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You get the real deal at The Regal Diner in Niagara Falls

regal diner

By Mike Lowe

Stepping inside The Regal Diner is like taking a step back in time. The 10 X 30 foot space conjures up images of a bygone era, at least for those of us who are old enough to remember the lunch counters of the ’50s and ’60s.

The unpretentious décor is, appropriately, an indication of what to expect on the plate: straightforward, no-nonsense food prepared with care. Getting back to the basics is often a good thing, and, after two visits to The Regal Diner, I am convinced that owners Anj Peebles and Simon Kelly are dedicated to doing exactly what the old back-lit menu board says: Keepin’ It Real.

Here’s an example: A customer enters and sits close enough that I can overhear his exchange with Anj. He wants chocolate milk. Anj, almost apologetically, informs him that they don’t usually have it but goes on to say that she has some homemade chocolate sauce and she would be happy to mix some up for him if that was OK. When was the last time you had chocolate milk like that in any restaurant?

regal diner

Burgers figure prominently on the lunch menu with seven to choose from. Attractively priced burger platters, which include fries and coleslaw, are priced from $6.25 to $9.95. What makes the burgers special are two things– handmade patties and homemade buns.

regal diner

Bacon n’ Blue Burger

There’s nothing like a perfectly seasoned patty of good quality ground beef (not overly thick) that has been seared on a flat top until a lovely crust forms on each side.

Slap that burger on a super fresh, soft-textured bun and the result is, well, damn near perfect. Mine is the “Bacon n’ Blue” burger which sports crumbled blue cheese and strips of smoky bacon.

Topped off with a bit of mayo and fresh lettuce it’s a wonderful “hold the ketchup” combination. However, the chunky, thick-cut fries are crisp and just begging for a dollop of the ubiquitous condiment.

regal diner

Mushroom omelet with sausage

Breakfast at The Regal Diner ($2.50- $9.75) is every bit as good. I had a delicious omelet loaded with mushrooms and oozing with gooey cheese. The sausage is a handmade patty, which Anj says is a version of a Scottish recipe that Simon has been working on. From the taste, I’d say it was similar to the traditional “Lorne” sausage, but uses more savory herbs.

Whatever the recipe, it was scrumptious. Golden-brown home fries are served alongside as well as toast, served with, you guessed it, homemade strawberry jam.

Homemade and natural is the general theme at The Regal Diner. You will also find a selection of organic grains, cane sugar and even a few of Anj’s latest creations like all-natural, organic soaps.

regal diner

The Regal Diner is one of those hard-to-find gems. It offers amazing food at very fair prices made by hard-working people who care about what goes on your plate. The diner is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

The Regal Diner
5924 Main St.,
Niagara Falls, ON
905 351 2524
Rating:
Excellent- 3 1/2 Stars (Out of 5)

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Vignoble Rancourt Winery Founder’s Blend 2007 ($16, 3 stars out of 5)

The blend is made up of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Still showing lots of nice sweet black cherry, earthy notes, hints of vanilla and a touch of black tea, this wine is a bargain right now. It’s one that drinks easily on its own but will pair well with any grilled or roasted meat or hard cheeses.