JP ShawFriday Love List: Why a small diner is more appealing then a big name restaurant.
Well you see the baby at the top of my post, which means it's Friday and that means it's time for Friday Love List. Friday's are important to me, it's the day which is my favorite for too many reasons to name that don't just involve it being the first day of the weekend. It's a day of relaxing and today I did just that.
DH, my GF Sheila, Trace and I went out for lunch. The sun was shining, and the ambiance around us was glowing with friendliness as we headed down to try this new little diner that just opened up off George Ferguson way. I love little diners. There is something magical about them.
Join me and scroll and you'll see why this place made my Friday Love List.
Where the friendliest people on earth live to serve...
Little diner's always have neat little fifty style names. Anne Marie's Cafe. Now who wouldn't want to go there. I know the moment we pulled up, I felt like I wanted to see Anne Marie, meet her and she'd be waiting just inside waiting for me with a big smile. There's warmth to something like that.
5 Corners in Abbotsford, British Columbia
Pictures of the past. One thing I absolutely LOVVVVVE about going to a small place like this, there are usually old fashioned pictures adorning the walls. Scenes from the past which show me a little bit about my heritage and the place I live. Like the one above which shows what downtown Abbotsford looked like long before I was born, and 5 corners a cross intersection with five points with the busiest traffic here in Abbey.
The Good Old Days...
One thing Anne Marie's is famous for is their old fashioned root beer floats. You know the ones, they come in those tall ice cream goblets made of solid glass, not some type of cheap plastic container. They are yummy too!
BEST Burger's in TOWN !
One thing I hate when I go to a restaurant is when you order something and the meal is small. Well that is definitely not the case with this diner. That's why I love little diner's and truck stops. The food is always made fresh with a homemade taste to boot. Hubby ordered their delicious Cheeseburger which was huge. I had a bite of course and it was mouth watering. The bun was fresh, the seasons perfect, and each plate comes with a bssket size of crisp french fries. For the price of $8.25 with a bottomless soft drink you can't wrong.
Our waitress
If there is one thing I can't stand it's a waitress with an attitude. That wasn't the case today at Anne Marie's. The staff at the cafe is so friendly and courteous, asking if our meal was okay, smiling and she stopped to pose for a picture after she chased Trace out of the kitchen when he snuck in to see the cook.
A place any kid who likes cars will love
Trace is almost 2 years old. I find most small cafe's and diner's are more geared and child friendly. Anne Marie's is filled with old things, especially cars which quickly turned Trace's head. Here he is posing in front of their huge die cast model display grinning like a kid at Christmas. It's nice when you go to a place that your kids will enjoy, it makes the meal all that more better.
We enjoyed ourselves as well.
Hubby
My GF Sheila who joined us for coffee
Trace had fun coloring with the crayons our waitress gave him
Me
From the 50's style decor greenish blue bar stools to the checkered black and white flooring.
50's style
To the red booths with old fashioned salt and pepper shakers and menus.
take a seat
The retro signs.
And the old fashioned cars on display.
Let's go for a drive
There is one thing I know. There should be more places like this for people to enjoy. A place to sit and chat, eat a good meal with friendly staff, great food and an atmosphere that although isn't quite like home, helps you to remember a simpler time when money didn't make the the world go round, people cared about each other, and friendships were important.
If you are ever in Abbotsford check out Anne Marie's Cafe. Where two ladies Stella Ann Laidman and Angie Marie Normand cook up hearty breakfasts from early mornings and nostalgic style lunches in their shiny new 50's diner. Mon. - Wed. 6:30 am - 2:00 pm; Thurs & Fri. night to 8:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. 33771 George Ferguson Way. 604-852-2610.
You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
Till next Friday.
Have a great weekend!
