Pancakes are a beloved breakfast staple at diners across the country! But what separates the average stack from an exceptional plate of golden deliciousness? The art of fluffy pancakes comes down to ingredients and cooking technique. Importance of Quality Ingredients The foundation of any great pancake starts with high-quality ingredients. At Colony Diner, we use premium flour and baking powder, along with fresh eggs, milk and butter. These ingredients not only contribute to the flavor, but also ensure our pancakes rise beautifully with that coveted light and fluffy texture. Perfect Batter Con ..read more

From preparing an omelet to making a toasted sandwich, cheese often brings a meal together. Yet those following a vegan or plant-based diet avoid this dairy product entirely but may seek out alternatives. Initially, soy was the main ingredient in most vegan cheese products but now the selection has greatly diversified. The result delivers more nuanced textures, flavors and, in some cases, a small amount of meltability. Learn more about the options currently available for vegan cheese. What Is Vegan Cheese? On a general level, vegan cheese starts with a plant-based ingredient like soy, cashews ..read more

It’s common to see bacon on the typical diner menu, from a favorite breakfast side to the classic BLT sandwich. Specifically in American cuisine, bacon has also taken several unpredictable paths, from bacon salad dressing to doughnuts and desserts. Occasionally, American diners also come across Canadian bacon, which is similar to ham and often served in Eggs Benedict dishes. The texture and flavor varies from the crunch and salt of traditional bacon. Learn more about the differences between American and Canadian bacon. What Is American Bacon? Called “streaky bacon” in other countries due to th ..read more

When you sit down for breakfast at any diner across the country, you will likely find eggs benedict on the menu – Colony Diner included! Due to the popularity of its original recipe, variations of the classic runny egg with creamy hollandaise sauce have emerged over the years, from Florentine benedicts with spinach to California-inspired benedicts with avocado. Yet as with many classic American dishes, there are disputes surrounding who invented it. Learn about the origins of eggs benedict. What Is Eggs Benedict? The classic dish begins with an English muffin, toasted but still soft on the ins ..read more

As more people adopt a vegan diet or flexitarian lifestyle, demand has grown for meat and dairy substitutes. Vegan cheese has been around for decades and today, choices range from traditional soy to nut-based products. The taste and experience have also improved. Vegan cheese now softens for better meltability and can replicate the taste and texture of parmesan, mozzarella and ricotta. If you want to try vegan cheese, learn more about the options. Sources of Vegan Cheese The first dairy-free cheese goes back to the late 19th century, when John Harvey Kellogg introduced Nuttolene. Made from nut ..read more

Today, the potato is the most-consumed vegetable in the United States! Potatoes have stuck around for centuries for their versatility, affordability and ability to keep you full. Whether prepared crispy, crunchy or creamy, learn why potatoes remain a popular breakfast side. Nutritional Benefits Potatoes are vegetables and carbohydrates that can keep you satiated. In general, carbohydrates pair well with proteins, like eggs, bacon or sausage to give you energy. In addition, potatoes are a source of the following nutrients: Vitamin C Potassium Vitamin B6 Fiber Sweet potatoes also have some vit ..read more

Whether due to lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet, not everyone drinks dairy milk. Alternatives may seem more appealing to these individuals but can trigger allergies or digestive issues, including from nut or soy-based ingredients. At the same time, this group of products has a different nutritional profile than traditional dairy. Whether you’re on the fence or looking to explore your options further, consider the pros and cons of milk alternatives. Benefits of Milk Alternatives Plant-based milk alternatives include a broad range of products, from traditional soy milk to rice and c ..read more

Vegans and vegetarians are often met with the question: “How will you get enough protein?” Two myths persist around protein: one, that meat is the superior source and two, that vegetarian and vegan diets are low in nutrients. Yet those following either pf these diet lower their cholesterol levels, fat intake, diabetes and heart disease risks. Vegetarians and vegans often consume more vitamins and have lower average body weights. Understanding Protein For vegetarians and vegans, concerns surrounding protein intersect with other nutritional deficiencies, including iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitam ..read more

Eggs and bacon have been a classic American breakfast pairing for decades! This meal gets the day started through a major dose of protein and can be paired with many other breakfast foods like toast, home fries or pancakes. Why has this combination stood the test of time? Understanding the Role of Breakfast Starting in the Middle Ages, religious organizations encouraged morning fasting to restrict widespread gluttony. Meals were scheduled for the afternoon and evening, yet not everyone followed this rule. Particularly, laborers and those needing energy for the first half of the day. By the 17t ..read more

The market for plant-based burgers has experienced significant growth over the past several years, including the popularity of veggie burgers. As the variety continues to grow, understand the more common types of veggie burgers available before your next backyard barbecue or trip to our diner! Mixed Vegetables and Grains Veggie burgers made from various vegetables and grains are considered the original recipe. The vegetables are combined with rice or another grain and shaped into a patty, then browned or baked on both sides. The vegetables in this mix range from sweet potatoes to mushrooms, pe ..read more