Roadster Diner: It's Always Nice to Enjoy the Classics :: NoGarlicNoOnions: Restaurant, Food, and Travel Stories/Reviews

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At times it gets a bit overwhelming to think of a restaurant to dine. It's not as easy as one would imagine especially that there are so many new places and so many new cuisines out there. Some are good while others are mediocre. Some places are tasty while others leave you disappointed. When you’re hungry, going back to some of your old time favorites is the best and most comforting choice...

Roadster has had its share of ups and downs lately. This became more apparent after NGNO's second Crepaway vs Roadster comparison, where results showed dismay in some parts. After positively reviewing Deek Duke and Zaatar W Zeit a few weeks ago, I decided to check on this fine American diner and what it has to offer. Heading down to City Mall on a calm Monday, my wife and I went for Roadster's newly launched fries as well as the famous classics. After opening their smoking balcony, Roadster’s in City Mall now looks and feels bigger and wider. Built around the same theme where the colorful ceiling, the orange walls and the decorative posters welcome you into a real American ambiance. Roadster_City_Mall01

The details of architecture:

At the entrance, be welcomed by blue small chairs followed by white and red leather sofas with hand support in the middle
Walls are all painted in orange and decorated with sod panels. The ceiling is painted in orange and decorated with a centered colorful glass box
Black and white benches follow the restaurant, separated from the walls with a thick wood protection
In front of a brick wall filled with alcohol bottles is a long bar and high red stools
American diner style, items decorate all the walls
No smoking is allowed inside while a new terrace welcomes smokers

Roadster_City_Mall47

Before even taking the order we asked for some crunchy potato dippers, displayed on danglers over the tables. I honestly was not confined about these since all the pictures I saw over the net looked unappetizing.

Surprisingly we tasted some amazing fries; Crunchy, non-oily, superb potato slices that are finger licking good. Served on a metallic frying pan, normally used for fajitas, is a mountain of unpeeled fries that enjoy both crunchiness and softness combined. Brown perfectly cooked potatoes, crunchy from the outside and well cooked from the inside and most importantly non oily. A generous layer of cheddar cheese adds the required fun flavor that will make you smile. Dip the fries into the herbs sauce and enjoy! Simply perfect!

I don't know why exactly but I wanted to try something new, a section I usually don't look at: The light column. I ordered a salmon salad and a tuna sandwich which I enjoyed so much. I had a fulfilling enjoyable lunch not feeling guilty about the calories... Who said that tasty should be fatty?

In a deep plate, a generous mountain of lettuce mixed with cubes of potatoes and decorated with capers supports the smoked salmon slices. Every bite is a blend of some crunchy fresh lettuce, soft and well cooked potatoes and some capers that add finesse and flavor. This salad would not have been perfect without that strong lemony sauce that embraces the mix. Yum...

With the salad I went for the tuna sandwich. This is a sandwich I usually enjoy especially when the tuna is adequately mashed and mixed with mayonnaise and some accompaniments. Roadster's light tuna really made me smile. Even though it has a tabbouleh smell and taste, I still enjoyed the crunchy fresh brown bun filled with shredded tuna mixed with mint leaves. I loved the softness of the mix coupled with the crunchiness of the American pickles, juicy tomatoes and fresh lettuce. To make things even more perfect, a strong lemon taste is what's needed to enjoy a tasty sandwich without a calorie overdose. This sandwich is a perfect choice for a light lunch break.

My wife went for the club sandwich. I'll tell you something about her: She is usually over picky when it comes to the smell and flavor of chicken. She has been avoiding Roadster's chicken for the last couple of years especially because it had a strong odor of non-freshness (Zankha). And in our last Crepaway vs Roadster comparison the quality of chicken was mediocre. But today's club sandwich was something else, as if it was made by another restaurant. A perfect sandwich filled with fresh crunchy vegetables, the right amount of mayonnaise and most importantly very good chicken. All of this inside two slices of thin bread that’s fresh and doesn't overtake the taste of ingredients. But in my opinion, the overall sandwich is a bit too dry. It looks and feels dry. A hint of moisture is needed for it to melt under your teeth in style. I don't mean more mayonnaise, but more juiciness.

You could see how happy and content I was with Roadster's. I believe most of you have read about my disappointing experiences at Roadster's in the past year. Is my favorite diner back? Back to the basics? Back to perfection?

Do you think a meal at Roadster is complete without the unique Marble Mud Pie? Light or not, diet or not, fulfilled or not, this dessert is a must...

Just imagine, in case you're not acquainted yet with the Marble Pie: A cake-like shaped ice cream covered in premium caramel and decorated with chocolate sauce. A signature mix of vanilla and chocolate ice cream embracing chunks of condensed brownies over a layer of rich biscuit is just to die for. This mouthwatering dessert deserves an award. Good service, attentive staff, tasty food is what you can expect from one of Lebanon's best diners. We enjoyed a quick lunch and went back to work feeling good.