Lured in by 'shakes, found much more

GREAT BRIDGE

They had me at "milkshakes."

I'm a sucker for old-fashioned diners. This remains so despite one disastrous visit on a road trip with my then-10-year-old daughter. Who knew meat loaf could be crispy? And we wouldn't have walked in on that woman if she had completely shut that ladies' room door.

But I digress.

I'm also a sucker for milkshakes. In a land awash in wraps, salads and smoothies - all good things - someone advertising "milkshakes" in big letters on their front window just can't be ignored. Especially if it's a diner.

And so recently we didn't ignore Loretta's Place HotDogs and More, in the Great Bridge Shopping Center.

Loretta Curran has operated it there for eight years, and said she ran another place elsewhere for 20 years before that.

It's strictly a lunch spot - open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Counter, stools, row of tables, not a library but quiet enough for conversation.

On two recent visits, I tried the basics: hamburger ($3.89), foot-long hot dog ($3.89), fries ($1.54, or $2.75 for a large basket).

A friend on one trip tried the tuna salad ($3.89). We enjoyed them all - my friend liked the traditional touch of chopped celery in his thick sandwich.

More to the point, we ran the table on the standard milkshakes ($3.59): chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

Two to three dips of ice cream - "Depending on who's doing the dipping," Curran said - a splash of milk and a ride in a three-bay commercial mixer left a concoction that was flavorful and thick but straw-friendly. Barely.

"So rich, I'm clogged," my friend said. It turned out he had a strawberry in his straw.

Alas, the 16-ounce 'shakes came to our table in plastic-foam cups, not the traditional metal mixing container, from which you could refill your glass another half serving or more. But we quibble.

Other available flavors during our visits were "cookies'n'cream" and "Kona coffee," a summery seasonal offering that has been a good seller, Curran said.

She also serves pumpkin 'shakes around Thanksgiving, and peppermint during the Christmas season, she said.

I might have to bring my daughter for that. We'll stay away from any open doors.

Matthew Bowers, (757) 222-5221, matthew.bowers@pilotonline.com