My Favorite Diner

 When I think of classic American food, I immediately picture it served in a traditional American diner. My idea of what this should be mostly comes from the movies. Think Pulp Fiction, Thelma and Louise. The Blues Brothers and of course Grease. I think a classic American diner should be a place where breakfast is served all day. With favourites such as pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, and a free refill for your coffee.

Burgers and fries are also what I naturally think of when considering iconic American fare. Enjoyed with thick milkshakes like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Or meatloaf, grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. Desserts also seem to play an important role in diner culture. Again just think of the number of movies or TV shows you see where someone comes to a diner for a “piece of pie”.

So it was especially pleasing to discover “My Favorite Diner” which has just opened in Jomtien. From the team at Buenos and their Australian business partner, the fantastic Mexican restaurant in Jomtien Complex which is right next door. I was not surprised that the decor and artwork was exactly as I would find in my idea of a classic 50’s diner. However, for the food I had to bring someone with more expertise in these dishes. So Jason, my American buddy, joined me to sample some of the standout items from an extremely comprehensive menu.

Firstly we must tell you that all my boxes above were ticked – there is an all day breakfast and free coffee refills. Plus there are some marvelous additions including Cinnamon Buns (just 95 baht) , a breakfast croissant, steak and chips and a selection of eggs Benedict including a rather decadent crab cake benedict. There are also over a dozen burgers to choose from. I went for “The Sizzling Ultimate Cheeseburger” . Made to order I was pleased that I was asked how I liked mine done as “Medium” came out perfectly. Crafted from fresh, grain fed Wagyu Beef grilled to perfection it is served on a sizzling plate of molten cheesy goodness and as I am a real cheese lover I was in heaven. This was my favourite dish from everything we tried and at 325 baht I could come back again for this alone. However, for the purpose of the article you understand I had to accompany it with fabulous Chilli Cheese Fries just 145 baht for a yummy plate full.

Jason declared that he hadn’t had a corn dog in years and that even in America these are usually fried from frozen, but at My Favorite Diner they are made from scratch in house. Even as a corn dog novice, I could tell they tasted fresh and delicious with accompanying creamy mustard. Also freshly made each day is their ice cream available in a cup, with the amazing pies and desserts and in their milk shakes. Jason wants to come back with his son to have more of these!

I was also fascinated by the Meat Loaf served with mash that is made with red potatoes boiled with their skins (so you don’t miss out on the vitamins and fibre). Also as Jason pointed out it shows fresh,real potatoes have been used not hydrogenised just add water varieties that he says most lazy American diners still use.

Before we left we saw an Australian friend who has already made this a destination because he loves the selection of salads. In fact whatever you choose to eat – breakfast, lunch or dinner maybe even a piece of Apple Pie in the afternoon or some late snacks to have at the fully stocked bar. There is plenty to try – you will just keep coming back again and again!