Fine Dining and the Cats

I'm reading a front page article in the SF Chronicle about the restaurants in the Bay Area which are rated in the newly released 2010 Michelin Guide. Lo and behold there's one in my home berg of Los Gatos which got two stars. Manresa. Made me realize how the small town I grew up in has evolved. Now, I know that 2 stars in an excellent rating from Michelin (3 stars awarded ONLY 71 times in their 110 year history) and it's pleasing to think of such a fine restaurant is based in LG. However, I'm sitting here laughing because I know the folks I grew up with, my fellow Wildcats, would easily have given the ole Burger Pit 5 stars! Charbroiled beef with a salad bar. What more could you want? In the day THAT was a Friday night on the town. We did have Los Felice, La Hacienda (waiters in tuxes) and the Red Coach Inn but those where you were dragged to when Aunt Mary or Grandma visited. No, the Burger Pit was where it was at. Then change began. The Grog and Sirloin appeared. Old Town opened. The Wine Cellar. Mimi's Rooftop Cafe. The later is where I gamely ordered my first shot of expresso, NOT knowing at all what I was getting....ordered because at 18 I was trying to impress....oh my. When it came in that teeny tiny cup and I took my first sip I nearly choked to death. Such a sophisticate. Promptly poured it out in the flower box and swear on my next visit all those flowers were dead. To this day NOT an expresso lover. Strong black coffee yes but expresso isn't my cup of tea. (har har) All of those restaurants are long gone. Even the legendary Cats finally bit the dust. By the way does anyone else know the names of THE Cats? Way back when I was told, Leo and Leona. The one with the eyes open is Leona. Leo, of course, is sleeping on the job. Could all be folklore. Don't know. Just one of those stories told to you at a young age and for whatever reason you remember...forever.