The Scarborough Mirror

Some attribute this to peer pressure and/or low intelligence. Truly, what really matters? What is in style today is forgotten tomorrow. Even truly brilliant design! Not even the amazing, chic designs created for the catwalks of Paris are free from corruption.

Closer to home, thousands of folks do not like the news concerning a West Hill landmark. A hallmark for community dining! Sisters Restaurant has changed hands.

After more than 50 years of daily routine, restaurateur Millie Tavener has called it a day. Who would have thought she would leave?

Her sons Jeff and Bob may have had an inkling, especially Jeff, her co-worker. But the countless patrons who consider the Kingston Road restaurant to be a second home are stunned.

In this emporium to good taste Chef Robert Kemp is rattling pots and clanging his pans. In the front of the house Karen, manager and long, long-time employee shrugs with resignation. Ditto for the entire serving team who retain their jobs yet feel, well, different.

It all makes sense. Millie wants a change of pace, a chance to enjoy life while there is time. Further, she has made certain the level of cuisine and service will remain, making Sisters a special place. It is rare to find a person who is not enticed by the menu, overwhelmed by the daily buffet.

The first bite of food I ever had at Millie's was a foot-long hotdog. Her mom began serving them when Millie was a kid and the restaurant was nothing more than a truck stop on a busy road. Quick, good and cheap food kept the truckers coming back.

In the 1950s West Hill was a bit of a backwater. It was a bedroom community and people tended to drive through unless your restaurant kept very long hours and was open most days of the year.

Together, daughters and mother forged a dream. In time the old hotdog stand gave way to Sister's Restaurant, named in honour of Millie and her sister. The new, much-enlarged building prospered. Then the sister died and, in time mom.

To ease matters Jeff, Millie's son, joined the team and worked to learn a very demanding business. Luckily, his way was aided by a willing staff and a growing business based entirely on customer satisfaction.

Through the years Millie's demeanour remained constant. Her private life was anything but. The faithful customers shared her losses, successes. They knew of her dedication to community and endless drives for this or that charity. She knows how to share success.

For that and a thousand other reasons her announcement made many stop and reconsider. She is too young, too vibrant, too go-ahead we thought. Tomorrow would come and she would be at the door welcoming us to yet another fine Sisters meal.

But tomorrow does not come and 50 plus years is a long time in the restaurant business.

Those who bought her shares have a formidable task ahead. Fortunately they own the original Bo Peep Restaurant, another Scarborough hallmark. They understand a community's dedication to fine food, a tradition. But there is only one Millie!

I know her loyal customers wish her the best. She deserves no less!