Tuesday, April 30, 2013

A Sterling Experience: The Silver Diner

A couple of weeks ago, I had to take my truck to the shop.  The shop manager said it would be two or three hours before they would be finished.  No problem.  I was in an area with lots of shops.  I'd just go eat some breakfast, do a little shopping, and chill.  Chilling is good for the soul.  I started off towards Silver Diner near what used to be Springfield Mall.  After carefully traversing the parking lot, I was about 20 or so yards from the restaurant when the tantalizing smells of waffles and pancakes filled my nose.  It was more like the scent of fresh funnel cakes.  And who doesn't love a good funnel cake.   I thought to myself that a nice fluffy Belgian waffle would be so satisfying along with a hot cup of coffee.  I'm going to tell you right now that isn't what I had once I hit the door of Silver Diner.

It was a little past ten-thirty in the morning.  Traditionally, bacon and eggs or pancakes are standard breakfast fare.  And I was heading there.  Then, I saw it!  This gloss poster of their Pesto Burger.  I was mesmerized.  The picture was so enticing.  It looked real enough to eat.  I don't know how long I'd stood there looking at the poster, but the manager cleared his throat twice to get my attention.  I inquired as to whether I could have that burger beauty.  He told I could have anything on their menu I wanted anytime I wanted it.  JACKPOT!!!!!  I was going to have a burger for breakfast.  WOOHOO!!!!!  I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I have a love affair with burgers.  From fat juicy patties to cute little sliders, I love the all as long as they are cooked well.

The manager seated me and gave me a menu.  For a few seconds, I vacillated on a traditional meal or being a rebel.  Rebellion won out and I ordered the Pesto Burger which came with a side of sweet potato fries.  As I waited for my 'breakfast', I was a little anxious.  That burger on the poster was downright sexy with a hint of roasted red pepper peaking out, topped with a creamy goat cheese.  Would that be the burger I received?  We have all been seduced by pictures of towering well put together sandwiches of ground meat, cheese, and veggies only to be confronted by a jumbled stack of ingredients leaving us with nothing but lead in our stomachs and regret on our lips. 

Imagine my surprise and delight when what arrived in front of me was a very realistic rendition of that delicious poster.  Even better was that first bite.  The bun was sweet and soft.  The burger was cooked perfectly, warm pink center and dripping with juice.  The pesto was subtle and mixed wonderfully with the roasted red peppers and that fresh goat cheese.  I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.  The accompanying sweet potato fries were good, but I didn't do them any justice.  Maybe next time. 

This has to be in my top ten burger experiences.  I am looking forward to trying it again. If you're in the Springfield, VA area and looking for a tasty treat, drop by the Silver Diner.  They'll take good care of you.

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