Mineola Diner: New owners, retro panache

Mike Alpert and Shane Fritsche, best friends from college days at Hofstra, have teamed up to buy the venerable Mineola Diner. The  gleaming little stainless steel landmark, manufactured in 1946, has been at its current site since 1948. Alpert and Fritsche took over in April.

Most interesting to me is that chef Carlos Romero roasts a whole turkey just about every day. That means sandwiches, salads and even omelets may be had with – yes, really — dark meat. So long as it doesn't run out.

I decided to try an omelet special of turkey (dark meat, of course), asparagus and Alpine Lace cheese, an unusual combo that somehow worked – but would have worked better had the asparagus not been overcooked. Nice oniony home fries. A grilled chicken sandwich was simple but well made – a smoky, juicy cutlet on a hamburger bun. On the side: hand-cut sweet potato fries tasting of nothing more complex than fresh sweet potatoes.

Also on the menu: burgers, house-made soups, salads, milk shakes and egg creams.

Mineola Diner is at 138 Jericho Tpke., Mineola, 516-877-1370.

Photo: Mineola Diner