Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Quaint & Delicious, the Jefferson Diner

Monday morning was a lovely start to a gorgeous day. As usual we had to eat breakfast, so we met up with our beautiful friend Brittney at the Jefferson Diner. I'm picky about diners because of the years I spent in New Jersey, so I wasn't putting my hopes too high.

Side note: Diners started in Rhode Island, New Jersey just perfected them. But really, for a state that started diners it doesn't have that many of them. I haven't had much luck with diners in Rhode Island so far and am hoping there are still a few good ones out there.


A couple months ago LauraBeth drove past this little building, located on the corner of an intersection in Warwick, called the Jefferson Diner. The parking lot was always packed out, which means it must be good, but we just never went. Since most places in Providence are closed on Mondays (so frustrating) we decided it was the perfect opportunity to give the establishment a try and it was better than expected.


It was established in 1969, consists of six booths, a counter of stools and a very friendly staff. Decorated with brown checkered curtains, black vinyl cushions and classic round lighting fixtures, stepping into the Jefferson Diner was like time stood still. You could tell that not much had changed and with it came a feeling of comfort.


The menu consisted of two pages. One side was for breakfast, the other was for lunch. Keeping it plain and simple means they serve what they know they are good at. It also makes it easier for the customer to order because there aren't as many options to be distracted with. 

It took a little while for our order to be taken, but it was fine. Sitting there in the booth talking, I forgot we were in a society where people need things here and now. It was like a little vacation from the outside world.

  
We had one order of RAY'S "Too Good To Be True!" - Poached eggs on cornbread and homefries, and two orders of the breakfast sandwich special - An egg with cheese, tomato and bacon on a grilled english muffin with homefries.  


It was like having some of momma's home cooking. You didn't want to put it down, well at least I didn't want to put my sandwich down. The homefries were cooked perfectly, which is important because sometimes you get them and they taste stale. These were fresh and seasoned to perfection. I only wish it contained more onions.

Looking and listening to the diner around us as we ate, you could tell it was a "usual" place for many people.
With cheap prices, great food, a comforting atmosphere and a friendly staff I could see why it was a "usual" in the lives of many.
If you are looking for a new place to try or a place that will take you away from the outside world for a while, visit the Jefferson Diner. I guarantee it will be worth your while. 

The Jefferson Diner is located at 175 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI, 02888


Monday, August 11, 2014

Bristol, Brunch & The Beehive Cafe

I LOVE breakfast!! 
I love everything about it and the fact that you can eat it for any meal of the day.
With this love, however, comes very critical taste buds. I mean, if you are an establishment that offers breakfast, you can't just serve a mediocre meal. You have to have flavor, creativity, and passion.

My partner in crime for most of these adventures if my best friend LauraBeth. Our goal is to try all the breakfast places in Rhode Island. We'll see how far we get.

We had been to one of our favorite little towns for breakfast before and on the drive we passed this cute two window cafe and always said we wanted to go back. You know how it goes. Well a few weeks ago we did.
In the town of Bristol, RI there is a small establishment called The Beehive Cafe. Now when I mean small, I don't mean a whole in the wall but it is a bit tight at times, which is not always bad.

As you walk up to the building, you are greeted by customers enjoying their morning meals, conversations & newspapers in the sun. As you open the door, the first thing you see is a counter and pastry case full of enticing breakfast or dessert goodies, which I'm not sure how you can resist.
All orders are placed at the counter, so grab a menu and read it outside or check out the menu online before going. It will make for a much easier time, because it can get crowded in the front room. They do have plenty of seating upstairs and they even have a little deck with three tables, which is where we sat. Outside but also shaded.

When you order your meal you don't get a table number but you get an animal figurine....a cute and quirky addition. Now LauraBeth judges a place not only by their food but also by their coffee. I on the other hand judge by the non coffee drinks they offer. I was very pleased with The Beehive Cafe. They had a very large three or four shelf unit by the counter filled with jars of tea. I was in heaven, but there were so many options it was hard to choose.




The menu was as equally enticing. There was not a plethora of options like some establishments, but they offered a bit of everything with a slight southern twist.
I chose to indulge my taste buds with the Coconut French Toast and LauraBeth went for the Lemon Cornmeal Pancakes. Oh my goodness was it delicious! Everything is made with ingredients sourced from local farms and cooked by people who have a passion for what they do. It just pours out into their food and you can tell. 

It was a warm Summer's day and so as we were leaving we couldn't not get a cool, refreshing drink. I believe I got the ginger mint iced tea, which was the perfect balance between ginger & sweet. You know that sound your mouth makes after you drink something satisfying that hits the spot? That's what this drink was. You just couldn't help yourself. 

If asked to describe their food this is what they say, "Food that busy people wish they had time to cook at home, but cannot. Comforting, recognizable, and made in small batches." 
Doesn't it send a warm feeling to your heart?

All in all I would definitely return to The Beehive Cafe any day and would suggest it to anyone looking for a cute place near the water for a good meal and experience. 

They serve breakfast and lunch every day from 7am - 3:30pm. Dinner, however is only served on Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 5pm - 9pm.