BIDDEFORD — Palace Diner owners Chad Conley and Greg Mitchell knew something was up when representatives of Bon Appétit magazine visited the downtown restaurant and later made some fact-checking phone calls.
Though they were aware of the magazine’s list of best new restaurants, it was still a surprise when they found out their restaurant had been one of 50 nominees for the top 10 list.
“We stopped cooking for a few minutes,” said Conley. “We were just really excited.”
“Foodist” Andrew Knowlton visited “a surprisingly large percentage” of new restaurants across America, and selected 50 of his favorites, according to the magazine’s website.
The restaurant did not make the top 10 list, but the recognition of being selected as a nominee has brought in customers.
Conley, 28, and Mitchell, 29, both experienced chefs, began officially serving food at the Palace Diner March 12, continuing the long tradition of food service at the 15-seat 1927 classic diner car at 16 Franklin St.
Conley said it was an honor that such a small restaurant was recognized.
The diner serves breakfast and lunch and is open Wednesday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It has been open seasonally for dinner on Saturdays and Sundays, and this weekend will be the last dinner weekend for the season.
The Palace Diner serves up traditional American diner food with high-quality ingredients, such as the corned beef, made with Maine grass-fed beef and braised in house, the owners said.
Mitchell said it’s very satisfying to cook for people, and he likes the creative aspect of cooking. Conley agreed, and added that he likes that they’ve created a community space where people interact with each other. There are people who come every week, he said, and others who stop by every day.
Both said they enjoy being business owners in Biddeford. The community’s been very supportive, said Mitchell.
“There are a lot of fun and exciting things happening in Biddeford,” said Mitchell.
For more information on the Palace Diner, go to www.palacedinerme.com.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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