The American Heritage Dictionary defines “foodie” as “a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food; a gourmet.” I would add to that: A foodie is a person who's willing to go just about everywhere and try anything, unafraid to put her taste buds to the test.

So where better to start developing a refined palette and food fascination than at a greasy spoon?

Being raised in the Tri-State area, I may as well have been required to know and love diner food: You have your standard bacon and eggs, the under spiced home fries, the under fried steak fries, the sometimes juicy burgers, the not-so-Italian chicken parm and Hershey's chocolate milk with the syrup still gripping the sides of the glass. Whether it was a great meal or not, certain expectations were developed. All other diner food would be measured by those expectations for the rest of my life.

If you’ve read any of my other blog entries, you know I love getting a porterhouse with mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and a perfect loaf of bread with warm butter at one of the finest restaurants in Boston. But, I’ll always have a soft spot for a real New York diner, with it’s white linoleum tables, ripped cushion benches, multitude of booths with jukeboxes still featuring Joan Jett and Vanilla Ice, and the cream, sugar, jelly and ketchup already on the table. You may even get placemats sporting a map of the Mediterranean or local business coupons. Fun reads.

I had quiite a few favorite diners growing up, and a usual order at each. You can still find these joints still serving up that perfectly imperfect diner food, though not all under the same management of 15-20 years ago. (Damn, that‘s a long time.)

Windmill Diner: Blueberry blintzes for lunch; chicken parm for dinner.

I-84 Diner: Giant Belgian waffles with strawberries. I think that was a birthday breakfast one year.

Dickie’s Diner: Anything greasy after track practice.

The Lexus (now Alexis Diner): Anything greasy after midnight.

Unfortunately for Bostonians, along with the lack of unforgettable pizza, you'll be hard pressed to find a fantastic diner -- or even anything resembling a New York diner. Sorry, it had to be said.

There are plenty of breakfast spots, but good luck finding one open after 2 pm. There are some old-fashioned diners sprinkled around town, but they’re so small you’ll need a one-hour buffer between the time you arrive and the time you actually eat. There are places that present you with creative and extensive menus (thanks for that Sorella’s), but I just want some plain old diner food!

A restaurateur would be wise to open a diner at each corner of the city. Just as people flock to IHOP at 3 am every Saturday -- drunk, sloppy and famished -- you can bet they’d fill up a great New York-style diner any hour of the day or night without having to be inebriated.

Although I have yet to find a diner that reminds me of any of the four I listed above, I do have some spots for you to try around the city.

Busy Bee Diner: Can’t get much more authentic than an old Whitey Bulger gang hangout. It’s even got the soured waitresses and get-your-own-menu service to boot. They make some great French toast and good cheese omelets, though I‘d go more for the fun of an old-school greasy spoon than the food. Keep in mind, just because they're open one Sunday morning at 11 am doesn't mean they'll be open the same time next week.

South Street Diner: Solid BLTs, fries and mozza sticks, reminiscent of true diner food, but it caters to the after-work/after-hours crowds. If you want a seat late-night you’d better head over before the clubs empty out. It’s tiny.

Omelet Headquarters: Believe it or not, this breakfast menu is worth the drive to Wakefield, and not only for its omelets! The blueberry pancakes were excellent. You won't find any booths here, though, and you will have a wait. It’s only open until 2 pm on weekends, too.

IHOP: Yes, I included it. Here's why:
* It’s the only place set up sort of like a New York diner; plenty of booths abound.
* It‘s the only place open 24x7, like most New York diners.
* It‘s the only place with many diner food staples, like a New York diner would serve. Hooray for unlimited pancakes!
 
You see why I really want someone to open a diner? I'm resorting to IHOP here! 

There are lots of other diner-wannabes around town, and even some small places named New York Diners -- they're no different than most Boston breakfast spots. 

I’m sure you have or you’ll find a favorite place, just let me know if you come across a Lexis or 1-84 along the way.