How long would you wait in line for food?
If you ask my partner, it would be about five minutes – and even then she’d be pacing. (Don’t mess with her if we make a reservation and the table isn’t ready.)
Others are more patient – mainly because what they’ve waiting for is so, so worth it.
The longest lineups (on many nights, especially weekends) for a restaurant in Burnaby are at Anton’s Pasta on Hastings in the Heights.
And so it’s no wonder that Anton’s was named Best Italian Restaurant in the Burnaby NOW’s A List. The awards are voted on by our newspapers readers.
How many times have I driven by and seen 30 people all lined up in the rain to get food. I’m old enough to remember the old Anton’s location near Gilmore that was about one-third the size. The place was so small that people lined up around the block to get in. So, Anton’s found a much-bigger location, but the place still has long evening lineups.
So, why are people willing to wait?
Well, the pasta is made fresh, the sauces are delicious and the portions are gigantic. Like, really huge – most people can’t actually finish a meal there and so they get a take-home container that will feed them the next day. And maybe the next day after that.
That is a secret to success.
This is part of what I previously wrote about its enduring charm: “One reason? The huge menu. There are a lot of difference choices of pasta dishes on Anton’s menu. Another reason? Huge portions. It’s a calling card. People proudly waddle out of Anton’s with a container of food that will feed the family for dinner the next night, or you for a few more lunches. Life is expensive in Burnaby so it’s nice to get two meals for the price of one. And eating homemade pasta feels comforting.”
Life is still just as expensive and even more people are out of work right now due to the pandemic.
So if you’re struggling but still want to treat yourself, check out Anton’s and get fed for a few days. Sometimes food equals happiness.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
