Ed's Easy Diner

I was delighted to be asked to head along to Aberdeen’s newest eatery, Ed’s Easy Diner, last week and check out the stateside goodies on offer!  I am from an American family, LOVE diner food and every time I arrive in the states one of the first things I love to do is grab a yummy diner meal so I was intrigued to see how Ed’s stacked up.  If I’m honest I was filled with trepidation – there’s something slightly worrying about British versions of American classics – just as a New York based British carvery would concern me!  Anyway, suspicion aside, I was delighted to check out Ed’s fun and colourful website and got decidedly excited when I read the menu!  I’m on a bit of health kick just now so was most delighted to find such comprehensive nutritional information and some really good options to allow me to enjoy the diner experience whilst staying on track with the diet!  Furthermore I was very surprised to discover a fabulous gluten free menu which I excitedly told some of my coeliac friends about – many of whom find dining out in Aberdeen a frustrating nightmare!

So off we went – myself, my burger aficionado husband and my foodie toddler!  The décor is bright and amazingly authentic.  There is nothing about the look of the place that would be out of place in my favourite diners in New Jersey or San Francisco, right down to the coin operated juke boxes on the table!  So I excitedly stacked up a few Johnny Cash and Beach Boy classics whilst my husband chased our little boy around and decided upon his order.  We were greeted by our server, Josh, who was full of pep and vim and became a firm friend of our toddler’s within minutes.  He was very knowledgeable about the menu and went out of his way to ensure we were well looked after throughout our visit.  So we got our drinks on the way, including a chocolate milkshake for my husband (a serving consists of 2 glasses so I’m hoping he may allow me a taste!) and took a moment to study the kids menu.  We grabbed a serving of honey n chilli peanuts to tide us over, soooo tasty!!  Seriously dangerous!! 

So time to get the food ordered – we went for burgers for us and chicken for the wee man.  We also couldn’t resist getting some side orders too!  The chocolate milkshake arrived just as we finished gobbling up the peanuts and BOY was it good!  Proper American, thick, decadent, naughty milkshake!!  Soooo good.  On balance I think my husband made a tactical error downing two glasses of ice cream and chocolate before we even got started but more on that later.

So the guest of honour first – from the junior menu, he had the chicken tenders which were unbelievably tasty!  Beautifully cooked, juicy chicken fillets in a perfect crispy coating without a hint of greasiness.  I was also delighted they weren’t salty!!  So many times I order something for my son and end up loathe to give it to him as it’s far too salty.  We plumped for a salad with his meal instead of fries – again, we were pleasantly surprised how easy it is to cater for everyone AND to make healthy choices at a restaurant you might expect to just have the naughty stuff! Myself, I went for the ‘skinny Ed’s’ bacon & cheese burger - served with salad, vinaigrette and no bun and a side of chilli and cheese fries (yes I know, I know, somewhat defeating the aforementioned ‘skinny’ order but oh well!).  So, the burger was really really tasty and I could taste the beef, you know those burgers where you can actually taste the flavour of the meat??  Yes, very unusual I know.  I’ve been getting increasingly brassed off how so many burgers these days taste of well, nothing, other than salt and fat, so was over the moon to taste this tasty number!  And French’s American mustard – yay!!!  Sooo good and what a treat when coupled with perfectly cooked streaky bacon.  The salad was tasty and nicely dressed and made a refreshing accompaniment.  To the chilli cheese fries, hmm, well I was a bit disappointed to be honest.  I read with the description with such excitement I set myself up for a fall I think.  Firstly, that weird squeezy cheese does nothing for me – but I appreciate this is a personal preference thing.  I just don’t like it.  Secondly, I pictured skinny fries, I just can’t get on board with chunky chips in a dish like this.  However, on the plus side, and a BIG plus side at that, the chilli was delicious!  Really yummy, hearty and flavourful chilli that you just can’t help going back for another little taste of!  Whilst we are on the subject of sides, my husband’s side of bacon & cheese fries left him a little underwhelmed – again the squeezy cheese and chunky chips just didn’t quite hit the spot for him.  Awesome concept though. 

Hubster went for a bacon & cheese ‘Ed’s plate’ which includes the burger, fries, onion rings and coleslaw  - he also upgraded the onion rings to the ‘atomic’ option to ensure they came with jalapeno jelly, chilli. sour cream, cheddar cheese sauce and guacamole.  Wow, a serious meal arrived, even by his black belt burger standards!!  The burger delivered on all levels, juicy, tasty, cooked just how he asked and not too drippy.  The atomic onion rings were delicious and each of the dips were fantastic, particularly the chilli jelly, yum yum!

So after a serious fill, we were all feeling a bit overwhelmed – but we are not the type of family to be defeated.  So I ordered a mini-moo strawberry milkshake for the boy and half portion of baked cheesecake for myself.  Mr Aberdeen food blog accepted defeat though and quietly sat in a haze of post-burger delight whilst myelf and the wee one ploughed on.  So, the strawberry milkshake was just as yummy as the chocolate one and a wonderful treat for the boy.  And the baked cheesecake was really really delicious.  I’m not sure who makes the cheesecake for Ed’s but by goodness is it good – it genuinely gives you the New York hit and with the sharp fruit shot on the side I’m instantly transported to the big apple and have a big smile on my face!

So, I was really chuffed with Ed’s to be honest and I’m itching to try the breakfast menu – I’m a sucker for brioche French toast!  Hope to be back soon!