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| via The Pinwheel |
The Pinwheel in Essex describes itself as "a family-owned breakfast and lunch cafe serving unique and creative fare for all." I would describe it as an upscale diner and that, my friends, is a beautiful thing. The Machanic's former restaurant, The Swingin' Pinwheel, operated for six years in Burlington before shutting down in 2020 - a COVID casualty, I suspect. They reopened at the new location just last year. This was our first time visiting.
The western ranch vibe is strong: southwest desert scenery and antlers adorn the walls. I suspect the Machanics are fishing people rather than skiers (yes, I realize they could be both). There's a lot of fish on the menu and pictures of trout and other game fish on the walls.
Right, the food. First my disappointment: I was so excited to see Pig in a Pancake on the menu, then absolutely shattered to learn they were out of sausage. Fortunately, I had a backup plan: Cinnamon French Toast with a side of ham. French toast is my go to breakfast order - far less likely to disappoint me than waffles or pancakes. Pinwheel's was lovely.
Our waitress reminded me of a friend from Japan days - taller but otherwise looked just like her. She was a good waitress, too.
It's nice to have a good breakfast place in the area. Jericho Cafe and Tavern (formerly The Village Cup) is our usual go-to as it's close to our house. But they're not open until 9 on the weekends whereas Pinwheel's open at 8 and JCAT is a little too fussy for what I actually want from a restaurant breakfast. To me Pinwheel is worth a slightly further drive.
Besides, we have to go back for the Pig in a Pancake.
An upscale diner is something I'd like. We have Metro Diner, which I think is part of a chain. The service there is excellent and the food is pretty good, but it's definitely not upscale. The wood chairs and benches for the booths are uncomfortable. Maybe they want it that way so they can turn over tables more quickly rather than having customers who sit around to chat.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie