Experience a vignette of American culture and great eats
It is often discovered within your own backyard some of the best eateries. Today is no exception and time to speak of a local gem in the world of Coney Islands. At first glance, Dave’s Coney may not appear to be a standout among the seven or eight Coney Islands that you will see as you drive along M-59 between Pontiac and M-23. A very standard sign overhead in a small shopping strip adorned with the usual businesses. But it is what’s inside that truly counts.

I will be commenting on breakfast, as it has become a haunt of mine, when I am in town, for the first meal of the day.

Walking in, you are facing the workings of the kitchen. The heart lies in the griddle, a large pile of crisping hash browns in one corner. Bacon and sausage browning in the other. The center area accommodating the orders of pancakes and eggs over easy. Toast goes down in the four-slice toaster while small fry pans holding scrambled eggs, sauté veggies for omelets. At times it is a blur of food, pans and people.

Ok you say, sounds like a busy place, so what makes it special? To start with, the food is very tasty. From the coffee to the potatoes all will exceed your expectations. Several selections I have found to be outstanding are Dave’s French toast, blueberry pancakes and the sausage gravy and biscuits. You will find the egg wash for the Texas-cut French toast is perfectly balanced with just the proper amount of cinnamon. The blueberry pancakes, full of berries, are moist, fluffy and have a buttery flavor that will prompt you for a full order but you had better be hungry. The sausage gravy carries plenty of sausage and what I found most satisfying there is a nice heat element that will help to get your eyes open for the day. Pleasantly, the biscuits are made on premises and are drop style that are light and airy that will pull in the delicious gravy.

When thinking of food and cultural influences, I picture the sidewalk cafes of France, and the late night dinners of Greece. In the United States it comprises our morning eateries, perhaps best expressed in the Coney Islands across our land. Friends will gather before work and spend some time catching up on each other’s lives and solve the world’s problems. A form of social therapy of sorts. What better way to that end than at a local Coney Island? For me, it has been Dave’s.

For the new customer, what you will find is that Dave and his staff take a lot of pride in their work. Orders go in promptly and should you request a variation to a menu item, they will go to great lengths to accommodate your wishes. Should something come out not to your expectations then it will be made right. Want your home fries extra crispy? Say no more; it’s going to happen. The wait staff is eager to please and have a great sense of humor that lends itself to a lot of laughter. A great way to start your day. For many of Dave’s regular customers, once familiar faces have now become friends. New patrons will feel welcomed. I think a lot of businesses could use the Dave’s experience as a benchmark for customer service.

Oh and if you like a hearty Jewish rye for your toast, ask the waitress for the “good rye”. Dave keeps it in the back, so now you know.    [16 Nov 2008 21:21:03]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Blueberry Pancakes, Sausage gravy with biscuits

     ­Agent 45