Odyssey Diner In Eastchester Remains A Treat

Before I knew about haute cuisine or even contemplated much outside of my mother's cooking, I enjoyed hanging out at the diner. They were all over the metro area and though each appeared to be similar menu wise—the ability to order breakfast any time of the day or night, for example—regulars knew each one had its very own personality. I enjoyed them growing up, from my teens onward.

And there's plenty of nostalgia to go around in our area, too. The long-running Odyssey Diner-Restaurant on White Plains Road in Eastchester is currently celebrating its 36 years in the business, as it continues to serve a steady stream of multi-generational customers.

Proprietors George Doukas Sr. and his son Dean have enhanced the premises of late, adding a new catering/party room for up to 80 guests and updated menus that stress value dining and diversity. Even the handsome new sign out front beckons travelers along Rt. 22.

Of course, diner menus are always quite varied, offering something for everyone. It's the nature of this type of eatery, but here at the Odyssey the Doukas family often "kicks it up a notch," preparing much of what goes in to the menu from scratch—homemade special touches that run the gamut from the salad dressings to fresh baked cakes, pies and pastries all on display as you enter.

There is the breakfast menu, which starts at 6 a.m. daily and includes cinnamon raisin challah French toast for $4.50, cheese or blueberry blintzes with sour cream from $5.75 and two eggs any style served with those great diner home fries, toast, butter and jelly from $4.75, The menu ranges from omelets all the way up to the toasted colossal bagel deluxe ('deluxe' being one of the wonderful terms used in the diner lexicon describing 'the works'), Nova lox, cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, Bermuda onion and all the trimmings for $9.50. While the special breakfast menu is served from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. you can actually order breakfast specialties throughout the day and night.

Special Hint: A popular 4-course Fixed Price Early Bird Dinner is available Monday thru Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at $16.95. The meal comes with a house breadbasket, soup or house salad, a choice of main courses, house dessert, coffee or tea. Entree options include broiled half chicken, hot open turkey and center cut pork chop, among others.

For young kids, there's the Children's Menu, which features such favorites as grilled cheese with fries or apple sauce; kid's burger or hot dog; Nickelodeon macaroni & cheese; and Alex's silver dollar pancakes all ranging in price from $3.95 to $7.50.

The new regular menu runs the gamut from 'Breakfast Anytime', Soups, Appetizers and Finger Foods, Odyssey's giant half-pound burgers, overstuffed sandwiches and wraps galore, fresh salad platters, meat and seafood dinners and specialties of the day printed on a blackboard.

A big relish tray—practically a meal in itself—is served with many of the entrees. Some of my picks: Mr. George's gyro, thinly sliced marinated lamb wrapped in warm pita with diced tomato, onion and cucumber served with tzatziki sauce—quite tasty; a hefty Reuben sandwich with corned beef and sauerkraut on rye topped with melted Swiss and Russian dressing—one of my secret favorites—and southern fried chicken salad, loaded with chunks of deep fried chicken breast with corn, sugared walnuts, tomato, cucumber and red onions over seasonal greens. Among other entrees the restaurant serves: broiled Fisherman's Platter with filet of sole, scallops, jumbo shrimp and clam strips served with tartar sauce and lemon, chicken or veal cutlet Parmigiana and French cut lamb chops served with mint jelly.

Don't forget those wonderful milk shakes, big fresh cakes and pastries beckoning from the display case, a variety of espresso and cappuccino, even a good old fashioned egg cream or ice cream soda.

We are told the new private banquet room can accommodate up to 80 guests for any type of meeting or function. Through the years the Odyssey Diner has hosted generations of families, celebrities and politicos who all enjoy the retro comforts only a true diner offers.

Eastchester Odyssey Diner-Restaurant is located at 465 White Plains Road (Rt. 22), Eastchester. Open daily from 6 a.m. straight thru 3 a.m. Take-out and catering available. Counter, booth and table seating in three separate dining areas totaling 200 seats. Entire menu is served throughout the day and evening. In general, prices range from $2.95 for an egg sandwich, $10.25 for the hefty Turkey Club, to $22.95 for a lamb/pork chops combo platter served with all the trimmings. Cocktails available. Casual dress. Free parking. Reservations suggested for larger groups. Major credit cards. Phone: 914-961-8855. Fax: 914-961-1165.

(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)