353346 Thu Dec 21 05:24:35 -0800 2006 0 6 Southwest 0 2118838 I don’t know where to start when it comes to the topic of having a meal at Denny’s. There are so many negative things I want to say that I usually just get myself unhinged and grumpy and so I keep my opinions about Denny’s to myself. That being said, there are two great stories about Denny’s that I love sharing because they are, well, great. First, there is the story about a series of road trips that my ex-roommate Dave and I did where I would point out every single Denny’s along the way. I would spot the sign, quickly point to it with my arm fully extended and shout, “Denny’s!!!!” This made Dave become unhinged and grumpy. I would smile. Dave decided to get back at me and, one evening, pulled into a Denny’s and said, “This is where we are having dinner.” So, we went in and I had French Toast and eggs that I could at least choke down while Dave decided to try the Moons Over My Hammie. Let’s just say that after eating that, Dave had never has the slightest desire to go back to Denny’s. Ever. The second story is somewhat mythical or, perhaps, dead true, but I add that disclaimer because I have never been able to nail down the facts. Roughly, the story is this: many years ago, Denny’s wanted to change its image citing falling sales. One idea they had was a new motto for their chain of restaurants and they gathered a focus group together to see the reaction. The new motto would be: Denny’s - An American Bistro. After the copious amounts of laughter had subsided, Denny’s went with its Plan B and starting calling some of its locations “Denny’s Diner.” Now, I like diner food. I sometimes get the craving for it. I have had my fill of 5 & Diner, so I was pleased to have a chance to try a local diner. Neil decided to join me for lunch at Linda’s On Osborn. Linda’s is in the spot where the old RJ’s used to be just west of 24th Street on Osborn in Central Phoenix. The place still has the stained glass door with “RJ’s” featured in the center, but the place is very much Linda’s. Neil and I were lucky enough to get a spot out front. We entered and the place was hopping with a lunch crowd. We were seated at a table near the register and placed our drink order opting for two Iced Teas. The menu was full of sandwiches, burgers, blue plate deals and a few specials listed on a chalk board on the wall near our table. We decided to start our meal with an order of Onion Rings. (Just a note here that the bills were hand written, so I didn’t have the individual prices handy.) Neil opted for the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich and I had the Patty Melt. Our server left to retrieve our drinks and we talked about life and everything else. I noticed that the interior was very Americana with lots of comfortable and soothing colors and soft touches that made you feel like you were at Grandma’s. The place was fairly small, but it did have a lunch counter for single diners who didn’t want to wait for a table and a display case featuring their homemade pies and cakes. http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/sethchadwick/lindasonionrings.jpg We waited about five minutes and our onion rings arrived. They were piping hot and clearly not from some bag somewhere. Various ring sizes had been battered with a tempura-like coating and deep fried. Such a simple preparation and yet, most diners serve those awful rings made from minced onions or the outer, papery skins. These were excellent. They were served with a small bowl of Ranch dressing which was decent, but wasn’t as fresh as I would have liked it to be. Neil was happy to have his rings with ketchup. http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/sethchadwick/lindaschickencordonblue.jpg We had just finished up the last of the onion rings when our meals arrived. Neil’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich was a good-sized boneless piece of chicken that had been grilled and then topped with a slice of ham and piece of Swiss Cheese. The bread was a soft, sesame seed bun and the dark green lettuce leaf and slice of red tomato gave a colorful presentation to the whole thing. A small dollop of cole slaw and a serving of wedge fries rounded out the plate. Neil liked his sandwich, but said the cheese could have been a bit more melted. He noted the grilling of the chicken gave the sandwich some extra flavor. He found the sandwich to be above average. He had little to say about the cole slaw, but thought the fries were “better than most that come with sandwiches.” My Patty Melt was a good, old fashioned creation of a burger with Swiss cheese and grilled onions served on grilled rye bread. There was nothing exciting or glamorous about my Patty Melt, but it did hit the spot and was nearly perfect as far as preparation. The hamburger was cooked medium well and the cheese was fully melted. I did think there needed to be more onions on it, but it was a minor concern. My main disappointment came from the fact that I wasn’t expecting it to be served with potato chips. Even thought a Patty Melt isn’t a typical burger, a side of the wedge fries would have been a much better side dish than the potato chips, which were very institutional in taste. I thought they should have at least served Poore Brothers or some other specialty chip with the burger. We took our time finishing our meals and when we requested the bill, the total was $24.43, including tax. The service was friendly and attentive and, at times, motherly. I drove Neil back to his house and then on to do some errands. I liked Linda’s On Osborn. It isn’t a destination place by any means, but since it is fairly close to me, I would return if I was craving diner food. I think Dave would have liked it as well, but somehow pointing to it and shouting “Linda’s!!!” just doesn’t have the same ring to it as “Denny’s.” Then again, Linda’s isn’t Denny’s, so Linda’s gets points right there. Linda’s On Osborn 2333 East Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85016 Dress: Casual Hours: Open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Closed Sundays. Notes: Just west of 24th Street next to the Mr. Submarine and across the street from Sophie’s Bistro. Additional photos can be found at www.feastinginphoenix.com Thu Dec 21 05:24:35 -0800 2006 10633 Seth Chadwick