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A violent romantic encounter occurred at Dubrows Cafeteria, marked by an initial punch.

Van Harris and his spouse, Shirley, hail from the Crown Heights district in Brooklyn and share childhood memories, recalling their first encounter back in the 1930s in this 2012 discussion.

Violence Erupts at Dubrows Cafeteria: A Romantic Brawl
Violence Erupts at Dubrows Cafeteria: A Romantic Brawl

A violent romantic encounter occurred at Dubrows Cafeteria, marked by an initial punch.

The Harris family continues to remember and celebrate the lives of their parents, Van and Shirley Harris, who were well-known comedians in the 1960s and 1970s. One significant place that holds a special place in their hearts is Dubrow's Cafeteria, a popular eatery in Manhattan's Garment District.

Dubrow's Cafeteria was more than just a place to eat for Van and Shirley Harris; it was a vital gathering spot where they could connect with peers, share ideas, and find community support during their early careers. The cafeteria, with its affordable and hearty meals, attracted many workers and entertainers, including the Harris family.

The Garment District was historically a bustling area with many low-cost eateries serving the garment workers and performers nearby. Dubrow's Cafeteria was emblematic of this environment, providing a vibrant cultural and social setting that influenced the lives of many entertainers.

Van and Shirley Harris often visited Dubrow's Cafeteria late at night for coffee, and it was there that they met their friend Herbie the Nibbler, who was a frequent diner at Dubrow's. Herbie was known for consuming large amounts of food, earning him his nickname.

The Harris family has a great sense of humor as a result of being surrounded by friends like Filthy Milly, who was their babysitter. Filthy Milly was known for exchanging dresser drawers and moving them to different places. The family continues to remember their parents by listening to their interview on their wedding anniversary, which is archived at the Library of Congress.

Unfortunately, Dubrow's Cafeteria closed 40 years ago. In its peak, Dubrow's operated four cafeterias, including one in Brooklyn. Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary, but it is well-documented that Dubrow's Cafeteria was a significant social hub in Manhattan's Garment District.

The specific details about Dubrow's Cafeteria's impact on Van and Shirley Harris are not available in the provided search results. However, it is well-documented in entertainment history that such cafeterias were crucial informal venues for performers to interact, network, and gain inspiration in New York City's performance and garment communities. This suggests Dubrow’s likely played a supportive role in their comedic pursuits even if exact anecdotes are not cited in the current data.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. The Harris family's interview is one of many that capture the essence of the time and the people who made a difference in the entertainment industry. The family continues to remember and celebrate their parents' lives, cherishing the memories they made at places like Dubrow's Cafeteria.

In the years of their early careers, Dubrow's Cafeteria provided a social networking environment for Van and Shirley Harris, facilitating connections with fellow entertainers. Today, the Harris family reminisces about their parents' memories by discussing books that mention the significant role low-cost eateries like Dubrow's had in the entertainment industry on social-media platforms.

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