A Smithfield, RI, Diner With a Pleasant View


Article and Photo by Eric H.

After finding no pleasant views from surrounding split level ranches and apartment buildings, I resorted to a personal rationale regarding the origins of the Pleasant View Diner's name.

I figured the pleasant view at this Smithfield, RI, location came from the inside where locals happily conversed with one another over cups of coffee, hearty plates of eggs, and a glance at the local newspaper and the small screen television -- with Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del. and Vice Presidential candidate), at this given moment, ironically talking about small town American values. The crowd included kindly old men and women, a tough-looking but equally kindly guy with a billy goat goatee, caffeinated moms with naturally caffeinated children and young waitresses with an innate sense of how to be successful diner waitresses through down-to-earth conversations and efficient service. They all knew each other and seemed glad to know each other.

Sitting on a stool at the counter, I feasted on a delicious omelette wtih spinach, cheese, onions and peppers. It wasn't that the dish was better than other diner food, but the results were what I expected when hungry and on the road. The good food and friendly service will surely bring me back, perhaps for a burger, turkey or meatloaf dinner or club sandwich during its breakfast and lunch hours of operation.

When driving home, I noticed the road's name: Pleasant View Ave. Now fully realizing the real origins for the diner's name, I quickly blocked this fact out of my mind and stuck with my original rationale of the pleasant view of small-town New England locals enjoying a beloved community meeting place.

Pleasant View Diner
132 Pleasant View Ave.
Smithfield, RI
Tel. (401) 231-1015

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Good Eeeevening!: A Perspective on New Hampshire Meteorologist Al Kaprielian

Article by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Somewhere in the 1980s, my esteemed Arlington High School journalism teacher Len Tammaro tipped me off about a New Hampshire television weatherman that he called "Crazy Al Kaprielian." That night, I couldn't believe what I saw: this nerdy-looking guy with a high-pitched voice flailing his arms all over the weather map, contorting his face in every direction, and squealing, "Good Eeeevening!" and "HIGH PRESSURE!" (his future trademark phrases)." All that boundless energy and the myriad antics left the viewer laughing, yet enervated at the same time. In this world of slick, Ken and Barbie television meteorologists, Al Kaprielian has been the antidote to the standard, unctuous television personality. Twenty-five years later, Al is still going strong on MyTV New England with his unique style --perhaps validation that he really loves his job. No doubt, Al has always been an unconventional, unique-looking a
Read more

Visiting My Grandmother Had That Antiques in Wrentham, Mass.

Image
My Grandmother Had That...Antiques  in Wrentham, Mass., is one of those "hidden gem" antique stores that is jam-packed with antiques, collectibles and other items from the past. Located in a charming, two-story old red barn at 446 South St. (Route 1A), My Grandmother Had That...Antiques certainly lives up to its name. You'll find furniture, lamps, desks, chairs, plant holders, fine China sets and just about everything your grandma had, and also didn't have -- like a web address, Facebook fan page or any hint on the Internet that this place exists! Unless you're a Wrentham native, one familiar with the antiques industry, have driven by the red barn on South St., or somebody that just reads maps of Wrentham all day, My Grandmother Had That...Antiques is as hard to find as the rarest antique. You won't even find the name, "My Grandmother Had That," on the building, just a sign that states "Antiques." The My Grandmother Had That name is on
Read more

Where To Live In Connecticut That Has A Small Town Feel?

Image
Noank, Conn. Editor's note: We recently received an email from one of our readers looking to possibly move to Connecticut. Here is her inquiry, followed by our response... Hi, my name is Courtney and I found your website completely truthful and helpful. I talked to my cousin who lives in the northern part of the east coast and she described exactly what you did! I am currently in Orange County, California, and don't like the "ingenuinity" (we're assuming the word is"disingenuous") and mindset of the people. I have found that Connecticut is a place with great weather and has a lot if cities with a small town feel. I was wondering if there was any way that you could help me specify my search in CT? I would like a city with a small town feel where your neighbors are sweet, but it still has a high quality of life. Essex and Stonington caught my eye, but I've never been so I can't say! Thank you for your time. Thank-you for your inquiry. We d
Read more