Everyone has New Year’s Resolutions. Even the self satisfied, snarky guy who says, “My resolution is to make no resolutions,” and then laughs because he is hilarious, secretly hopes to lose ten pounds and finally sign up for those ball room dancing lessons.
Of course I have resolutions, dozens of them, most, like becoming a ninja astronaut, probably won’t happen. But I have one specific resolution that falls squarely on Castro Valley. It is also the resolution that will directly counter any hopes I have of losing those ten pounds.
My Castro Valley resolution for 2013 is to eat at every restaurant in town.
Why? Well, because I’m somewhat stuck in my ways, because I want to experience more of our town, because I want to be less of a snob, and mostly because I want to be surprised.
The rules are simple, every restaurant, that means ALL of the Starbucks, both of the McDonald’s, I think if I’m going to do this right, even the snack bars at Lake Chabot and the library. If I end up eating the food that I am expecting to eat I may even be lucky enough to dine at the Eden Hospital cafeteria...
Research has shown that those who proclaim their resolutions are most likely to keep their resolutions. If I fail, the consequence is I’ll look like a big dummy in front of all of you folks. I mean an even bigger dummy than the guy who decided that eating at Carrows would be a good idea.
That last comment I made, that was rude and that’s why I’m doing this, I’ve never eaten at a lot of restaurants in town, including the aforementioned Carrows, if I’m going to act superior about someone’s food I should try that food. At the very least, I will have paid for the privilege of being a dismissive jerky know it all.
I’m tired of hearing the oft repeated, “There’s no place to eat in Castro Valley.” By the end of 2013 I would at the very least like to be able to say, “These are the restaurants worth eating at in Castro Valley and this is why.” But what I’m really hoping for is to experience more of our town and to add a couple new venues to my small quiver of CV favorites.
I have my banner of crossed knife and fork on a field of Pepto Bismol pink flying, my loins are girded, I ride bravely forth into battle. Wish me well.
As always, if you have comments about this article or anything going on in Castro Valley past, present, or future you can join us at CVLegends, www.facebook.com/CVLegends Happy 2013 to each and every one of you, hopefully you have made more sensible resolutions for your upcoming year. Good day.
