Peachy Picks the Skylight Diner Our Coverage Sponsored by Maine Woolens
Chocolate Egg Creams at Skylight Diner made by the incomparable Teddy
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Peachy is pretty picky, and that extends to diners. We rarely feature them in our fine dining column, however, the Skylight Diner is pretty special. Open since April 1, 1996 by owner Jimmy and his sons George and Teddy, they are leading Manhattan in diners with their great food, winning personalities and fun restaurant. Also, it does not hurt them that Teddy is well-versed in hockey-check out Joel and his cup here (has there been chocolate egg cream in the Stanley Cup?) and Andre's interview and expert commentary.
Peachy began with the protein salad: Mixed greens with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, red kidney beans, chickpeas, olives and onions. It was fresh and hit the spot on a hot summer day. And Mayor Bloomberg if you are reading, it is full of nutrition!
You cannot pass go and collect $200 without trying their egg cream. We haven't had a better one in Manhattan, and it is a staple of New York. Chocolate syrup and seltzer and the right person making it are essential.
If you read this column you know Peachy Deegan loves chicken parm because she is American, and she ate it a lot in the lower dining hall of Boston College where that along with all the food there was fantastic. Getting our dinner in Chestnut Hill is too far now so good thing we can find great places like Skylight Diner to make it for us.
Golden brown chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce and pasta was the ultimate in comfort food. It's a generous portion and you will probably take some home with you, which is convenient because if you're like Peachy, you'll dream of it as well and wake up in the middle of the night and polish it off.
Without a doubt the piece de resistance at Skylight Diner is the rice pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Teddy joined us for the dessert, and someday we're going to have to meet George and Jimmy too. They've got 180 seats so make sure one of them is yours! Mark Messier, that means you! Skate over there it's not far from MSG.
Our esteemed panelist adds:
If you're looking for classic diner food executed extremely well in a warm, friendly environment, then Skylight Diner is your place! Conveniently located on 34th St. at 9th Avenue, this gem of a diner has been operating continuously since 1996. It's family-run, with brothers Teddy and George serving as co-owners. They, along with their father Jimmy (who still comes into work every morning at 78 years old!), clearly take a lot of pride in their establishment, as well they should. We had a terrific time dining there, and Teddy was on hand to make sure our experience was a highly enjoyable one.
To start, I ordered the Greek Salad. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised not only by the size (it was huge!), but by the freshness of it. Mixed greens were topped with feta cheese, black olives, grape laves, tomatoes, peppers, and anchovies, and it was as tasty to eat as it was pretty to look at. For my main course, I took Teddy's suggestion and ordered the chicken francese, which was also very well done.
Served atop a mound of rice pilaf, cooked with peas and carrots, the chicken was fresh and tender, and the lemon taste was perfect - strong and tangy without being overpowering. Of course, Peachy and I had to accompany our meals with classic chocolate egg creams, which Teddy whipped up for us himself! And to round out our meal, Teddy joined us for a round of rice pudding.
Made fresh in the diner every day, the rice pudding was the perfect end to a great meal - sweet, creamy, and 100% satisfying. My only regret? That we didn't get to try more of the menu! With a huge variety of options ranging from burgers and sandwiches to breakfast dishes, pasta, steak, seafood, and beyond, there is definitely something for everyone here! So, the next time you're in the mood for a top-notch diner, head straight for Skylight Diner - and be sure to try an egg cream!
Peachy Picks the Skylight Diner!
The Skylight Diner is Recommended by Whom You Know.
