The Hamburger Hunter: A local vibe
By Ben Plaza
Thursday, October 22, 2009 11:15 AM PDT
It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed Meechan’s Diner in downtown Payette (August 2004). Let’s have another go at it for lunch with the Hunter.
The Hunter likes Meechan’s (pronounced “mee-ans”) because of the food and the atmosphere, or vibe.
It isn’t fancy. That’s for sure. They’ve operated for more than 50 years in the same location on Main Street in the same building. That’s OK because it is comfortable and not the least bit pretentious. It’s big and airy, with a counter, a large dining area and fun and games in the back.
They sell beer and wine, which also makes it a bar. Kids are allowed, which makes it a family place. Smoking is allowed, which makes it politically incorrect. But not a whole lot of people smoke inside much anymore, and the ventilation is good.
They’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which means you’re liable to see all kinds of characters there ... possibly even a you-know-what.
The owners, Alan and Linda Pollack, are friendly, and that extends to the entire staff. It isn’t a tourist place but more of a local and regular joint.
Now to the food. It has a somewhat basic breakfast and lunch/dinner menu with a bit of a bar/grill feel.
The star of the show is the finger steaks. They are the best — bar none. It’s fun to take out-of-town visitors there. It’s an unusual place and entertaining to share these deep-fried beauties.
Actually, finger steaks are somewhat of a local or regional specialty. In many parts of the country, they are not a common item. Kind of like grits to a Southerner, which are on all of their menus but a rarity in these parts.
They’re made with thick slices of marinated flank steak, then breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown. Honey comes alongside for dipping. Beef dipped in honey? That gets the visitors to shaking their heads. Half orders are available and are plenty for a nice lunch.
The rest of the menu is fairly standard diner fare. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the daily lunch special will cost you $5. That’s what the Hunter chose — a grilled cheese sandwich with a side from a choice of many.
The cup of the homemade vegetable beef soup on the side was very good as was the sandwich. Other specials include: roast beef, French dip, spaghetti, lasagna or sloppy joes — all good diner food.
Not forgetting the Hunter’s sweet tooth, he had a hand-dipped chocolate milkshake ($3.50). Served old-fashioned style in the big metal cup it was blended in, it’s large enough to split.
(Note: A number of readers found my previous column to be offensive or hurtful. That was not, nor is it ever, the intention. My apologies.)
RATING: Four buns
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “I eat like a vulture. Unfortunately the resemblance doesn’t end there.” — Groucho Marx
The Hamburger Hunter, also known as Ben Plaza, can be reached at (541) 889-5100 or by e-mail at bennyp@fmtc.com. The views and opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the Argus Observer.
NO WAY wrote on Nov 3, 2009 9:55 AM: