Awesome Monday!

Thank you for your support!!!

Today was fantastic. I took a risk and even though I was a little nervous, things worked out great!

See, I abandoned my comfortable menu and created a dinner special that was delicious, looked great and I would have been proud to serve to my grandparents.

I have owned the Diner for 7 years now. At first blush, 7 years doesn't seem like a long time. HOWEVER, 7 years in the restaurant world is like 20 years in real life. Almost like a Hollywood marriage... some of those relationships crash and burn in a year.

My point is, not a lot makes me nervous. I'm kind of a restaurant veteran at this point. But today made me both nervous and excited. And that, is a GOOD thing. I was creative, energized and thinking beyond the burger.

Now, don't fear, I'm NOT going to change the fundamental Diner. We will always be a neighbourhood burger and ice cream joint. But, once in a while, with your support I'm going to make something a little more special. I consider it a mom-style dinner. I will cook what I want, with local fresh ingredients, and you can either order it and enjoy it as served, or pass and pick a burger. The choice is yours.

Back to the ABCs of what happened. Today was Day 1 of the Diner Dinner Project.

I took fresh green beans from the Farmer's Market and built a home-style or mom-style meal around them. I used lean, local bison meat and topped it with sauteed mushrooms, onions and red peppers in a peppercorn gravy. I served with home cut fries and a whole wheat dinner roll.  The cost was $10 and it filled a dinner plate.

Everyone who ordered it and replied gave very positive feedback. More than that, the folks I chatted with loved the concept of an off the menu special.

Tuesday will be old style taco night. I'm going to make my own pico de gallo and guacamole and serve it with corn shell and ground beef tacos. 3 to a plate.

Wednesday will be BBQ pulled pork on a bun with coleslaw and fries.

The things that each of these specials will have in common:
1) Only available after 5pm  and while quantities last
2) $10 plus taxes
3) A healthful, colourful, full plate meal made with local, in-season products whenever possible
4) Not on our regular menu
5) Meals that I would be proud to serve my family and friends

And if this experiment does nothing else other than re-enerize me and indulge my creativity in the kitchen, it will be worth it. If I am excited to be at the Diner, our guests will see it and feel it too!

Day 1: Bison Salisbury Steak 

Mother's Day in the Kitchen

Mother's Day is the busiest restaurant day of the year. Whether you work at KFC or Spago, it's bound to be a ridiculously busy event.

I think of it as "Game Day." It's the real event. It's not a drill. Every other day has been practice so that we can execute our plan and work to our maximum efficiency on Mother's Day.

As a mom it's tough though. You want to be with your own family. However, if you work in a floral shop or restaurant, you know that it's work first... and your own Mother's Day activities after.

The absolute majority of moms are treated to brunch or dinner that day. And as a restaurant owner, it is my pleasure to cook for others and I'm glad to do it on Mother's Day.

Restaurants who do NOT advertise for this event are making a big mistake. Let's face it, dads and kids need the obvious hints. Your Mother's Day advertisements don't need to be for a sale. Don't discount your prices. In fact, this is your time to charge full price, and provide your best service and experience possible. You will need your best staff working.

Your advertisements could showcase a special menu, or even a simple reminder to make reservations. Your goal is to make sure you are at the top of the list when families are planning their gifts/events for mom.

Trip Food

Back a while ago, I suggested that January was a great time to travel and explore other restaurants. I considered this productive use of down time.

I visited Southern California and had a chance to dine at SHOR. It's in the Newport Beach area and recently opened in the renovated Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.

This was my favourite breakfast. (pictured) It was fresh lox and bagel. It was perfect. From the plating, to the service and the VERY fresh taste and flavours. I really enjoyed it.

We had a number of menu items from SHOR during our 3 meals there. The staff were very knowledgeable and willing to modify meals and accommodate special requests. The only request we made, was for a small dish of strawberries and ice cream for dessert. However, it was clear that tables around us had requests relating to their diets and allergies.

One lady was particularly loud and demanding with her lunch requests. The wait staff and manager took it all in stride and were ever so gracious in their service.

I was impressed and inspired by their food and their hospitality. I would definitely recommend SHOR and I would also, once again, recommend dining out during your slow season.