A1 Sauce,...er Diner

'In 1946, Worcester Diner #790 arrived by truck and was installed at 3 Bridge Street in Gardiner, Maine. Under the name of Heald's Diner, it served employees of Gardiner's mills and factories with an emphasis on ample portions served quickly. The diner is still at 3 Bridge Street, still a marvel of efficiency and art moderne design, still a local gathering place, still serving the same warm, flaky biscuits. But under the ownership of Mike Giberson and Neil Anderson since 1988, the little A1 Diner (as it is now known) draws customers (and restaurant reviews) from far and wide with its wonderfully eclectic menu (you can order Bouillabaisse or meatloaf), its emphasis on fresh, local food, and its upscale deli and specialty food store next door, A1 To Go. This is a small business success story, filled with characters from either side of the counter, packed with recipes and kitchen notes, enjoyable down to the last bite.'

After spending the morning at the Gardiner Public Library catching up on e-mails, FB, and our blog, we take a leisurely stroll along Water Street's brick sidewalks through a light mist to the A1 Diner, perched precariously over the Kennebec River. It rests on gigantic steel girders just above the level of the great flood of 1986!

Upon entering, we feel right at home because the interior is polished aluminum with the same curves we have grown to love about the Silver Chalet.

We are expecting a menu consisting of blue plate specials and greasy spoon offerings, and are pleasantly surprised to peruse an extensive menu with quality choices like Gazpacho, Crying Woman Chicken Curry, White Chicken Chile, Shrimp Skewers with Mango Chutney, and Fish Tacos.

The regulars tell us that this is a favorite restaurant for the locals for breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch.

The A1 Diner serves comfort food, international cuisine, delicious desserts (we shared the Blueberry Slump ala mode) and outstanding selections of beer and wine (A Really Good Pinot Grigio gets our nod of approval...catchy name, eh!)

If you are in need of a rest from your drive to a vacation spot... Acadia, Bar Harbor, Sugarloaf, Belgrade Lakes...the classic A1 Diner, the most famous restaurant in the State of Maine, is a fine choice!

 You won't be disappointed!

After having lunch there for two days IN A ROW, we are delighted to run into one of the owners, Mike Giberson, as we take a few exterior shots!