BY SKYLER, DEB & TIM SMITH
Crabby Dan’s has an impending anniversary arriving. This November will mark the 20th year that Heather Hoffman has been pleasing the palates of local patrons. I always thought this restaurant’s name was unusual so I asked Heather where it came from. Turns out that it was named by the previous owner whose name was Dan. She said, in hindsight, if she had it to do over again she probably would have changed the name, but at this point it’s so established the name will live on. Dan’s will be Crabby for all of the foreseeable future.
Heather is proud of the fact that her fish fry was ranked #4 by newyorkupstate.com. Not too shabby, Crabby. She also has some secret menu items known only to her regular customers. If you’re not yet a member of this elite club we have an inside tip for you; go for breakfast and order the “Lucky Leprechaun”. It won’t be described on the menu but you’ll be looking forward to homemade corned beef hash with peppers and onions topped with cheese. We can’t be the only ones that think it’s good because Heather makes 40 pounds of hash a week.
One unique offering from Crabby Dan’s is what they call Crock Pot Day Camp. Here’s how it works. Your empty crock pot is dropped off in the morning and Heather stirs up her magic. You can pick up your perfectly prepared pot along with bread, salad, and dessert at the end of the day. Local HF-L phys ed teacher and legendary coach, Bernie Gardner is a big fan of Crock Pot Day Camp.
Crabby Dan’s and I share one emotionally significant common thread . . . Jeff Stubbings. Jeff, who lived across the street from me, and babysat me as a kid, cooked for Heather, and was a recognizable presence in the hamlet as he walked through town with his long hair hanging past the middle of his back and his warm and engaging smile spreading happiness to everyone he passed. He was taken from this world much too young, succumbing to cancer at the age of 44 on April 30, 2016. His presence can still be felt in this building. And sometimes in my own building, in my more spiritual moments, I can walk to my front window, close my eyes and see him walking across the street to take care of me.
