Tag: cake

Maple Valley Diner (Clifton, NJ) rainbow cake
Diners

Maple Valley Diner (Clifton, NJ)

Hollie

Maple Valley Diner (Clifton, NJ)

Recently my good friend Cyd (who owns the website New Jersey Isn’t Boring) and I went to the Maple Valley Diner in Clifton, NJ. She heard it was good so we decided to give a shot. We’ve been to over 30 diners together now so it’s becoming harder and harder to find new ones that we both haven’t been too.

Maple Valley Diner (Clifton, NJ)

Maple Valley Diner (Clifton, NJ) Atmosphere: A
The Maple Valley Diner looks modern and well kept. It sticks out on the highway. The interior of The Maple Valley Diner looks fairly modern with plenty of booths, tables, a full-length bar, and a dessert case. I always appreciate a diner with a dessert case, although it makes me want to order dessert more (not a problem though).

The Maple Valley Diner Coffee: A
The Maple Valley Diner coffee was brewed hot and fresh and the waitress brought plenty of refills. I could haven’t asked for a better experience.Maple Valley Diner (Clifton, NJ) coffee

The Maple Valley Diner Food: B
The Maple Valley Diner menu has most things you expect in a diner. There is an all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I expected there to be more specials as well as seafood options, but there weren’t as many. The Maple Valley Diner is known for their sweet potatoes, french fries, french toast, egg platters, and cake.

Maple Valley Diner (Clifton, NJ) steak kabob

I decided to order the steak kabob (I think I’ve ordered it once at the Galaxy Diner). It came with grilled steak, grilled vegetables, on top of rice, as well as a side greek salad. I was happy with the steak kabob, although I asked for the steak for medium-rare, and it was much closer to medium or even done. Other than that, the meal was excellent.

The Maple Valley Diner Dessert: B
We heard the Rainbow Cake was excellent (also known as Italian cake) so we decided to order that. I like a good rainbow cake and I have no complaints. It also had a hint of raspberry, which was tasted great. I did think it was a small piece for the cost ($6).

Maple Valley Diner (Clifton, NJ) rainbow cake

The Maple Valley Diner Service: A
Our waitress at The Maple Valley Diner was friendly and our food came out fast. Plus, the manager came to check on us. In all, it was a great experience.

The Maple Valley Diner Cost: $$
For the steak kabob, coffee, and cake it was $30, which I did think the cake was much pricer for the size.

Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back to The Maple Valley Diner?
I liked The Maple Valley Diner and I would go back if I’m in Clifton again. It’s slightly more expensive but worth the price. It was a great diner and experience.  I would go back just for the rainbow cake.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: A
Food: B
Dessert: B
Service: A
Cost: $15-25

Overall: A

You can see all 296 Diner Reviews Here.

Questions for you:

Do you like rainbow cake?

Have you ever tried a steak kabob? 

Orangetown Classic Diner NY
Diners

Orangetown Classic Diner (Orangetown, NY)

Hollie

Orangetown Classic Diner (Orangetown, NY)

Last month I had the opportunity to go to the Orangetown Classic Diner in Orangetown, NY.  I know, occasionally I make it to the other states for diners too.  In fact, for the next few Sundays, I have several out of state diners.  We were up that way for the weekend, and I heard that the Orangetown Classic Diner was a good stop.  It did not disappoint.

Orangetown Classic Diner Atmosphere: A
The Orangetown Classic Diner is everything you expect in a classic diner.  The outside is large, metallic, and shiny.  The inside has plenty of booths, tables, and a full-length bar.  There is a massive dessert case and dessert bar that I stared at for my entire meal.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

Orangetown Classic Diner Coffee: B
The coffee was good but not great.  With all of the homemade desserts, I expected homemade whipped cream.  Other then that, it was good coffee.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

Orangetown Classic Diner Food: B
The Orangetown Classic Diner menu is relatively standard for many diners. There are plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. I wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for and ultimately decided to order a Reuben. I can’t remember ever ordering one at a diner, so it seemed like a good idea.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

When it came out, it had plenty of meat. It wasn’t the best or the worst Rueben, but it was filling.

Service: C
Our waitress was friendly, but she was loud, and she was having issues with another employee.  We could hear across the restaurant.  She was always friendly to us. However, it was just a strange situation.

Orangetown Classic Diner Dessert: A
Orangetown Classic Diner is well known for their desserts, so I wanted to get something. Ultimately I chose the rainbow cake with ice cream.  I do not have any regrets.  The cake was one of the best diner cakes I’ve had in a while.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

There was a fruity topping underneath which tasted great.

Orangetown Classic Diner NY

Cost: $
For my sandwich, coffee, and dessert, the cost was about $25.

Overall Thoughts/Summary of the Orangetown Classic Diner:
I liked the Orangetown Classic Diner, and if I’m ever in the area again, I would go back. I would go to the Orangetown for the desserts alone.

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: B
Service: C
Dessert: A
Cost: $15-25
Overall: B

You can see all the diner reviews here.

Questions for you:
What is your favorite type of sandwich?
What is your favorite type of cake?

 

northvale diner
Diners

Northvale Classic Diner

Hollie

Northvale Classic Diner (Northvale, NJ)

Recently I found myself in Northern NJ at the Northvale Classic Diner.  By that, I mean the Northvale Classic Diner is one of the most Northern diners I’ve been too.  The State Line Diner is just as far North but a little further west.

northvale diner

Anyway, I arrived at dinner time, and the Northvale Diner wasn’t crowded.  I was excited because I was hungry.

Northvale Classic Diner Atmosphere: A
The Northvale Classic Diner is a typical Nj modernized North Jersey diner.  You walk into the building next to a giant dessert case.  Immediately I saw the red velvet mini cakes, which called my name.

The Northvale Classic Diner itself has plenty of booths, tables, and a full-length bar.  It’s modern, clean, and open.   It’s a nice clean restaurant, and you don’t feel like you’re sitting on top of anyone.

Northvale Classic Diner Coffee: A
The coffee is Lacas Coffee from South Jersey!  I was surprised because Lacas is brewed over 100 miles away, but I didn’t complain.  The coffee itself was good, and the waiter brought plenty of refills.

northvale diner

Northvale Classic Diner Food: A
The Northvale Classic Diner menu has a lot more unique and upscale options than many diners.

A few Northvale Classic Diner menu options that caught my eye were:

  • Salmon burgers
  • Goat cheese salads or spring mix with balsamic vinaigrette
  • Organic grass fed pound burgers
  • Turkey burgers

northvale diner

For an appetizer, I ordered one of my favorite appetizers: The Mezze platter.  It came with four types of hummus, pita bread, olives, and grape leaves.  I thought it could use a bit more pita bread but other than that it was good.  The sundried tomato hummus was my favorite!

They proudly serve 100 organic grass fed beef and burgers, so I decided to order one. I decided to order the tuna burger, which was served on a brioche bun and choice of french fries. You get several potato options, including onion rings, but I went with sweet potato fries.  I don’t know the last time I ate a tuna burger!  The tuna burger was cooked perfectly.  I appreciated how crispy the fries were too.

northvale diner

Northvale Diner Dessert: A
After walking in next to the dessert case, the red velvet cake caught my eye.  I ordered the red velvet cake with vanilla ice cream.  As most people know, red velvet cake is my favorite, and I have high expectations for it!

northvale diner

The red velvet cake was delicious, and the frosting was thick but still sugary.  One of my favorite cakes so far!  I appreciated how much frosting was on the cake.

Northvale Classic Diner Service: A
The waiter was friendly, and the food came out quickly.  I have no complaints there.

Northvale Classic Diner Cost: $
For my burger, coffee, appetizer, and dessert, the cost was $30.

Overall Thoughts/Summary of the Northvale Classic Diner:
I liked the Northvale Classic Diner, and it was one of my favorite diners so far.  If I’m up in the area again, I’ll be back to the Northvale Classic Diner!

Atmosphere: A
Coffee: A
Food: A
Dessert: A
Service: A
Overall: A
Price: $15-20

You can see all of the diners I’ve been too here.

Questions for you:

What is your favorite appetizer?

Have you ever had a tuna burger?

Diners

The Broad Street Diner (Hamilton)

Hollie

Broad Street Diner (Hamilton)

Recently I went to the Broad Street Diner in Hamilton.  It’s only about 30 minutes from my house. However, it’s taken me about three years to get there.

Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) Atmosphere: A

The inside is a lot bigger than anticipated.  It’s one of the biggest diners I’ve been too.  The outside is a very tall building.  It’s a big, shiny, metallic diner, but it’s a clean diner.  The inside has plenty of seating with a full-length bar, with plenty of tables and booths.  It’s one of the most spacious diners I’ve been too.

Broad Street Diner hamilton

Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) Coffee: B
The coffee at the Broad Street Diner was brewed hot and the waitress brought over a container with whipped cream.  There wasn’t anything too special or exciting about it, but it was good.

Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) Food: B
The Broad Street Diner menu has pretty much anything you could ask for in a diner.  The Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) has breakfast, lunch, dinner including seafood, steak, pasta, really whatever you want.

I haven’t had pasta in a while, so I decided to order pasta with meatball.  I don’t think I’ve ever ordered that a diner.

The meal at the Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) was good but was bland.  It could have used some seasoning (anything!) or maybe more sauce.  It looked and tasted as if they poured a half a can of sauce on top of pasta and cooked giant meatballs on top.  The meatballs were good.  In all, it was a decent meal, but I would probably order something else next time.

Broad Street Diner hamilton

Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) Service: B
Our waitress at the Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) was very friendly, but at some points, she was extremely quiet and it was hard to hear what she was saying.  I felt like I was always asking, what?

Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) Dessert: B
I had been back and forth with dessert and ultimately decided to order the chocolate fudge cake with ice cream.  One thing unique about the Broad Street Diner is they have several flavors of ice cream instead of just chocolate or vanilla.  I decided to go with cookie dough ice cream, which was a good choice.

The cake itself was excellent.  It was rich and tasted homemade.  The ice cream was suffering from freezer burn.  It needed to dethaw for a few minutes.

Broad Street Diner hamilton

Broad Street Diner (Hamilton) Cost: $
For my coffee, meal, ice cream, and cake the cost was $20 which was a good deal.

Overall Thoughts/Would I come back to the Broad Street Diner (Hamilton)?
I liked the Broad Street diner (Hamilton) and it was a good choice.  Next time I’ll get a different meal, but in all, I liked it.  Having several different ice cream flavors to choose from makes it unique!

Atmosphere: B
Coffee: B
Food: B
Service: B
Dessert: B
Cost: $8-15
Overall: B

You can see all 161 NJ Diners I’ve been too here.

Questions for you:
Where is the best pasta you’ve had?
What is your favorite type of cake?

Cap City Fine Diner Columbus Ohio
Diners

Cap City Fine Diner (Columbus, OH)

Hollie

Cap City Fine Diner (Columbus, Oh)

After running the Air Force Half Marathon, my husband and I stopped at the Cap City Fine Diner in Columbus, Ohio.  I had seen they had the best dessert, and that’s all I wanted after my longest race and run. Plus, traveling through central Ohio means a new diner in a different state right?

Cap City Fine Diner Atmosphere: A

The Cap City Fine Diner has three locations, and we stopped at the newest in Dublin.  It’s attached at the bottom of high-rises, so it’s not the stereotypical, big metallic diner. However, the inside is shiny, metallic and everything you could want in a diner. The Cap City Fine Diner has a retro cool vibe to it.

Cap City Fine Diner Service: A

The waitress at the Cap City Fine Diner was one of the best we’ve had in a while.  She came to our table, refilled beverages, and was just extremely friendly.  She was in the top 5% of waitresses I’ve ever had the pleasure of having.

Cap City Fine Diner Coffee: C

The coffee at the Cap City Fine Diner, however, wasn’t the greatest.  It wasn’t as hot as I hoped (lukewarm coffee isn’t good) and there were grounds in a couple of the refills.  It wasn’t the worst but having grounds in the coffee is a turnoff. (Sorry, no photo)

Cap City Fine Diner Food: B

There are plenty of Cap City Fine Diner menu options. The Cap City Fine Diner menu follows suit with recognizable favorites but isn’t overwhelming. They have the standard, breakfast, lunch and dinner options plus a few unique ones. The Cap City Fine Diner specializes in chef driven dishes and comfort food.

We ordered the smoked salmon spread to split.  It came with salmon spread (almost like a cream cheese), hard bagel chips, a deviled egg, and pickles.  The salmon spread had huge chunks of salmon which I appreciated.

At the Cap City Fine Diner and Bar, I was between ordering short ribs and the fish and chips. Ultimately, I decided to order the fish and chips, and it was one of the better fish and chips I’ve had lately.  It wasn’t the best, but it was good.  The fish itself was cooked well with a crispy outside.  Personally, I like a lot of crunch without being burnt.  The French fries tasted good, they weren’t overcooked or soggy.

Cap City Fine Diner Columbus Ohio

Cap City Fine Diner Dessert: A

At the Cap City Fine Diner, I went crazy and ordered both a milkshake at the beginning of the meal and my husband and I split the carrot cake.

The milkshake was good.  It was thick, and she brought the extra in a mug to continue to refill.  It had a banana, caramel and vanilla ice cream.

My husband wanted to try the carrot cake.  Since he ran the Air Force Marathon, he got to choose.  While carrot cake is not my first pick (I’m a chocolate cake gal), I do like it.  The cake at the Cap City Fine Diner was one of the best carrot cakes I’ve ever had.  Cap City Fine Diner Columbus Ohio

The frosting was tangy, and the cake had plenty of real carrots and raisins cooked in.  The cake made me recent carrot cake convert!

Cap City Fine Diner Columbus Ohio

Cap City Fine Diner Price: $

For the appetizer, coffee, milkshake, entree, and cake the cost was $34.  Considering the amount of food as well as the quality, of what I ordered, it wasn’t pricey at all.

Overall summary/Would I come Back to the Cap City Fine Diner:

I enjoyed the Cap City Fine Diner.  Next time, I probably wouldn’t order the coffee but other than that I enjoyed it and will probably go back every year I run the Air Force Half Marathon.

You can see more of the diner reviews here.

Questions for you:

What is your favorite type of cake? 

What do you crave after a hard workout or race?