The Beach Diner

After last night's disappointing diner experience, my husband and I decided to try the Beach Diner in Atlantic Beach this morning.  We were NOT disappointed with this one.

This cute diner is located right on Atlantic Beach Blvd approximately a block from 3rd St. They are open Monday through Saturday, 6 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. The first clue that it is a good place to eat is that it is always FULL!  Fortunately, we found a place at the counter. The decor is beachy leaning towards kitschy but not so much that it looks over done. Overall, it is visually appealing. The wait staff were friendly and attentive. I was a given a cup of coffee within the first few minutes of sitting down. There is a happy buzz of voices that contribute to the carefree atmosphere.  They serve typical diner food with reasonable prices. My husband and I both ordered the Sunrise Special, which consists of two eggs, any style, bacon (2) or sausage links (2), grits, hash browns, or fruit, toast or english muffin. I chose sausage, fresh fruit and the english muffin. My hubby chose the hash browns and an english muffin. Both of our eggs came back perfect (mine over medium well and his sunny side up).  The fruit was seasonal, sweet and fresh. All in all, a great place to eat and hang out with friends and family. We'll definitely return! 

Cheap Eats

Thought I would share this tidbit with you if you haven't already heard.  You can buy gift certificates for local restaurants at a discount. So you buy a $25 gift certificate, but you only pay $15.  If you get their emails, they run specials for 60%, 70% and 80% off the gift certificates. I bought a $25 gift certificate today for only $3.  Here's the info...

Only catch is you usually have to spend more than what the gift certificate is for...I bought a $25 one and have to spend at least $35. Plus, I have to pay 18% gratuity on the original amount. Still not so bad.

****UPDATE****

We went out last night to the 3rd St. Diner (in Jax Beach, FL) with certificate in hand and the owner refused to honor it!  I've used at least three of these vouchers and have NEVER had problems. On top of everything, he was rude. Churlishly, he said we had to spend $50 instead of $35 to get the $25 off. Apparently, that night there were two other guest using Restaurant.com certificates. One of the guests said he was told that he had to spend $100 to get the $50 certificate (versus $75). This was at a diner. Can you imagine how much food you would have to eat to spend $100 at a diner (even for a family of 3)? Both parties were upset and said that although the food was good they would not return due to the service. As we were leaving, another party overheard the conversations and said he would not return to the restaurant. NOT GOOD for business. In one night they lost 12 return customers and lost 4 that night. We were meeting Carolyn-Marie and her husband that night. Fortunately, they were running late and missed the drama. But, after she heard what happened she said she was never going back either.

Correction to the Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Quiche Tartlets

I posted an excerpt from the entertaining book I'm writing, several days ago. Included in the "Spa Opulence Party Planner" a recipe for Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Quiche Tartlets. I tested the recipe on Thursday and had to make some alterations. I'm including the modified recipe in this post and pictures of how I made the mini quiches. I hope you try the recipe--they are yummy! In fact, the quiches did not last long in our house.

First modification: only needed one pie crust and 2 1/2" round cutter instead of 1 1/2". I tried a 3" but it was too big.  However, you might have to adjust the size of round depending on the size of your mini muffin tin.

I increased the spinach by 1 cup.
I think it works better to add the cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes first,
then add the egg mixture. 

I added the cheese on top of the egg mixture on a couple of these,
 then realized it filled better to add the egg last.

Here are the finished quiches out of the oven.
They did not last long past this stage (barely, made it to a plate).

Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Quiche Tartlets

Pre-made Pie dough (enough for one 9 inch crust)

1/2 cup finely snipped sun-dried tomato 

3 eggs, slightly beaten

3/4 cup half-and-half

2 1/2 cup spinach, loosely torn

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

Dash ground black pepper

Dash nutmeg

Dash cayenne

3/4 cup finely shredded swiss cheese 

Olive oil, for saute pan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 

Over medium heat, drizzle one tablespoon olive oil in a saute pan. Add spinach, garlic and a pinch of salt to pan, saute until spinach is wilted. Set aside.

Roll out pie crust, then using 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut 24 rounds. Press each round into the cup of a mini muffin tin and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, half-and-half, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. 

Distribute equally the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and swiss cheese between the cups. Next, spoon egg mixture on top of spinach evenly into pie shells (about 1 1/2-2 tablespoons per cup). 

Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes or until filling is slightly puffed and a small knife inserted into the centers of the tartlets comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes.

Makes 24.

Make-ahead directions: Prepare and bake tartlets one day ahead. Store tartlets in an airtight container and refrigerate. On the day of event, place tartlets on a baking sheet and bake in a 300 degrees F oven for approximately 10 minutes or until heated through.

*Found*

While looking for a recipe, I stumbled upon this website. I like its format and ease of use. It looks like it has some great recipes, too!  Thought I'd share-  keyingredient.com