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By Patrick Evans-Hylton
Correspondent
A new menu with options of fresh ingredients from across the region and state has been rolled out in several Silver Diner restaurant locations, including three in Hampton Roads: Chesapeake, Newport News and Virginia Beach.
Silver Diner is a chain of diner-themed, casual restaurants with locations in Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. They join a growing trend of restaurants looking at local sources for food.
Many area independents get ingredients directly from farms and farmers markets from within Virginia Beach and the region at large.
According to Silver Diner’s head chef, Ype Von Hengst, the USDA definition of local is used within 400 miles of groupings of stores.
On a recent visit, your Beach Eats Chef found dishes with ingredients from the Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Shore, Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont region. Breakfast meats are sourced from Surry.
A special of the evening was Chesapeake Bay soft-shell crabs topped with a relish of fresh tomatoes and basil; french fries, coleslaw and Cajun tartar sauce rounded out the meal.
Von Hengst says he works with small farms and suppliers to determine which produce will be fresh and available week to week. Many of the local offerings change seasonally; others are offered as blackboard specials. He notes that hormone-free, all-natural ingredients are sought out and, when possible, organic ingredients are used.
Complementing the local food fare is a beer and wine list with imbibes from across the commonwealth, including Starr Hill beer from Charlottesville and Virginia wines by the glass and by the bottle from Barboursville, Chateau Morrisette and Horton Vineyards.
Patrick Evans-Hylton is a chef, food writer and food educator in Hampton Roads.
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Overly expensive diner
The food is good, healthy and varied, but no respectable diner would charge as much as they do. At one time the Silver Diner was reasonable enough for anyone to go to, but as its popularity grew, so did their prices. Now we'll go to a real local restaurant that costs less instead of paying the high prices at the Silver Diner.
I respectfully disagree
Great comfort food and you've got to love a diner that uses local ingredients. And the retro juke box selectors at each table are a kick. The meat loaf is off the hook.
silver diner
Over rated & mediocre food
Silver Diner
The food at the Silver Diner was great and I am happy they use local.However the prices are quite steep,so I can't afford to go there often.Not a place to go on the cheap!