Danny's, a diner?

OK, I am going to lodge a formal objection here. Danny's restaurant advertises itself as a diner. Danny's, while serving fair food at relatively cheap prices is not, repeat not a diner!

Officially, a diner is a prefabricated restaurant, usually in size similar to a single wide or double wide trailer that could be towed behind a truck. The reason is, the diner, which originated in New England, Worcester Massachusetts to be precise, were prefabricated and shipped by rail or towed by truck to their permanent location.

I will submit that many of these diners were later expanded or replaced by additional construction. Diner served diner food! Diner food is usually abundant, good, and most of all, cheap. I will admit that Denny's restaurant serves diner food and is similar to a diner ... but come on guys! A restaurant chain is the antithesis of the diner spirit. At best, Danny is could be considered a "diner style" restaurant.

Pie Rush Wednesday at Jacksonville's Village Inn Restaurant

I previously extolled the virtues of the Village Inn Restaurant, Jacksonville's sole remaining diner.

When I was in there yesterday, Kevin, the manager reminded me about Pie Rush Wednesday. Every Wednesday, from 10 AM to 10 PM a slice of pie from their pie rush menu is free with your meal. But, to get your free slice of their mouthwatering pies, you must eat in their dining room... sorry, no take-out!

Now, I have to explain something. I was in the Village Inn on Easter Sunday. I was absolutely amazed. Victoria, my usual waitress, was fully dedicated to fetching and delivering pies to the hundreds of people who ordered them in advance, and stopped in to pick them up. I want to tell you, the Village Inn is famous in the Jacksonville area for its superb pies.

I also wanted to say hello to Holly, a delightful waitress who took care of me when Victoria was not there. So, hi Holly, and I'll see you guys in a couple of days.

Village Inn on San Jose

I have found another oasis in the great gustatory desert of Jacksonville.

Allow me to introduce you to the Village Inn on San Jose Blvd. not too far from Baymeadows Road.

If you've ever been in New England, you know that diners are everywhere. They were my favorite places to eat in Connecticut. Well, Florida is no rate restaurant capital. Jacksonville is particularly bad. But this place stands out.

Victoria greeted me at the door and waited on me. She was delightful. My usual diner fare in Connecticut was eggs benedict minus the Canadian bacon, corned beef hash, toast and a Coke. It was spectacular. You also get free pie on Wednesdays! I indulged myself with a glorious chocolate truffle pie that was amazing.

Kevin, the general manager, stop by during my meal to see if everything was okay. A delightful guy runs a very tight ship.

I definitely had that, probably on Saturday. Enjoy this one.