Cranston’s beloved Twin Oaks restaurant has survived fire, flood, the Great Depression, and now the coronavirus pandemic, remaining resilient to the challenges of operating a restaurant during these difficult times.

“We never closed,” said our favorite waiter, Gene, who was working the sparse Founders Room on the first day restaurants were allowed to open under strict conditions.

“We have cut our inside occupancy rate in half, from 650 to 325,” said Twin Oaks veteran employee Don Rachiele, who was serving as patio maître d’ last Thursday evening. “Unfortunately, that means we have had to cut our staff in half.”

From Day One, the restaurant stayed open for take-out, as loyal customers lined up for their baked stuffed shrimp.

“We have continued to do an off-the-wall take-out business,” Rachiele said, “as well as our reservation-only patio, with its 16 well-spaced tables.”

While limited inside dining is now available, the dining rooms were unusually quiet last week, as people still seemed reluctant to venture out.

The usually crowded bars were still off limits last week, causing an eerie atmosphere, with the back bar serving as the pickup station for take-out.

While business was brisk Saturday night, you could walk into the restaurant and be immediately seated most any time.

Joyce and I just had to have our Twin Oaks fix, a treat we have allowed ourselves on occasion for the past 50 years.

My first lunch was back in 1965, when I enjoyed a quahog pie and salad with Roquefort for one dollar.

Prices have risen quite a bit since then, but the quality of the food and waiters has remained unchanged.

We sat on the patio on a beautiful June evening, looking out over Spectacle Pond, and enjoying our first cocktail in three months.

I just had to have my baked stuffed shrimp, made with the famous Ritz cracker stuffing and accompanied by their patented spaghetti and sauce.

Joyce enjoyed her extra rare open steak. When it arrived medium rare, the waiter whisked it away without hesitation and returned quickly with a steak that was to her heart’s content.

Twin Oaks has their full menu available for take-out, patio and inside dining.

You are asked to wear your masks except when eating. Full precautions are being followed.

If you are suffering from cabin fever – who isn’t? – now is a good time to avoid the crowds and take a trip to Twin Oaks for that special night out.