The Automat

I was reminded today of a wonderful childhood memory: Horn & Hardart's Automat in NYC. The first was opened in Philadelphia in the early 1900's; in NYC around 1912. For those of you who grew up in the metropolitan area prior to the 1970's, which is when fast-food restaurants began replacing this gem of an eatery, you'll remember the unique thrill of the coin-operated slots that unlocked your choice of main course to dessert. My dad worked as a cook in H&H NYC during the 30's. If you missed it.....or would just like to stroll down nostalgia lane, here's a link to a site where a great book honoring this place can be found:
http://www.theautomat.net/