Dianna’s Diner
5015 East Stop 11 Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46237

My wife and daughter were out of town and I didn’t feel like cooking a few weeks ago, so I was looking for someplace new.  I had a really stressful day of work and was just looking for some comfort food.  What better place to find that than a diner?  I recalled that Dianna’s Diner opened in the former home of a Huddle House Hamburger stand, so I gave it a shot.  Nestled between a Ritter’s Ice Cream and a Speedway station at Emerson and Stop 11, the surroundings aren’t exactly picturesque but you can’t eat scenery, right?

What I Had:  Beef Manhattan.

The menu is full of the typical diner fare including breakfast served all day, but I saw the sign for that night’s special and I knew that I had to have it.  In my mind, there is no more comforting food than something with mashed potatoes and slopped with gravy.  Okay, okay…Mac and Cheese, you’re right.

Classically served on white bread over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans, this was a really attractive plate.  The mashed potatoes first got my attention and they were good.  Clearly re-constituted from buds, they were still light and buttery.  The beef itself was sort of dull.   A deli-style thin cut, it wasn’t the highest quality but there was a good amount of it and it was hot and satisfying.  Gravy is literally the glue that brings this dish together and this was just the right viscosity and color.   With a peppery bite, I liked it.  The beans were outstanding.  Cooked with salt-pork they were delicious.  Clearly the only thing in the offering that swerved away from what I would describe as institutional food.  But you know what, it hit just right note with me.  I was full, satisfied and happy.

Would I Buy It Again?  Sure!   Just goes to show you that you don’t have to be eating the latest from Bobby Flay, John Besh or one of the other so-called celebrity chefs to have a meal that actually changes the trajectory of your day.

Next time:  TURKEY Manhattan.

-Smokin DB

Tags: beef manhattan, dianna's diner, diner, Food, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, turkey manhattan

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