614/529-1198
http://starlinerdiner.com/
After
dropping my daughter off to babysit her cousins in Hilliard, Lori and I drove
through town and, as we passed the Starliner Diner, we decided we were
hungry…now! I’m almost ashamed to say
that, having lived in Central Ohio for 27
years, I have never been to the Starliner Diner! I know, I know…even if it’s true, I probably
shouldn’t admit that out loud (or in print).
Every
time I have tried to go, there has been a long, somewhat intimidating, line
outside the building. This night, there
was no line and only about six or seven cars in the parking lot. The hunger pangs beckoned a bit more
forcefully!
There
were two things that caught my attention as I entered the cozy and comfortable
diner. First, the artwork on the entry
wall…
We were escorted into the small dining room and, again, were met with quirky artwork and a welcoming atmosphere. Clearly, we were in a relaxed and happy place!
But, alas, unless the food and service is good, a happy place is not a fulfilling place.
The
eclectic menu had a number of tempting offerings plus several specials
including the Azteca Chicken (chicken breast stuffed with chorizo and queso)
which I came very close to ordering. Maybe next time…
First
of all, I chose a cup (actually a bowl) of Jalapeño Soup ($3.50). I love spicy foods and was looking forward to
a bit of a kick start to my meal. Let me
say that, whereas the creamy soup was delicious, it did lack the kick I had
anticipated.
I also tasted a bit of Lori’s Starliner Chunky Chili ($5.00) which was a thick beef chili topped with jalapeño cornbread and cheddar cheese. It was actually spicier than my Jalapeño Soup and very good.
For
my entrée, I selected one of the other off-menu specials – the Creole Mac
($14.00). This was a bowl filled with
elbow macaroni, Cajun sausage, chicken, shrimp, onion, peppers, tomatoes, and
corn tossed in a Cajun creamy sauce and accompanied with a large slice of
bread. The serving was healthy – and by
healthy, I mean substantial – and, whereas there were a number of elements to
the dish, the flavors blended well and were quite distinctive. After hearing the dessert options – crème
brulee cheesecake, peanut butter pie, and flan – I decided to box half of my
dinner so I could sample the happy endings!
We
decided to share the Crème Brulee Cheesecake ($3.50 I think) and was that a
good choice! The cheesecake was thick,
topped with whipped cream, and served with a delicious caramel-like sauce. Believe me, there was none of that left to
take home!
Our
server (didn’t catch her name – although she reminded me of Felicia, my
colleague in Mississippi…well, except for the lack of a Southern accent and
bangs, but otherwise they could have been sisters!) checked in on us frequently
making sure we were happy (we were!) and satisfied (again, yes!).
Finally, as we were leaving the restaurant, I noticed the large opening into the kitchen. I'm fascinated by kitchens of busy restaurants and this one was definitely busy. Unfortunately, the quality of the picture isn't the greatest, but the quality of cooking that was going on was very high!
Finally, as we were leaving the restaurant, I noticed the large opening into the kitchen. I'm fascinated by kitchens of busy restaurants and this one was definitely busy. Unfortunately, the quality of the picture isn't the greatest, but the quality of cooking that was going on was very high!
Don’t
make the same mistake I have made. If
you drive by the Starliner Diner and see a line…don’t keep driving! Stop, find a place to park, and wait for a
fun and delectable dining experience!
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