We went to the Blue Plate Special for the first time on Sunday for Mother's Day. We loved the atmosphere (had kids with us, as well as my parents).
The pancakes were amazing, spectacular, fantastico. So very good. I had chocolate chip, and my mother had strawberry and choc. chips (she ordered plain, with strawberries on the side, but they were so delicious she didn't even consider sending them back). The turkey bacon was great, the fresh fruit for the kids was super ripe, and the biscuits are outstanding. But those pancakes......mmmmm...
This is my new favorite breakfast spot. I'm sure lunch and dinner are also great.
Oh, and for those in SOM who don't live near the restaurant, the food was so good that I'll be going again FROM SUMMIT. Soon enough we'll be in maplewood and can make it a regular spot, but it's worth the drive...it's that good.
Food's really good, especially the pulled pork sandwich. They've really gotta figure out the service part of it, though. Every time I've gone in, it's several minutes before anyone even comes out from the kitchen to notice. To the point where I want to turn around and go somewhere else. I hope they figure this part out as it's a real gem of a place in our area. This ain't a big negative review, just hopefully constructive criticism, Dan and Laura. You've got a great place there, I want it to succeed!
insombob, i'd have to agree on the service - it's not bad, so slow. they need to hire a college kid or two to help out, which I know is a financial drain, but necessary when they're busy. it's the sort of place that i'll go when i'm in absolutely no rush. unfortunately, that's not often. however, there are few places that i'll go IN SPITE OF the slow service/wait times, but between the absolutely lovely couple who run it, and the food, i'm still in.
Hey Laura, do you care to share the pancake recipe? I don't think it will hurt business...but understand if you prefer not to. I just love pancakes and I'm always looking for an enhancement to the recipes I already favor. I love the Pulled Pork sandwich...to die for!
I went there for lunch today. Laura was out, and a college student was behind the counter, Dan in the back fixing the food. It was a bit busy, and it was a bit slow, but that's OK. The food was excellent, as ever. I had the chicken tarragon salad sandwich. It comes with home fries and a pickle. Even the bread is very well chosen.
on the corner of Irvington Avenue and Ward Place. The sign above the door says The Corner Shop but it is really the Blue Plate Special. Check them out on FB-www.facebook.com/theblueplatespecial
'slow' isn't particularly 'ok' if you're a tiny place, theoretically trying to make some money in your place. you kinda want to be able to turn over tables and orders in a somewhat timely fashion. i would think. i'm not a restaurant/business owner, however. what do i know?
Agree bgs!! I believe very few things coming out of this in this kitchen sit in a warming tray waiting for someone to order it. "Good food you want" cooked to order. Go... sit.. wait... chat with the many MOL folk who frequent the place.
Hello All, Thank you so much for the kind words. Dan and I work non stop to bring you 'Good Food, You Want'. As far as our pancakes go, we make them from scratch (as with most everything in the cafe), with buttermilk and fresh fruit, along with real maple syrup and fresh fruit. I am so sorry for those of you who have experienced slow service. I took over this space to build my catering business and had no intention of running a full time cafe. My initial thought was to have some tables and make it comfy cozy for those who wander in. Luck/Time being what it is, we have become a 'hot spot' with way more diners than I ever expected. That being said, we are way too small to be able to hire a larger staff (we only have 5 tables, seating capacity 14). Also, I don't like the 'McDonalds Mentality'. Where you can go into a place and have any type of food in nano seconds. This kind of service means the food was prepared many days in advance. As others has said, we cook to order. We don't have a steam table that keeps food warm for hours. There is one comment I get over and over from people - 'This tastes so good! How do you do that?'
Well, we cook your food to order with only the top fresh ingredients
I wonder if there might be a way to satisfy some of those smaller service needs so you don't get spread too thin when you're busy. For example, I love how the coffee and drink cooler are accessible. Maybe also a cooler of water with ice, so you don't have to worry about bringing that? (And folks don't have to flag you down to ask) Lemonade or iced tea would be easy to do in the same way in the summer. And perhaps a sign saying folks can seat themselves (done in your charming way!) so if it's their first visit they don't wait up at the counter. If I'm not mistaken I think you already have napkins at the tables, but if not that could be another easy "serve yourself" thing.
I love the place, and agree that the food is worth the wait! So perhaps addressing some of those other little things would help folks feel even more comfortable while waiting.
mf-the offer was for you my dear, I cannot afford to be bankrupt!!! Let me know...would love you meet your wife and little one...maybe Frank will join us!! xo
Had another amazing dinner last night with a group of friends!! Salad (like only Laura can make) and a beyond delicious paparadelle covered with lobster, shrimp and crayfish in a lite red sauce. Amazing, amazing, amazing. We are so lucky to have this little bit of Blue Plate heaven where you can have a leisurely dinner and actually hear each other talk.
Tarheels, great minds think alike! I am in the process of reworking the counter to have self serve pitchers of water, fresh lemonade, iced tea, etc. I am also hoping to remove the deli case to free up more space for tables. I have recently put a little bell on the counter with a sign saying ring for service, especially for the slow times when it is just one of us in the shop.
M'lady, tis always a pleasure to accommodate your birthday celebrations!
