Dwayne and Alberta Ennest, Calgary’s new generation Mom and Pop, have succeeded in redefining diner food for the new millennium, serving it up in the prettiest diner in the city. Diner Deluxe on Edmonton Trail is a blend of ‘50s pastels and space-age tones. Customers on vinyl chairs are seated around Arborite kitchen tables under lamps that look like something out of the Jetsons.
For kids, it’s a fun spot with lots to look at (shelves of old tin toy cars, fun prints and paintings on the wall), and the most diverse clientele I’ve seen. The look is fab; the staff are groovy; and the contemporary diner food reflects Chef Dwayne Ennest’s years of expertise – he was the original chef at River Café.
Dwayne and Alberta are avid supporters of local products like Kicking Horse Coffee and Regina’s Fine Meats; and Farmer Cliff supplies their fresh veggies and free range eggs. If you are a lover of eggs Benny, Diner Deluxe serves up better than any I’ve had – and I can’t think of anywhere else to get braised lamb shank for only $13.
The kids’ menu includes things like chocolate monkey French toast, eggs in a nest, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and (real) mac & cheese.Tuesday is TV dinner night, featuring vintage cartoons playing on a vintage TV and a nightly special that includes an entrée, side dishes and dessert, all served up on a cool melamine plate divided into sections. On Wednesday nights, you can bring your own bottle of wine – corkage is free.
Older kids might appreciate an intimate lunch at another of Dwayne and Alberta’s restaurants – the tiny and little-known Vue Café on 11 Avenue SW is located inside the Virginia Christopher Fine Art Gallery (Virginia is Alberta’s mum). There, you can saddle up to the counter and have lunch (from 11am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday) amid the works of art and you can wander around in-between courses. They serve the best paninis in the city (think organic chicken breast with smoked cheddar, Spanish onion and basil mayo or smoked turkey breast, arugula, Sylvan Star gouda with cranberry grainy mustard) but start with a 3, 5 or 7oz. cheese platter – let your child choose from a selection of artisan cheeses; it’s a great opportunity for them to try something new – served with crackers and condiments to nibble on while you wait.
Diner Deluxe is located at 804 Edmonton Trail NE, 276-5499, cuisineconcepts.ca/diner.
Vue Café is located at 816, 11 Avenue SW, 263-4346, cuisineconcepts.ca/restaurant/vuecafe.
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