Country MKT (Market) Diner — Restaurant in Closter

I didn't intend on posting a review. However, the experience was so gratifying I have to share. For those that like it short and sweet, the 5 stars is our way of saying RUN toward this delightful culinary experience, Full Stop!

For those that delve into details, here goes (for just the FOOD REVIEW skip forward). My wife came across a Fox 5 New York YouTube review of "New Jersey's first farm-to-table diner..." that piqued her interest. After we reviewed the menu online the hook was set. She wanted to go the next day (today). I was more ambivalent since it's not very close to us and I knew if we went my Saturday's to-do list was going to remain long. Yes, my to-do list is no less short. But boooyy am I glad we came!

We walk through the front door and who greets and seats us none other than the co-owner Corey, who I immediately recognized and called by name only because of watching the review the night before. He is warm and hospitable as one would expect if you were to meet the owner of a fairly new enterprise in the hospitality/food space. Oh, but he gets better.

Once seated, Ramon, a member of the waitstaff with a pleasant smile and the size of a linebacker brings us water. In a brief conversation later with Ramon about working at the diner, he said something about Corey (unsolicited/unexpected) that most business owners would love to hear, "he's a great leader."

Ramon departs, Jennifer our waitress, introduces herself and asks for our drink order. She departs to give us time to peruse the menu, but not before highlighting the menu items that are fan favorites in response to my obligatory question in that vein whenever I visit an eating establishment for the 1st time.

Corey re-enters the frame to offer a complimentary taste test of today's special green drink. It was very good so I ordered a glass. Remember I said Corey gets better. Here's where. In the intervening time between receiving the sample and subsequently ordering a glass of the green drink, Corey satiates a bit of my curiosity with the cliffsnotes version of his successful launching of this diner.

All of this lead up to the food review is important because imho, the ability of the waitstaff/manager(s) and/or owner(s) to strike properly the delicate balance of patron engagement makes a huge difference in whether the atmosphere is warm and inviting or cold and purely a business transaction. Corey is exceptional at properly striking that balance. Because I saw him engaging with other patrons similarly. His waitstaff is good at finding a balance as well. Keep in mind however, we came during the sweet spot of vacation period for the area...a little over 2 weeks before the new school year commences. It remains to be seen how everyone performs and what atmosphere is fostered under more stressful circumstances as I hear the line is out the door and down the front steps normally.

FINALLY THE FOOD REVIEW My wife ordered the "Roasted Butternut Squash Soup" as her appetizer. Perfect! Just the right creaminess/consistency, and natural sweetness. Our entrees came out together just about the time she was finishing her soup. She ordered the "Loaded Avocado Toast". She thoroughly enjoyed the freshness and well balanced seasoning of her "avocado mash" as they call it. She even commented several hours later "I think that was the best guacamole I've ever had." I had the "Breakfast Royale". Blown away by the "strawberry butter". Between it's flavorful richness and the inherent sweetness of the pancake, I didn't need the maple syrup. Although tempted, I didn't add ketchup to the well seasoned and goldenly crisp home fries. My 1st bite of the delectable sausage made my brain go Jimmy Dean who?!! This saugage...Wow...So fresh...Bursting with flavor! I'll have to provide a review of the "Beyder Burger" in the future. Because I took it to go. And I know you won't believe this, I literally have no more character space. 🤣🤣

Final Words...I'LL BE BACK!! AND BECAUSE I CHEER FOR THE OWNERS' CONTINUED SUCCESS, YOU...

This establishment definitely has my stamp of approval and I will be back. Starting with the service, we were seated right away. We never had to call our server over at any point throughout the meal as she was very attentive. My friend and I both liked the extensive menu options and started out with the disco fries. Those were a great appetizer as this place does their fries right; well better than typical fast food quality. The fries came with a nice amount of cheese and bacon making for a flavorful bite each time. The gravy on the side was really good as well and while the fries did not even really need it, the addition was welcomed. We both ordered some of their fried chicken sandwiches, I believe I chose the Bun Jovi which was quite good. They let me substitute the swiss for american cheese, and it came with a nice amount of pastrami on top. The chicken was fried very nicely and I was overall happy with the sandwich. The only con I noticed was that the honey sriracha sauce on the sandwich tasted like hot sauce, or buffalo sauce to me. Normally hot honey is not too overpowering for me, but this had a little extra kick. I am not a fan of spicy food or buffalo sauce, so I did not care for that part but it was not overwhelming thankfully. I would probably try one of their other sandwiches when coming back. This place also has free soda refills which is a huge plus; little things like this go a long way because I did not feel like I had to ration my soda throughout the meal. I was able to relax, and indulge which is how a good meal should be. We were pretty full, so we did not get a chance to try any of the fancy desserts/shakes but their selection looked promising. I also suggest staying open a little bit later; I noticed they close at 8PM on Thursday-Saturday nights, but a lot of diner lovers like myself like to have late night bites. I would definitely recommend coming here and whatever you get, make sure it at least comes with a side of their delicious fries. As I said, this was a positive experience overall and I look forward to...

My first experience there was...weird.

The event that affected the entire dining experience (both for me, as the diner, and for the staff, trying to keep focused during the craziness) was due to an interpersonal battle where someone (who I found out is not the owner or affiliated with ownership) claimed to be the owner, police were involved, children were crying...To say that it was bananas would be like saying hurricane Irene was a bit windy.

Corey, the owner, responded to my original review, and I just had a rather pleasant chat with him. I'm gratified to know the articulate, calm person that writes review replies was NOT the...opposite of articulate, calm person who really put a dent in everyone's day.

The food was excellent! I had the nachos (hold the guac), and the steak + eggs. There were some misses on the steak + eggs, but as I originally expected, focus is hard to maintain in the midst of an impromptu domestic court situation.

Corey offered me a free meal. I definitely appreciate the gesture, but also declined - a) turns out it wasn't their staff/ not their fault, b) I want to give them another chance, as though that first time never happened, so no comped meal. I will return there. Though the first time was completely unreal, I now know it was a fluke and after all, in a case like this, shouldn't my next visit really count as the first?

As it stands, for that fluke visit, I've adjusted my rating now that I know it was a fluke, I know it wasn't the owner. My next update to this review will be a complete makeover, not even considering that first event happened, except to retain how courteous and solicitous they were towards me (I spent equal time reassuring them it wasn't their fault, I didn't and don't blame them at all), and how good the food was. If it weren't for those things, I wouldn't have any reason to return in the first place.

So thank you again, Corey, for a very professional and courteous conversation. Also there's a light in one of the tracks in the dining room that are out (no stars deducted...