The Diner concept, started I'm guessing back in the 50's or so, when more and more people started having cars, and would go out to dinner more often. So they had these cute little restaurants where people could go and get breakfast lunch or dinner. You know eggs, burgers, and steaks. So we are in NJ this week, home of the diner's I'm guessing since they are every block. Well there is this one we are really close to which is such a cute looking little metal hut. You know perfect landscaping, little quant diner shape, with its little metal frame. For breakfast this morning we break down and decide to check the place out. We walk in and its even smaller than we thought, only two booths, and lots of little stools at the counter. Of course being a true diner they are open 24 hours. The clientel in the place is a smidge shady, but we forge ahead. Its noon, but still I want breakfast so I order up. Another good feature about diners breakfast all day long. They dont have hash browns. Ugh. What the heck kind of diner doesnt have the simple hashed browns? Home fries? Nope. French fries is all they can muster. Fine... Orange juice? Nope... dole fruit juice products only... I wind up with Mango Passion Fruit. Eggs were great, rye toast was good too, and we did get a lot of bacon. Overall though french fries ruined it. My first fork was disgusting. Marla wanted a milk shake. When you think of a diner, isnt milk shake a very close second thought? Nope, no milk shakes here either. Sigh. Nothing like say the highland diner, or Jays back in Rochester. White Diamond Diner in Cranford, NJ, stinks. Just my two cents. Ciao.
posted by Bryan at 3/09/2003 02:34:00 PM

NYC is a huge place... we took the NJ Transit (train) into Penn Station today, walked around town, took the subway everywhere. Now we're back in the hotel at the end of the day exhausted. Not sure how some people would do the touristy things every single day if they came for a week. Must be used to walking, or have amazing shoes right?
posted by Bryan at 3/09/2003 12:09:00 AM