I’m enjoying my morning cup of coffee in my J.P. Spoonem’s mug, reminiscing about the many breakfasts I enjoyed at the Cranston restaurant and missing Joe’s corned beef hash and home fries and Pat’s smile as she refreshed my coffee.

Where have all my favorite restaurants gone?

I’m at the point in my life where my original doctors, dentist, pharmacist and restaurant owners and chefs have all retired or passed on.

While Rhode Island has some great seafood restaurants, I miss Horton’s on Six Corners in East Providence. While nowhere near the shore, the family-owned business had the best and most fairly priced seafood in the state.

I miss the Ming Garden’s messy but tasty chicken wings.

But most of all, I miss the prices: Fish for a quarter, with French fries for the same price at dozens of neighborhood fish and chip places. Quahog pie and a salad with Roquefort for a buck at Twin Oaks. A fish sandwich for a buck -- and twice as big for another buck at McDonald’s.

Surveys have shown that most people frequent restaurants within five to ten miles of their house. With the price of gas so outrageous, we are fortunate that there are so many good restaurants in our area.

One of the popular spots for seniors is the Crow’s Nest. The restaurant has been sold to the owner of two popular Italian restaurants on Federal Hill. Rumors floated that the seafood menu would disappear, and we would have yet one more Italian restaurant in Warwick.

Not so, says the owner. Just be certain that my favorite fried scallop and clam dish is still on the menu.

Rim Nahm, the cozy little Thai restaurant in Pawtuxet Village, has changed ownership. We wish them well.

So many fine restaurants. So little time.