The Park Ave Diner — Restaurant in South Plainfield

BEWARE DIMITRI THE NIGHT MANAGER - HATEFUL, EGOTISTICAL, AND RACIST

I visited this diner with a friend around 1:40 AM and was informed by the server that I could sit anywhere, so I chose a booth. When the server asked about drinks, we tried to order only to learn that the bar had closed. This was fine, and I proceeded to order 1 sandwich and dessert to-go. I also apologized to the waitress for sitting and then deciding to take food to go and she reassured me that was fine.

As I waited, I noticed the manager, who had been at the front earlier, cutting the cake I ordered. I attempted to ask him about another item, but he ignored me and took a slice of dessert for himself. Feeling embarrassed, I sat back down.

After a long wait without receiving our order—despite the diner not being busy—I approached the register to ask about it. The manager said, “They lose track of things sometimes. You sat over here.” I was taken aback, as no one had informed me of any seating policy. I politely thanked him after he checked on our order.

Eventually, the server brought our bags and the check. I left cash, which included a tip on the table since that’s standard practice for a diner, especially when given a check at the table. As I left, I thanked both the manager and another employee at the front, to which they replied courteously.

However, as I am walking to the parking lot, the manager ran behind and abruptly yelled, “You need to pay the check!” I calmly responded, “I did; the cash is on the table.” He ran inside to check, while another worker confirmed to him that I had indeed paid. Instead of letting it go, the manager scoffed and rudely remarked, “You need to say something; you can’t do that.”

Confused, I asked what I had done wrong. He insisted I should have paid at the register, even though the bill was presented at my table. His continued insistence and condescending tone were not only embarrassing but also unnecessary. He proceeded to say "when you go to a grocery store do you know leave money and walk out without saying anything". This is not a grocery store, this is a diner. I spoke with the server and greeted him goodbye and he responded bye back before starting all this.

To my shock, he claimed I had issues with him before, referencing experiences I’ve never had. It became evident he mistook me for someone else, as I have only been to this diner once before this, when I picked up an order and was in there for a total of 5 minutes. When I tried to explain, he called me a liar and made derogatory remarks. Stating, "me and you go way back", when I asked if he confused me for another brown person, he let me know: "it's not your face it's your voice". I have no words for how I feel. He listed other restaurants I have never been to from times I lived in different states where apparently me and him had "issues".

I consulted another employee afterward, who confirmed that the manager often behaves inappropriately, stating, “He is always like this, but nothing happens because he's been here for 20 years.” Other employees also rolled their eyes at him.

This experience was truly mortifying and unacceptable. I felt humiliated for simply trying to pay my bill. I urge potential customers to beware of this establishment and particularly of Dimitri, whose behavior is unprofessional...

In the vast expanse of the observable universe, where galaxies swirl in cosmic ballets and stars twinkle like distant beacons, there exists a pancake of unparalleled magnificence. This pancake, known simply as the "Celestial Flapjack," transcends the ordinary boundaries of breakfast delights, elevating the art of pancake craftsmanship to a cosmic level.

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But the true magic of the Celestial Flapjack lies in its transformative properties. Each bite is a journey through the cosmos, as if consuming the very essence of the universe. The flavors unfold like a cosmic tapestry, revealing layers of complexity that dance on the taste buds – a symphony of sweetness, a hint of celestial saltiness, and a whisper of otherworldly spices.

As the eater savors the last celestial morsel, a profound sense of satisfaction envelops them. The Celestial Flapjack, a culinary masterpiece born from the cosmos, leaves an indelible mark on the palate and the soul, a testament to the boundless possibilities that exist in the universe of breakfast delights. And so, in the vast tapestry of the observable universe, the Celestial Flapjack stands as a beacon of gastronomic brilliance, inviting all who encounter it to embark on a cosmic journey of flavor...

Review for the "Alaskan Benedict" dish: 1 star for decent service waitstaff and welcoming host 0 stars for the Alaskan Benedict crime against humanity Friday morning about 10:30ish-- new chef on duty? someone underpaid? someone having an off day? total lack of knowledge on how to prepare said dish? maybe the one chef who put this item on the menu no longer works there?

Menu says Benedicts are: "Two poached eggs served on Thomas English Muffin and served with home fries" Describes the Alaskan Benedict as: "Smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, red onion, hollandaise sauce"

What was served: Soggy mushy home fries; only a bite had a crisp exterior, all else was limp. They're supposed to have some crispy exterior and tender interior, but it's not supposed to be mushy at all.

Super hard boiled egg instead of poached; there was NO run to these eggs. The runny egg law was enacted and repealed in 1992 with exceptions for nursing homes, schools, and catering events. Maybe the egg preparer was stuck in a time warp or maybe it's how the clientele prefers it here? Maybe the egg preparer previously worked at a nursing home, school, or did catering?

Not listed on the menu but provided on the bread nonetheless were giant raw spinach leaves. Who serves unwilted greens in a benedict?

No capers. At all???

Gigantic fat slabs of unpurged red onion. Seriously-- raw onion is fine. Slabs could be tolerable. But if you can't be bothered to salt it a few minutes to reduce the pungency and soften the texture, why bother serving it?

Don't get me started on the "Hollandaise"-- the lumpy chunky "Hollandaise".

The place was starting to fill up by the time I finished. I left a cash payment and tip. I should have held back. I was going to give it 2 stars for the wait staff, but down to 1 star-- the person who took my order is the same one who brought the food out to me. If they are comfortable presenting that to customers, knowing full well what the meal is supposed to be like, then I don't know what to say.

My first and last time ever...