Sunday, February 26, 2017

This Week's Counter: Gina's Place

We're actually not sure how we found out about Gina's -- but somehow we determined the place had a counter and drove out to Lorain Rd in Fairview Park to check it out on Saturday late morning.  The parking lot was jammed and there were people standing waiting for one of the very few (maybe 8?) tables in this very small diner.  We figured there's no way we'd get in with about 40 minutes until they close (only open until 11:25! on Saturday). But there were two seats together at the counter, and we asked some guys to move over to make room for the three of us (Tami was with us today).

Gina herself greeted us -- she and her staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We got drinks and quickly ordered - bagel with egg and bacon for Cam, Western omelet and potatoes for Ted, and eggs, bacon and potatoes for Tami.  Coffee was pretty good, with constant refills.  Unfortunately, the food was very slow -- they were technically closed by the time ours arrived.  But it was generally worth the wait -- very hot and tasty, although they didn't get the potatoes well-done as ordered.  Overall pretty good though.

Gina's is a solid West-side diner with great atmosphere and friendly service. But go early if you want a table -- seems like it's really popular , and there's usually a wait.  






Cam says: "Comfortable counter and place, but service was slow. Food quality was really solid.  I'll give it 6 frying pans."


Ted says: "Love the atmosphere of this place, super-friendly. Big portions for a very low price, and pretty tasty.  Not the most comfortable counter and a long wait for our food. 6 frying pans for me."



Guest reviewer Tami says: "Friendly staff, tight quarters and average food.. It's worth 5 frying pans."

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

This Week's Counter: Chicago Deli

We'd been to Chicago Deli in Solon a couple times before with extended family.  And each time, we left a bit disappointed.  Neither food quality nor service was all that good.  We've had it on our list, since we knew it had a small counter.  But always made it a low priority. However, not feeling like driving too far on a Saturday at lunch, we decided to give it a try.

The counter here is tiny -- just four seats.  Luckily, 2 were open when we arrived.  The counter waitress offered us a choice of breakfast or lunch menus -- we took both since we weren't sure.  Both were pretty extensive, but we went with breakfast.  Cam got a bagel breakfast sandwich with bacon, plus fries, and Ted had a veggie omelet, potatoes and side of cottage cheese.  Coffee was really good, in a nice heavy mug too.

Wait staff was really friendly and very attentive, and our food arrived very fast.  Everything was hot, fresh and very good.  Potatoes crisp as requested - -they got it right where lots of places don't.  The breakfast bagel had so much egg and bacon scramble that it was tough for Cam to eat.  Only thing a little bit off was the omelet was just a bit overcooked.  All around very good though, and much better than we expected.













Cam says: "Great service and food. Average counter and overall exerpeince.  I'll give it 7 frying pans."


Ted says: "Really surprising -- did not expect it to be this good based on past experience.  Excellent service and really good food.  Worth a solid 8 frying pans."


s C

Sunday, February 12, 2017

This Week's Counter: Peggy's Lunch Box

Peggy's is a tiny place attached to a really old motel in Northfield.This place is hard to find and little-known -- without a web site and no other publicity, you just have to know about it or know someone who does.  We drove down on a late Saturday morning, and found the place very busy, but with plenty of seats at the fairly large counter. Lots of families and people that seemed to be regulars -- the staff seemed to know a lot of people by name.

We were warmly greeted by the servers -- all the staff, including the cook at the grill right behind the counter, were women.  We got drinks and ordered -- breakfast sandwich for Cam and veggie omelet and coffee for Ted.  Chatted with the cook while waiting for the food, which didn't take very long.  Everything was excellent -- perfectly cooked, really tasty, and not greasy at all.  Coffee was just average, but everything else more than made up for it.

As did the price -- incredibly reasonable for an excellent experience and great food.  If you go, take cash -- no cards accepted.  We strongly recommend this one -- not fancy, but well-run and great value for the money.  Go here!




                 

Cam says: "Comfortable counter, incredible service and food quality, but the atmosphere left something to be desired.  I'll give it 9 frying pans."


Ted says: "A hidden gem -- wouldn't have thought this would be stand-out place. Awesome food and great service.  9 pans from me too.."


s C