purchase stuff at 50% off. About eight years ago, another wonderful era ended without my knowing about it and my system is still in shock.
The Gathering Room was a wonderful - dare I say perfect? - tea room I used to patronize over the course of about 10 years, before, during and after my time in England. In fact, it was so quaint and English that I never found anything as good in England itself. Anyway, after I started working full time as a freelance journalist, I didn't have as much time to wile away there. Several months went by, in fact, between visits. Then, one day, after doing an interview in the area, I thought I'd stop by for lunch. When I walked through the door, my mouth dropped open. The change was so drastic I couldn't even hide my shock/horror. The previously floral wallpapered walls were stripped bare and painted yellow - and not a fun, trendy yellow. The room was scattered with a few diner-style tables and chairs and the music, if there was any, was not a soothing harp or similar. "What-wh-where's the Gathering Room?!" I stammered at the jovial Eastern European man that darted over to greet me. Gone, he said. Replaced by his new establishment, welcome, welcome, and he ushered me to a table. I was too shocked and repelled to even resist. They didn't last long - only a couple of months, I think. But the impression they left on me will likely be eternal.
I know things can't stay the same. I know that change is supposed to be good. But every now and then there's a spot - a store, restaurant, park, little corner of the world, that should remain forever protected and unscathed. But then, I guess that's what our memories are for. Rest in peace, Laughing Moon ...
2 comments:
O.K., I am SO with you on this one. Where to begin? Pollos--the ridiculously cheap Italian place in Soho where we once downed our generous portions of pasta to the throb of the same techno tune played over, and over, and over again? GONE. Mille Feuille, the darling and decadent pastry shop near Leicester Square to which you introduced me years ago? GONE. The Frying Dutchman in St. Agnes, home to the woman who was always suspicious of scarf-clad Peter but served up some astonishing pancakes topped with crystallized ginger? GONE. Fresh and Wild, the bohemian health food shop that provided me with my blueberry smoothie fix at least once a week when we first moved here, located as it was JUST across the street from our flat (and indeed, no small contributing factor to our purchase of said flat)? GONE. Sir Pizza, the best pizza in Orlando or, indeed, anywhere south of that place in Maryland whose name I can never remember (help me out here, Kirsten)? GONE.
And don't even get me started about the wall art in #17. But that's another story.
This is exactly why I prize the Shady Rest...It ..is..still..THERE!! Where else can you find a place that has faithfully served their customers for over 50 years. And not just four or five generations of patrons, but four or five generations of family owners! I think you need to consider doing a story on this one! And I also miss all (or most) of the places you mentioned. Need I mention the Store House in Vernon? =[
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