The search for the almost-perfect tuna melt continues. The latest entry into the mix was served to me by Danny at the four-year-old Alps Diner (1420 Route 23, Wayne, New Jersey, 973-305-0033, www.alpsdiner.com), a nice spot as Route 23 begins its Passaic County ascent. And for someone who writes about the food and dining industry, and also spent 12 very forgettable months in the field at age 18, I found it interesting that Alps Diner provides issues of Restaurant Business and Restaurant Hospitality magazines for perusal while you dine from their nice, comfortable booths. You can read about the goings-on in the field while enjoying the fruits of labor first hand. Thanks, Alps Diner - really. Nice atmosphere, nice touch. Lucille and I, however, chose instead to enjoy some really nice husband and wife conversation while listening to 1960s tunes, settling in to escape the Saturday evening chill. All diner outings should be this nice. Lucille, who is a firm student of "cold night = need of hot soup" selected a cup of cream of turkey soup ($2.50) as a starter. It arrived during her brief visit to the Ladies Room, so I snuck in a few spoonfuls in her absence. Can you blame me -- creamy goodness staring up at me (see below)? Lucille then continued in the spirit of Thanksgiving and chose the all-white meat roast turkey entrée with house made stuffing and gravy ($14.99). It was nice sitting in the smooth booth, just 12" from my wife's plate, enabling me to place a fork into her turkey and potatoes and indulge...much. I must note as well that the side of broccoli was sautéed perfectly. Okay, now for that tuna melt without tomato (my preference). It should here be explained that, when it comes to eating a tuna melt, I like to make a mess of things. I don't' enjoy it open faced; I place both sides of the sandwich together and press down firmly. Tuna oozes out of the side of the rye toast and onto my plate, my fork at the ready. THAT, of course, happened here -- and I loved it! Of course, Lucille and I shared the sandwich ($8.99).
To Danny, our server, much thanks. He was as friendly as can be, and even apologized for being a bit delayed with refilling our water glasses. Not a problem, friend. You communicated, and that's good. In fact, all of the servers were very friendly during our visit as I listened in to nearby orders being taken. That's a great thing. There will be a "next visit," and it will include a pulled pork burger deluxe finding a final resting place inside my tummy. Consider this: a prime burger topped with pulled pork, Alps Diner sweet and tangy sauce, and American cheese ($11.99). That's something I can't ignore! Steve
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January 2023
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