Truly a sad, sad day. The cultural and gastronomical landmark Gray’s Papaya in the Village is no more.

• No more of my favorite guilty pleasure.
• No more burning the roof of your mouth with steaming hot doggy wonderfulness, only to cool it seconds later with the cool sweet rush of yummy papaya juice from a plain styrofoam cup.
• No more “snappy” service.
• No more feeling superior to tourists who don’t know how to order.
• No more positioning yourself at just the right angle so as to have your own private counter space no matter how crowded.
• No more catching the flipped nickel from the cashier after getting the “Recession Special” and paying with a five.
• No more scowling at the horrid people who put ketchup on a hot dog.

Go on my old friend! Viva Gray’s Papaya! You will live forever in our hearts . . .