As
a massive lover of all-American food, when I heard the news that a US-themed
diner had opened inside the Oracle, it really set my taste buds into overdrive.
American
food is becoming more and more popular among us Britons, with it fast becoming
our go-to cuisine. BBQ glaze, donuts, pancake stacks and cherry pie are US
icons which are increasingly appearing on our plates and culinary wish lists.
Ed’s
Easy Diner takes you back to where it all began. The retro 1950s style American
diner immerses you in the ‘American Dream’ as soon as you enter, reminding you
of the time when Hollywood was at its height and every American food was glamourised.
With
popular music from the era playing in the background, the diner is laid out
exactly as it should be. A striking red and white theme is complimented by
cheesy slogans across the top of the open kitchen, while the tables are
complete with personal coin-selector jukeboxes.
The
fate of the old Cafe Giardino unit had been sealed just before Christmas, with
the 1950s-themed Ed’s Easy Diner opening last Thursday (March 28) opposite
Boots at the Broad Street entrance to The Oracle.
The
menu is split into clear divisions of hamburgers, chicken in a bun, hot dogs
and all-day breakfasts. Even though the diner is distinctively all-American,
the staff are keen to add that all their beef is strictly from the West
Country. Better still, if you haven’t visited before they even guide you on how
to save money, great for people on a budget.
I
went for the Slick Dog, a beef hot dog in a bun smothered in BBQ sauce, covered
with nacho cheese and crispy bacon. Being part of their combo plate I also
received fries, a pot of coleslaw topped with a gherkin, and a mound of onion
rings, which amounted to the same price as just a portion of fries (£9.45).
My
girlfriend went for the Chicken BLT, which consisted of chicken in a bun served
with bacon, lettuce, tomato, BBQ sauce and mayonnaise, while she opted for a
side of sweet potato fries (£10.70).
I
won’t lie, I did have my reservations about the possible greasiness and
larger-than-life portions, what you might call the dark side of American food.
When
the waiter brought my Slick Dog over, he commented on it saying it was his
favourite meal on the menu, and I would now find it hard to argue with him.
As
it arrived we were immediately impressed with the quantities on our plates, not
quite as big as our American counterparts might serve, but enough to set your
eyes alight. What impressed me firstly was the colourful nature of the plate,
not something you immediately associate with American food. What’s more, my
fear of grease-laden food was nowhere to be seen on either meal, leaving the authentic
flavours to come through in leaps and bounds.
Drinks-wise
I went for the Peanut Butter and Banana milkshake (£4.25), and when it came I
felt it could have fed a family as I found myself re-filling my glass three
times over. As well as it being big on size it was also big on taste, and I
wouldn’t hesitate in choosing it again.
As
if that wasn’t enough, we each (in hindsight, somewhat foolishly) plumped for a
dessert with me choosing the pancake stack (£4.95) while my girlfriend opted
for waffles (£4.95). Both are served with ice-cream and can be accompanied by
either Hershey’s chocolate sauce or maple syrup.
I
think what my stomach succumbed to was the combination of the milkshake and
pancakes, effectively two desserts in their own right. Next time I might just
pick a standard coke to help me wash everything down!
Something
else that I noted was the impressive speed of service that we received,
especially as it was only their third day of trade. You also have the option to
eat at the bar in front of the kitchen at your leisure, true American style.
As
what might be expected in a diner such as this, the vegetarian options however
are slim pickings, with only two selections to choose from.
Ed’s
Easy Diner really is a charming addition to The Oracle, with the feel-good
factor and attractive Americanised atmosphere sure to pull punters in.
As
I left I remember hearing Marvin Gaye coming on in the restaurant, and I’m sure
others will hear about Ed’s food somewhere on the grapevine...
Ed’s Easy Diner is
open Monday-Friday 9:30am-8pm, Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.
Ed’s Easy Diner does
not take bookings, and the latest you can be seated is half an hour before
closing.
For their menu and
other information visit www.edseasydiner.com
