Welcome to my newest feature, SnackTime With Jen. This midweek morsel is a small taste of something fun. Topics range from food (of course) to fashion, amusing little discoveries both locally and abroad, and a variety of interesting intel too tempting not to share. So let’s get snacking…
Diner food is quintessentially delicious. The menus are traditionally large and offer everything from a Salisbury steak to a Greek salad, serious triple deckers, and a half of a cantaloupe melon with a scoop of cottage cheese. Growing up we always hit the diner for onion rings, shakes, and greasy late-night breakfasts. Never did we once have to make a reservation! Fast forward forty years and let me introduce you to Golden Diner, a Chinatown influenced hotspot featuring a crave worthy menu of outstanding NY classics. And trust me, you’re going to want to make a reservation asap and come hungry, preferably with friends.
As a warm up, share the Chinatown Egg and Cheese Sando— a mound of soft scrambled eggs, melty American cheese, and a super crispy hash brown patty stacked handily on a sesame scallion milk bun. Wow and yum! The eggs were so lush and the potato cake was incredibly crunchy and salty. This “appetizer” was delicious.
Next move onto Sam’s Tuna Melt and make it a deluxe. These triangles were wonderfully griddled with an exceptional crunch, creamy tuna salad and just the right amount of tang. Were those chopped pickles in there? I loved the scallions and the American cheese that coated both sides of the amazing rye enhanced each bite. The fries were insane, needing no ketchup whatsoever, and the sour pickle was heaven.
Only a novice would be full right now but knowing the program, we paced ourselves. Next up were the not to be believed Korean Fried Chicken Wings. Even if you’re not hungry I promise you can eat at least three. Tossed in garlic and gochujang glaze, these suckers were sweet, salty, gooey, and messy. The crunch on the coating was ridiculous and we found ourselves using multiple napkins and yes, finally resorted to licking our fingers! (Sorry, Mom.) Handiwipes be damned; we enjoyed every sticky bite.
Last up we ordered their signature must try Honey Butter Pancakes for dessert. I have to admit that at this point I was actually full but made the effort to taste these super fluffy flapjacks while they were hot. I am rarely at a loss for words, but these butter forward babies had me at hello. We opted for the hot berry compote on the side and the combo of warm pancake dipped into that glistening pool of honey maple butter topped with the compote– I swear I had a hot flash and this time it was definitely because of the food! This could be the best breakfast for dinner food ever created.
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