Today is a sad day. My favorite cheese steak haven has apparently burnt to the ground. Riviera Spaghetti Inn in Pennsburg PA fell victim to a horrific fire today. A great loss to those who owned and worked there, and a greater loss to us that regarded their cheese steaks the best in the Lehigh valley.
There was always routine when I went home to PA to visit. First, I got the plain and swore I’d never get on one again because I hate flying. Second, I’d pick up my rental car and drive to my parent’s house in Pennsburg. Third, I’d toss my bags in the guest room; say hello is anyone was home. Then without fail, forth, I’d drive like a man possessed to Riviera Spaghetti Inn to get would what be my first cheese steak in a long order of cheese steaks during my stay.
Riviera without a doubt was always my favorite cheese steak haven. From the time it opened up while I was in high school ‘till last May when I went home for a visit. I am of course saddened by this loss, but more I feel for the people that owned and operated Riviera. Every time I went there, I would always see Tony my first visit back. And though there was no possible way he could remember me year after year (the dates of my visit were never the same, my hair length always changes, glasses or contacts, etc) the big former Marine always acted like he knew me and was happy I was there. And he probably was. He was probably happy about every customer that came and went through Riviera. That’s what helped make the place worth coming to time and again. Great food and great people. My thoughts and wishes go out to the owners and workers of Riviera and their families. Good luck Tony! I hope to see up running some soon!
