Dining in Diners

By Joel Howard

Historic Route 66, long immortalized in song and film, is a far distance from Norfolk. However, Route 44, like’s its fabled sibling, has one thing very much in common: the diner. Heading to North Canaan, there are two diners conveniently located next door to one another. Collins Diner has been a mainstay of the town since 1941, a year known for straight-eight engines and Pearl Harbor. In many ways, this eatery may be the quintessential experience. True to its heritage, the interior is a flashback to a time when travelers were met by vinyl booths, lots of chrome and hearty food. Collins provides not just breakfast and lunch, but dinner as well. It also lays claim to being chosen by the venerable New York Times as ‘one of the top ten best diners in New England’. Next door is another family-run place, Maine Caboose, which once actually saw service up north. While not technically a diner, the uniqueness makes it worth a visit. Seasonal deck dining is available. Otherwise take your order of ice cream, breakfast, sandwiches, soups, or salads to go. Originally opened in 2005, the current owner, Barbara Strattman, bought it in 2006 and has since run it with the help of her two daughters. Fresh is the byword for this eatery, with muffins and sweets baked on-site. They also welcome whole pie and cake orders (order early during the holiday season). In keeping with a philosophy of freshness, Ms. Strattman tries “whenever possible to buy locally”, including produce, eggs, and meats. Heading toward Winsted, and for those seeking a working man’s establishment, Broadway Diner is the spot . Wood motif laminate tables, many shades of brown, and an exposed wooden beam ceiling adorn this eatery. It’s the breadth of the menu here that makes this place different. Over 30 sandwich choices are available for lunch, and some 40 omelets as well as French toast and pancakes for that early meal. Finally, the Winsted Diner is the oldest of the four diners. Built in 1931 and sent by flat car from New Rochelle, NY, this diner has one long counter with a dozen stools. Here regulars greet each other with a smile as owner Jean Bauer makes things homey. She calls out “Thanks, George” as a regular handles coffee refills. The Ra-Doc-A-Doodle is a breakfast ‘legend’ made to put the ubiquitous McDonald’s McMuffin to shame. No matter which diner one chooses, cash is the word of the day. A no credit card policy is a mainstay at all of these establishments.