We’re delighted today to welcome guest blogger Leanne Orabona from AroundTheTableRI.blogspot.com. We discovered Leanne when she entered our Foodspotting contest during Newport Restaurant Week and since then started following her blog for its unabashed restaurant reviews and tasteful recipes from her own kitchen. Dining out throughout Rhode Island (and the world!) is her passion, and when we invited her to pen a guest blog for us, she was in a comfort food frame of mind, and headed out to Middletown’s Blue Plate Diner. Here’s what she had to say:
I’ve wanted to go to the Blue Plate Diner for a long time now. I have heard rave reviews from locals that have had amazing meals there and finally decided to go with my friend Darci after work on a Friday night.
When we parked our car in the lot outside and stood in front of the building I felt like we went back in time. I
wasn't alive when diners were all the rage in the 50s and 60s, but I am pretty sure this is exactly the way they were. We were greeted by a friendly host who sat us under a rafter that playfully said: "Thou Shalt Not Worship Golden Arches." And really we shouldn't. When you have a place like this putting so much love into locally grown food made from scratch, why would you ever go to another burger joint like that?
At first glance I noticed a well-wounded group of patrons—lots of families, old and young couples alike. First things first: drinks. Here you’ll find an array of milkshakes, artisan beers and fun cocktails. I was tempted to get the "hard coffee milk," but we both decided on a top shelf margarita. This one was heavy on tequila low on sour mix—just how I like them (top shelf indeed). For a starter we were stumped. We wanted the garbage fries, portabella fries and the Southwestern eggrolls, but seeing as there was only two of us, we thought all three would be a bit excessive. We decided on the eggrolls as a nice complement to the margaritas. When they came to the table we were so excited because there were six, which means we didn't have to battle for them. They were filled with pulled chicken, black beans, corn and cilantro, and served with a wasabi ranch dipping sauce. Amazing! The table next to us got the garbage fries, which looked equally fabulous (I will be getting those next time for sure)! Something to add if you didn't know already: this diner serves local produce, seafood and eggs to hand make all of the dishes and don't use frozen pre-made food like many other establishments do.
Choosing an entree was so much harder than appetizers! There was so much to choose from, truly something for everyone including burgers, sandwiches, and tons of gourmet-style entrees. One of their specials was a meatloaf Beef Wellington. What a great idea! As tempting as it was, I was pulled in by the chicken souvlaki. OMG am I happy I chose this! The chicken was marinated in lemon and oregano and, oh, could you taste that pop of flavor— light and tangy! It was in a pita with lettuce, tomato, onion and a yogurt-cucumber sauce. Might I add, the pita was one of the best I have had; crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The sandwich came with a Greek salad, which was a nice departure from fries. The dressing was delicious and I continuously dipped the sandwich in it because it was so good!
Darci chose the chicken pot pie three days ago when I showed her the menu and she did not waiver in her
decision. Good choice Darci. This dish was enormous, topped with a flakey and delicious puff pastry. We ate for a good 30 minutes, and then looked at Darci's bowl--it looked like she didn't eat any of it. The girl didn't put a dent in this dish!
We saved absolutely no room for dessert, but as we walked out I was bummed to see what we had missed. There was a case of homemade desserts including red velvet cake (my weakness), pies, and more. Next time I will save room. Overall this was such a great dinner experience. The service was excellent, the food was made with love and I left full. So go ahead and step back in time.
Read more of Leanne’s culinary adventures at AroundTheTableRI.blogspot.com.