Tag: Oxford

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#SundayFunday – Carl’s Oxford Diner: Where Breakfast is Reinvented

A diner fare at Carl’s Oxford Diner in Oxford, MA.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing energy and sustenance for the activities that lay ahead. According to new evidence, we should consume 15-25 percent of our daily energy intake at breakfast, yet it seems that less than half of the adult population take this notion seriously. And we know why.

Breakfast is the hardest meal of the day to plan. Between beating the morning commute and starting our day with high levels of stress, it is hard to sit down and enjoy an uninterrupted meal during the week but at Carl’s Oxford Diner, you can dig into a hefty breakfast way passed the suggested 7 am breakfast time.

Carl’s famous omelets at Carl’s Oxford Diner in Oxford, MA.
Carl’s famous omelets at Carl’s Oxford Diner in Oxford, MA.

According to popular belief, the ideal breakfast is comprised of two eggs, a pancake, a strip of bacon and maybe toast. But at Carl’s Oxford Diner, that meal plan is weak and doesn’t fulfill the criteria for a proper morning routine. Ordering breakfast at Carl’s means taking in more than the suggested 25 percent of our daily energy and we are okay with that. While the diner offers your typical diner menu – a menu lined with pancakes, French toast, and home fries – it is the serving portion that makes us stamp Carl’s Oxford Diner with the seal of #SundayFunday approval.  Ordering for two at Carl’s includes 18 pieces of bacon, 10 pancakes, a full plate of home fries and half a loaf of toast and if you’re dining alone, well…we wish you good luck finishing your meal. Carl’s famous omelets are of massive proportions. The shaved steak and cheese – you can substitute the shaved steak for pastrami – is made with five eggs, two cups full of shaved steak, a few slices of cheese and served on top of a plate of home fries and bacon. If you weren’t a breakfast lover before, Carl’s will change your perspective. The best part of the massive portions are the prices. With loaded omelets starting under $9 and sandwiches starting at $6, you can eat for hours and still stay under that magical $20 budget.

Our one request is that you prepare yourself for the wait on Sunday as the line at Carl’s pours out through both entrance doors all morning. The weekend schedule is tough but if you’re a dedicated foodie, you’ll bring some friends, occupy your time and wait to indulge in Carl’s ultimate breakfast meals.  And while you’re waiting, ask about the professional eater who stops in to eat 33 pancakes in one sitting.

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The Whistle Stop’s Triple Smoke Burger in Oxford

The Whistle Stop's Triple Smoke Burger on Main Street in Oxford, MA

Crediting a mutual friend for the burger recommendation, my quest for great burgers brought me to Oxford, MA… to another hole-in-the-wall local favorite called The Whistle Stop. Located on Main Street, this is an establishment that you could easily drive right by, if it weren’t for the large railroad crossing signs decorating the road side. Upon entering, you are met with the décor similar to your grandmother’s country house, who can’t seem to throw anything out. There are many antique signs and knick-knacks that bring back a sense of nostalgia to when times were simpler, and when our country was thriving. In a sense, it is comforting and vaguely familiar as a first timer, you do feel right at home.

As I sat down and ordered my favorite Leinenkugel, I took some time to peruse the menu and immediately felt slightly overwhelmed. The menu for such a small place was quite large. They had so many items on the menu, from pub favorite appetizers, to pasta and seafood, to prime rib, fish tacos and a slew of sandwiches. For a menu with so many items on it, I was surprised to see that they only offered 5 burgers, but had a build-your-own section filled with different toppings, and sauces to customize your own meal in the event that you’re not feeling their house specialty burgers. I decided on the Triple Smoke Burger ($12). This was advertised as seasoned with chipotle pepper & smoked paprika with habanero pepper cheese, chipotle aioli, sliced avocado, sliced red onion & fresh cilantro. Anyone who is familiar with my blog will know I love a spicy burger. The thought of chipotle peppers and habanero cheese excited my taste buds and made me flush with anticipation.

When my burger was served, I was presented with a decent sized burger, with neat avocado slices on top, adorned with small red onions on top, and a big dollop of the chipotle aioli on the top of the bun. From initial inspection, I was missing the fresh cilantro. That freshness, brightness and frangrance that cilantro brings would have been a wonderful condiment. As I started consuming my meal, I was happy that they chose a hearty, buttery bun that can hold up to a good sized burger and all its toppings. It was soft on the inside, while being slightly crispy from being toasted. The burger meat itself was cooked to a nice medium, and was quite juicy. However, I found myself once again searching for the seasoning within the burger patty. The chipotle pepper and paprika were nowhere to be found within the patty, and it was really needed as I wanted a smoky flavor and some heat with each bite. The avocado is always a great addition by lending a creamy texture. The red onion also added a crunch and an assertive spice to each bite. Unfortunately, I was once again let down by the lack of spice from the cheese. Being habanero, I wanted more of a kick… something that warms your pallet as you continue to eat, and accentuates the flavors around it. I just found myself wanting more out of the burger. The fries might have been one of the best parts of the meal. They were large, thick cut steak fries that were fried perfectly golden brown and seasoned nicely. A healthy dose of ketchup was just what the doctor ordered to clean the plate of this side kick.

Enjoying some company with a close friend and my significant other, it was clear that this restaurant certainly was unique. With many menu options, including some lighter faire, trivia on Thursday nights, and something for everyone, I could see how this restaurant was busy, even on a normally slow Tuesday night. Overall, I was pleased with my burger, but it did not wow me. The end product was a delightfully satisfying  meal, but just lacked some finesse and attention to small details that really would’ve been able to take the burger up a notch. If you’re even passing through Oxford on Main Street, I would recommend stopping in for a comforting meal. Where will my burger quest take me next? Natick? Leominster? Tweet me your suggestions @EDioufUC5 and your pick just might make the short list. Until next time…