Classic Diner (January 2014)

The Classic Diner in Malvern, PA, USA, is a favorite stop of mine. Breakfast and lunch here is a delicious feast at a reasonable price with great service. Make sure you are HUNGRY before you get here because the portions are large. I might also add, they use the best ingredients. So let’s start healthy, with a spinach salad that you see here:

Classic Diner (Malvern, PA) spinach salad.

Classic Diner (Malvern, PA) spinach salad.

That’s a beautiful salad, no doubt about it. And dig the lox on the side with capers, eh? Nice. For those who really need to fill up, try the cheeseburger with a side of onion rings that you see next:

Cheeseburger with a side of onion rings at the Classic Diner, Malvern, PA, USA.

Cheeseburger with a side of onion rings at the Classic Diner, Malvern, PA, USA.

That, my friends, is one good burger. The onion rings… crispy and sweet, the way you like them. Again, service is exceptional here and prices are reasonable. Be advised, the place gets BUSY, so go slightly off peak breakfast and lunch times. Enjoy every meal.

Published in: on January 17, 2014 at 12:27 am  Leave a Comment  
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French Cannoli (from Rocco’s, NYC)

Way back in 1986, I came across Rocco’s Pastry Shop on Bleeker Street in New York City. We’ve had a close relationship ever since because I love pastry and Rocco’s makes some of the best. My favorite quick and ready item is the French Cannoli with almonds you see here:

French Cannoli with almonds from Rocco's Pastry Shop, NYC.

French Cannoli with almonds from Rocco’s Pastry Shop, NYC.

The pastry is incredibly light, the custard filling cool and balanced, the toasted, shaved almonds the perfect crunch counterpoint. Yes, it’s that good and you should go get one right away to see for yourself. Of course, there are many other baked items to enjoy at Rocco’s, where they also serve various Italian coffees. Enjoy every meal.

Published in: on January 15, 2014 at 12:46 pm  Leave a Comment  
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McSorely’s Old Ale House, NYC

McSorely’s Old Ale House has been an New York City institution for more than 150 years. It’s on East 7th Street, and not hard to find. Certainly worth a stop for a glass of ale.

McSorely's Old Ale House, New York City, USA.

McSorely’s Old Ale House, New York City, USA.

The place has quite a history, having been visited by presidents and other dignitaries. Sorry for the shabby photo, but the interior is old-school barroom as you can kind of see here:

Interior corner of McSorley's Old Ale House.

Interior corner of McSorley’s Old Ale House.

Plenty of old photos, newspapers, even record albums hanging on the wall, meaning there is plenty of eye candy to keep you busy. You can order light ale or dark and you get two glasses per round as you see next:

Light ale at McSorley's Old Ale House.

Light ale at McSorley’s Old Ale House.

Two at a time also keeps you busy. Then there’s a short menu of food items chalked on the board:

Menu at McSorely's Old Ale House.

Menu at McSorely’s Old Ale House.

After all that drinking, you may need the toilet, and it’s old school as well. Check out these urinals:

Urinals at McSorely's Old Ale House.

Urinals at McSorely’s Old Ale House.

All in all, quite an establishment. Worth your visit for a drink or to linger with friends and chat. Maybe you’ll meet someone new or find a piece of memorabilia that fills in an historical blank. Enjoy the journey.

Published in: on January 14, 2014 at 12:18 am  Leave a Comment  
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36,000 feet +/-

Commercial air travel takes you high above the surface. On a recent flight, are cruising altitude was 36,000 feet, give or take. At any rate, in the comfort of the cabin, I enjoyed an ice-cold Coca-Cola as you see here.

Enjoying Coca-Cola at 36,000 feet.

Enjoying Coca-Cola at 36,000 feet.

I have the protective cover on my phone coordinated with my choice of beverages. This was another great flight aboard American Airlines, with friendly cabin staff. No matter what you’re flying, ALWAYS do your checklist and follow crew instructions.

Published in: on January 2, 2014 at 1:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
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