You’ve always been there for us.  You’ve patiently poured bourbon while we droned on about our dog’s vet bills. You came through big-time for our daughter’s batmitzvah. You weren’t even rude to us when we loudly staggered in 7 minutes before closing. You’ve served us dishes that have transported our senses to a place that has got to be damn close to nirvana. You’ve hustled from table to kitchen to market and back, just to serve us one plate that showed your heart and soul. All hours. All days. All ways.

Now we have to be there for you. Anyone reading this, we urge you to support the restaurants you love. Get take-out. Order delivery. Order gift cards and t-shirts, too. If you can, tip outrageously, or go to the next level and support COVID-19 relief campaigns from organizations like the USBG or the Restaurant Worker’s Community Foundation. Support the initiatives and policies that will have a long-term impact on this industry. There are so many ways to help, it doesn’t matter how just as long as you do.

What you’ve done for us goes beyond satisfying our palates. Those same services of comfort and celebration, well, we’re going to need that more than ever when this whole thing is over. So let’s all do what we can now to ensure the love we share with good food and drink is there for us in the future.