Early in the 1950s my dad took my mom to Joe’s during their honeymoon in Miami. It always was his favorite restaurant.

When they got much older, it was a bit scary for me to have him driving, especially at night whenever they would go celebrate their anniversary or New Year’s Eve. But thanks to Joe’s order direct I could send them Crab to enjoy a meal together without them having to leave the house. 

There was one year of 18 though, that I did not send it for New Year’s Eve (I was going to visit a week later and ordered dinner for the four of us then). Mom called, “your  father wanted me to call and tell you that he’s disappointed you didn’t send stone crab.” Of course he understood later–he didn’t forgive but he understood! 

Dad has been gone now for two years and we lost mom this year too. I just received your email reminder you were open again for the season and it brought tears to my eyes. The memories have been phenomenal and very emotional…thanks Joe!  By the way, that was my dad’s name too.