The American Diner tour

Affectionately known as The Cawfee Shop. There's no better place to be than in your own coffee shop discussing "whatever" with friends.
Post Reply
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

OK, from another discussion, I started looking around the web.

I found this link,

Top 10 American Diners in London | Bookatable Blog

A list of American Diner style restaurants in London.

Apparently, American Diner is catching on in the UK.

So I am hoping to make a tour of American-style Diners in the near future.

If anyone wants to try a few, and report back with their impressions of some of these places, it might prove to be interesting.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
User avatar
Snowfire
Posts: 4835
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:34 am

The American Diner tour

Post by Snowfire »

Ive seen a couple of Eds Diners but not eaten there.

I stopped off at an American style diner on the A303 going west last summer on the way to Devon. Breakfast was a disappointment but I wouldnt dismiss a place on a first visit if a friend had recommended it
"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire."

Winston Churchill
Bruv
Posts: 12181
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:05 pm

The American Diner tour

Post by Bruv »

We had a Downdown Diner in town here, I framed a picture of the Statue of Liberty that hung on the wall.

It used to be a favourite due to the size of the servings, I have been there many times.

Looking for a link to it, I have discovered it's shut down, I am surprised.
I thought I knew more than this until I opened my mouth
User avatar
Snowfire
Posts: 4835
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:34 am

The American Diner tour

Post by Snowfire »

Theres a Hotrod Diner opened up quite near here. Looks the part but don't know anyone whos been
"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire."

Winston Churchill
User avatar
Snooz
Posts: 4802
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:05 am

The American Diner tour

Post by Snooz »

Doesn't sound too promising if they messed up breakfast.
User avatar
FourPart
Posts: 6491
Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 3:12 am
Location: Southampton
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by FourPart »

When I was in L.A., the woman I was staying with decided that she was going to take me out for a meal at Flamers (which I understand is a chain of diners). I have to admit, though, I found it hilarious that when we arrived the fire crews had just finished damping down the embers from where it had been entirely gutted.

Very appropriately named.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

Snooz;1463808 wrote: Doesn't sound too promising if they messed up breakfast.


Absolutely. A diner that can't do Breakfast isn't much of a diner.

But then, the Brits have some interesting ideas of what breakfast entails.

I didn't mind the broiled Tomato, but the Black Sausage and Baked Beans kinda put me off abit.

And most Brits don't know how to cook bacon.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
Bruv
Posts: 12181
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:05 pm

The American Diner tour

Post by Bruv »

We don't do broiled.

And I have it on good authority, Americans don't do bacon.

But give me a week and I shall have first hand information.
I thought I knew more than this until I opened my mouth
User avatar
FourPart
Posts: 6491
Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 3:12 am
Location: Southampton
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by FourPart »

In a Traditional English Breakfast, Tomatoes are either fried or grilled.

Black Pudding (not sausage) is my favourite. Congealed Pig's Blood squeezed into intestines, with a few seasonings - gorgeous. Personally, though, I prefer it raw.

We used to have a local Butcher who sold his own made Crackling for something like £1 / kg, which was so lightweight you could get a massive box for a couple of quid. It was melt in the mouth delicious, and still warm from the oven.

Unfortunately the Butchers aren't there any more, ever since the local Co-Op hypermarket moved in, but I know there are a few places where you can still get it online. I'd really love to order some, but it not exactly conducive to my diet.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

Bruv;1463823 wrote: We don't do broiled.

And I have it on good authority, Americans don't do bacon.

But give me a week and I shall have first hand information.


What we call "Bacon" I think y'all refer to as "Streaky Bacon" and What y'all refer to as Bacon is more like sliced pork loin. I have found American style, or Streaky bacon in my travels often.

I was in a hotel near the Brussels airport once, and they had some bacon on the buffet. It was not cooked, though. just barely heated to the point of being warm and slimy. I piled a few slices on my plate, and some fellow commented that only an American could eat THAT. I agreed. I took the plate to the microwave, laid a napkin over the top of the bacon, and zapped it for about a minute or so, and it came out nice and crispy.

Shortly the aforementioned gentlemen copied my trick, and found it to his liking.

Several others followed and before long the pan was emptying out.

The next morning the bacon on the buffet was properly cooked.

I may have saved Bacon's image in Brussels.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
Bruv
Posts: 12181
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:05 pm

The American Diner tour

Post by Bruv »

LarsMac;1463828 wrote: What we call "Bacon" I think y'all refer to as "Streaky Bacon" and What y'all refer to as Bacon is more like sliced pork loin. I have found American style, or Streaky bacon in my travels often.


That is what I was told, there is nothing wrong with streaky, but it shouldn't always be crispy.

Back bacon can be juicy and crispy with enough fat to be lubricated and enough meat to be tasty.



It needs to accompany a drippy egg or two, an almost burnt tomato halved and fried in the bacon fat.

A slice of bread golden brown shallow fried in the same fat, washed down with a cup of hot tea.



Real Bacon
I thought I knew more than this until I opened my mouth
User avatar
FourPart
Posts: 6491
Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 3:12 am
Location: Southampton
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by FourPart »

Bacon's best when it's slightly burnt.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

That is a great article.

Though the only time I have seen Canadian Bacon like they picture is in the US.

In Canada, at least around Toronto and Southern Ontario, Bacon appears to be more like the loin and belly stuff in the third pic.

One other point. In the states, most pork descends from the hogs brought over by Spanish, German and British colonists. The wild hogs of North America are feral descendants of European hogs.

In the Southwest we have a native species called Javelina, or Peccary, but they do not contribute to the domestic food stock.



Here in The States, the Loin back is considered far too desirable a cut to 'waste' on Breakfast.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

Here are a couple:

Attached files
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

Yep! There's nothing quite like the taste of grease and fat on toasted bread! Mmmmmmm ... mmm!
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

Here in Malmö we even have an American food store ... and an English one. The English shop is owned by an Englishwoman and the American one is owned by .... yeah, an Englishman of course.

Attached files
User avatar
Snowfire
Posts: 4835
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:34 am

The American Diner tour

Post by Snowfire »

What do they sell in the English shop, I wonder ?

Worcester Sauce

Branston Pickle

HP Sauce

Baked Beans

Pg Tips or Tetleys Tea

The Sun Newspaper

Rich Tea and Digestive Biscuits
"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire."

Winston Churchill
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

Snowfire;1463865 wrote: What do they sell in the English shop, I wonder ?

Worcester Sauce

Branston Pickle

HP Sauce

Baked Beans

Pg Tips or Tetleys Tea

The Sun Newspaper


Yes. But most importantly!!!:

Attached files
Bruv
Posts: 12181
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:05 pm

The American Diner tour

Post by Bruv »

Snowfire;1463865 wrote: What do they sell in the English shop, I wonder ?

Worcester Sauce

Branston Pickle

HP Sauce

Baked Beans

Pg Tips or Tetleys Tea

The Sun Newspaper

Rich Tea and Digestive Biscuits


My daughter has given her sister a list to load into here suitcase that if she takes everything wont leave much room for clothes.

I am taking Colemans Shepherds pie Mix, I kid you not, and I do know her sisters list includes Weetabix
I thought I knew more than this until I opened my mouth
User avatar
FourPart
Posts: 6491
Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 3:12 am
Location: Southampton
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by FourPart »

And Marmite, of course. After all, it is banned (from retail) in some countries.

I also know a German, connected with a choir in Kornwestheim, which we are twinned with & whenever anyone of our choir goes over to stay with him he asks that they take over a couple of bumper packs of Walkers Crisps.
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

Snowfire;1463865 wrote: What do they sell in the English shop, I wonder ?


Seeing as you did ask:

The English Shop - Start
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

High Threshold;1463875 wrote: Seeing as you did ask:

The English Shop - Start


Dare I ask, what's in the American Shop?
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

LarsMac;1463880 wrote: Dare I ask, what's in the American Shop?


:wah: Yes, you dare ask:

Gray's American Stores
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

High Threshold;1463883 wrote: :wah: Yes, you dare ask:

Gray's American Stores


Thanks. Very interesting.

Comforting to know that when in Sweden I can find Tootsie Rolls, or Hunt's Ketchup, or Plochman's Mustard.

Or Cracker Jacks!
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

LarsMac;1463886 wrote: Thanks. Very interesting.

Comforting to know that when in Sweden I can find Tootsie Rolls, or Hunt's Ketchup, or Plochman's Mustard.

Or Cracker Jacks!




..... and ... mmmmmmm! .....

Attached files
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

High Threshold;1463899 wrote: ..... and ... mmmmmmm! .....


I saw Almond Joy, but no Mounds.

Gotta have Mounds.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

LarsMac;1463900 wrote: I saw Almond Joy, but no Mounds.

Gotta have Mounds.


Click on the link again.

Click on “Prudukter” (obvious)

Click on “Godis” (Candy)

Click on “Choklad” (Chocolate)

Isn't Almond Joy with Coconut the same product?
Bruv
Posts: 12181
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:05 pm

The American Diner tour

Post by Bruv »

The English shop has Scottish short bread and Molasses on that first page, neither is English.

Is that what the Swedes think we eat ?
I thought I knew more than this until I opened my mouth
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

Bruv;1463908 wrote:

Is that what the Swedes think we eat ?


Well that, haggis and scott's eggs.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

High Threshold;1463906 wrote: Click on the link again.

Click on “Prudukter” (obvious)

Click on “Godis” (Candy)

Click on “Choklad” (Chocolate)

Isn't Almond Joy with Coconut the same product?


Nope.

Almond Joy is the Coconut mix topped with Almond, and covered in milk Chocolate

Mounds is just the coconut mix covered in Dark Chocolate.

If Almond Joy was covered in Dark Choc, it would be better.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

LarsMac;1463913 wrote: Nope.

Almond Joy is the Coconut mix topped with Almond, and covered in milk Chocolate

Mounds is just the coconut mix covered in Dark Chocolate.

If Almond Joy was covered in Dark Choc, it would be better.


Oh, I see. Yes dark chocolate is better. Less likely to get a migraine from dark chocolate too.
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

Bruv;1463908 wrote: The English shop has Scottish short bread and Molasses on that first page, neither is English.

Is that what the Swedes think we eat ?


Literally round the corner from The English Shop is a Scottish pub and restaurant called “Drumbar”:

Drumbar | Lillatorg.nu

They serve Fish & Chips …... is there any message you'd like for me to give them?
Bruv
Posts: 12181
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:05 pm

The American Diner tour

Post by Bruv »

High Threshold;1463919 wrote: Literally round the corner from The English Shop is a Scottish pub and restaurant called “Drumbar”:

Drumbar | Lillatorg.nu

They serve Fish & Chips …... is there any message you'd like for me to give them?


No I have had some of the very best fish and chips in Scotland, they fry Mars Bars and Pizza, the English as a rule don't.
I thought I knew more than this until I opened my mouth
User avatar
FourPart
Posts: 6491
Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 3:12 am
Location: Southampton
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by FourPart »

Fried Pizza??

I've come across Fried Mars Bars, but I reckon it was more of a short lived gimmick round here.

I love Pea Fritters - although you only seem to get them in the South.
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

LarsMac;1463900 wrote: I saw Almond Joy, but no Mounds.

Gotta have Mounds.


I was in the centre of town just now and I thought of you. So I went into Gray's American Food Store to see if they have Mounds. I found the Almond Joy and was standing there looking to the right and left for the Mounds when the owner (an Englishman in his late 30's) stepped up to ask if I needed any assistance. I was in for a very distressing dialogue:

“I see that you have Almond Joy”, I said, “but I wonder if you also have Mounds.“



“Mars? Yeah sure, over here.“

“No, not Mars. Mounds.“

“Yeah Mars Bar.“

“No, not Mars …... Mounds, M-O-U-N-D-S. It's similar to Almond Joy but it's made with dark chocolate.”

He picked up an Almond Joy and started reading the ingrediants aloud to me, as though he thought I had difficulty understanding English. I stood beside him patiently, respectfully - waiting.

“ …...... Nope. No dark chocolate.”

“Yes, I know the Almond Joy isn't made of dark chocolate. I'm looking for Mounds that is made with dark chocolate. It's the same people who make Almond Joy.“

“Peter Pan?“

“Peter Paul.“

“I don't think Peter Pan make any other products.“

“Peter PAUL.“

“Yeah, Peter Pan Almond Joy.“

“Peter PAUL Almond Joy.“

“Yes, Almond Joy. It's right there in front of you.“

“NO, I want Mounds.“

“Mounds? Never heard of it.“

(no shyt!) :yh_tired
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13701
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

The American Diner tour

Post by LarsMac »

High Threshold;1464016 wrote: I was in the centre of town just now and I thought of you. So I went into Gray's American Food Store to see if they have Mounds. I found the Almond Joy and was standing there looking to the right and left for the Mounds when the owner (an Englishman in his late 30's) stepped up to ask if I needed any assistance. I was in for a very distressing dialogue:

“I see that you have Almond Joy”, I said, “but I wonder if you also have Mounds.“



“Mars? Yeah sure, over here.“

“No, not Mars. Mounds.“

“Yeah Mars Bar.“

“No, not Mars …... Mounds, M-O-U-N-D-S. It's similar to Almond Joy but it's made with dark chocolate.”

He picked up an Almond Joy and started reading the ingrediants aloud to me, as though he thought I had difficulty understanding English. I stood beside him patiently, respectfully - waiting.

“ …...... Nope. No dark chocolate.”

“Yes, I know the Almond Joy isn't made of dark chocolate. I'm looking for Mounds that is made with dark chocolate. It's the same people who make Almond Joy.“

“Peter Pan?“

“Peter Paul.“

“I don't think Peter Pan make any other products.“

“Peter PAUL.“

“Yeah, Peter Pan Almond Joy.“

“Peter PAUL Almond Joy.“

“Yes, Almond Joy. It's right there in front of you.“

“NO, I want Mounds.“

“Mounds? Never heard of it.“

(no shyt!) :yh_tired


Thanks for looking into that.

And Thank you for giving me my first laugh of the day.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
User avatar
High Threshold
Posts: 2856
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:20 am

The American Diner tour

Post by High Threshold »

LarsMac;1464023 wrote: Thanks for looking into that.

And Thank you for giving me my first laugh of the day.


I had to tell someone or I would have exploded. :wah:
Post Reply

Return to “The Coffee Shop”