Additional Coverage:
- 11 Foods You Should Never Order At A Diner (cheapism.com)
Navigating the Diner Menu: 12 Dishes to Reconsider
Diners hold a special place in American culture, celebrated for their expansive menus, comforting classics, and round-the-clock appeal. They promise a diverse array of options, from breakfast staples to hearty dinner plates, satisfying nearly any craving.
However, the sheer breadth of these menus, particularly at establishments without a sterling reputation, can sometimes hide culinary pitfalls. While many diners pride themselves on fresh, quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, others may cut corners, presenting potential risks that outweigh the reward of a convenient meal.
To ensure a safer and more satisfying dining experience, a discerning eye is often needed. Here are 12 specific dishes that patrons might want to reconsider ordering at diners where food quality and preparation standards are uncertain.
Pasta
When a diner menu features pasta, it often presents itself as a convenient, carb-heavy option.
Yet, unless a diner is specifically renowned for its Italian-American specialties, these dishes frequently rely on commercially produced, canned sauces rather than house-made creations. This often results in a disappointing meal that carries an inflated restaurant price for something easily, and more affordably, prepared at home with potentially superior ingredients.
Soup or Chili
Similar to pasta, soups and chilis at many diners may not be the homemade comfort food one expects.
Crafting fresh, flavorful soups and chilis from scratch can be labor-intensive, leading some establishments to opt for pre-packaged, industrially produced versions. Unless a diner has a specific reputation for its signature, homemade chili or soup, patrons might find themselves paying a premium for a product that lacks freshness and taste.
Salads
While seemingly a healthy choice, diner salads can often be a letdown.
Instead of crisp, thoughtfully prepared greens and vegetables, diners might encounter a hastily assembled mound of lackluster produce, often drowned in uninspired, mass-produced dressings. For a truly fresh and appealing salad, it’s often best to seek out establishments that prioritize ingredient quality and careful preparation, or to prepare one at home.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Raw alfalfa sprouts carry a significant risk of foodborne illness, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
The warm, humid conditions ideal for sprout growth also create a perfect environment for rapid microbial multiplication. Contamination can occur at various stages, from harvesting to germination, and because sprouts are typically served raw or lightly cooked, these pathogens can easily lead to illness.
A notable FDA investigation in December 2022 directly linked a Salmonella outbreak to contaminated alfalfa sprouts sold in stores and served in restaurants, underscoring the importance of avoiding them on a diner menu.
Scrambled Eggs
Despite eggs being a diner staple, ordering scrambled eggs can come with a hidden caveat.
Some less scrupulous diners may use powdered egg mixes, a cheaper and more time-efficient alternative to fresh eggs. While technically derived from real eggs, these mixes can contain various additives, including gluten, which could be problematic for those with dietary sensitivities.
Unless you’re certain they use fresh eggs, consider other breakfast options.
Poached Eggs
While diners pride themselves on customization, requesting poached eggs, especially during peak hours, can be a significant burden on a busy kitchen.
The precise timing and dedicated stovetop space required for perfectly poached eggs can disrupt the flow of a bustling breakfast service, causing delays and added stress for line cooks. Opting for other egg preparations can often lead to a smoother dining experience for both patrons and staff.
Cream Pastries
Cream-filled pastries and puddings, while tempting, pose a risk for S. aureus, or staph food poisoning.
The CDC highlights that foods handled but not subsequently cooked, like many desserts, are particularly susceptible. A documented S. aureus outbreak at an Illinois bakery, where nearly 100 people fell ill, was attributed to improper cleaning of equipment and unsafe storage temperatures, which fostered bacterial growth in cream-filled desserts.
Seafood Dishes
Exercising caution when ordering seafood, particularly raw or undercooked varieties like oysters, is advisable at diners not specializing in seafood.
The CDC warns that raw oysters can harbor Vibrio bacteria, capable of causing severe gastrointestinal distress and, in some cases, life-threatening illness. Crucially, contaminated oysters show no discernible differences in smell, appearance, or taste, and popular condiments like hot sauce or lemon juice offer no protective benefits.
When in doubt, choosing cooked seafood is the safer option.
Burgers
A diner burger, while a classic, can present a risk of foodborne illness if the ground meat is not cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Studies, such as one by Consumer Reports on 300 packages of ground beef, have revealed widespread bacterial contamination, including fecal matter and E. coli in every sample. Other pathogens like C. perfringens, S. aureus (which is heat-resistant), and Salmonella were also detected in significant percentages.
These findings strongly suggest careful consideration before ordering a diner burger, especially if you prefer it less than well-done.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf, another beloved comfort food, shares similar risks with burgers.
Given its typically thick composition, ensuring it is thoroughly cooked throughout can be challenging, particularly in a busy diner kitchen. Undercooked meatloaf significantly increases the potential for foodborne illnesses, making it a dish where the comfort factor might not outweigh the health risks if the diner’s reputation for food safety isn’t impeccable.
Deli Sandwiches
The primary concern with diner deli sandwiches often revolves around the freshness and quality of ingredients.
Unlike a dedicated deli, a general diner may not prioritize daily fresh slicing or premium meats. Patrons might encounter sandwiches assembled days prior or made with subpar ingredients that have been sitting for too long, leading to a less than fresh and enjoyable meal.
For a truly fresh deli sandwich, a specialized establishment is often a better choice.
Read More About This Story:
- 11 Foods You Should Never Order At A Diner (cheapism.com)