SCARBOROUGH — There is a tendency these days to take eating out a little too seriously, in my opinion.

I think people sometimes spend too much time bragging about the artisanal ketchup they found, or the locally sourced paper napkins they wiped up with, and in the process forget to have fun.

It would be pretty hard to forget to have fun at Blast from the Past Too Diner in Scarborough. The place is a feast for the eyes, both inside and out. It’s all chrome and glass on the outside, then on the inside there’s more glass and chrome accented by shiny red booths and stools, black and white floors, a jukebox, old product ads and pictures of rock icons.

Did I mention the chrome? I don’t have to; you can’t miss it. You might want to wear your sunglasses inside.

Until last October, the place ran under the name Rock ’n’ Roll Diner. But even though there’s new ownership and some menu changes, the definitive golden age of rock ’n’ roll feel of the place remains intact.

You’ll be humming some golden oldies as soon as you walk in. And then after you’re seated, stop humming and listen to the selection of old tunes piped in for your listening enjoyment. I heard a couple of forgotten 1960s gems during lunch the other day: “Sugar on Sunday” by Tommy James and the Shondells, and “I’m into Something Good” by Herman’s Hermits.

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The food is fun, too, classic malt shop stuff, with a heavy dose of diner comfort food.

I went in for lunch on a recent frigid day and had a hankering for something warm and comforting. I spotted the open-face hot turkey sandwich ($6.79) and knew that would hit the spot.

My lunch came within five minutes of ordering, which impressed me since I was there right in the middle of the lunch hour.

It had big chunks of turkey on two thick slices of white bread, with a mound of mashed potatoes, a dollop of cranberry, and a tiny pitcher of gravy on the side. The turkey was tender, and the mashed potatoes had bits of skin in them, so I knew they were real. I could have used a little more gravy, as I like to drown the turkey, but it was enough for most people.

Overall it was a very filling, warming and satisfying lunch. Especially for the price.

The menu has a section called “Everyday Favorites” which is filled with comfort food dishes. Some of these included shepherd’s pie ($7.99), pot roast ($8.99), meatloaf dinner ($8.99), country fried chicken ($8.99) and beans and franks ($6.29).

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Under the heading of “Old Time Favorites” there are several classic sandwiches, including BLT ($5.79); grilled cheese ($4.69); fried haddock ($7.79); club sandwich ($7.79); and a quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog ($5.59).

All sandwiches come with one side, and the side choices for meals and sandwiches include fries, mashed potatoes, baked potato, coleslaw, pickled beets, cranberry sauce, baked beans, applesauce, dill pickles, tomato slices and vegetable of the day.

There is also a wide selection of burgers, wraps, subs and pizza.

Breakfast is served until 1 p.m., so it’s worth checking out the huge breakfast menu. There are omelets, waffles, French toast, pancakes, crepes, eggs, hash, egg sandwiches and biscuits with gravy. If you can’t decide, try the Super Sampler for $9.59, which includes two eggs, two sausage links, two bacon strips, ham, home fries, toast, and a choice of pancake, French toast or crepe.

There’s also a kids’ menu, where $3.99 gets you a grilled cheese, a hot dog, chicken tenders, a hamburger or cheeseburger, spaghetti and meatball, or mac and cheese.

It’s for kids under 12. Because you’re never too young to rock and roll.

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Or to chow down in classic diner style. 

Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at:

rrouthier@pressherald.com

Twitter: RayRouthier


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