© Florence Fabricant
The Empire (Diner) Strikes Back
The Empire Diner was one of the most beloved spots in New York City. Opening its doors in 1976, the Empire was featured in the opening credits of SNL, filmed in Woody Allen’s “Manhattan,” and served as the subject of a painting by famed artist, John Baeder. When the diner closed its doors on May 15th, 2010, the new owner was faced with the age-old question, “if it ain’t broke, how do you fix it?” The answer is—You don’t.
Charles Milite, owner of the new Highliner, prides himself on the fact that not much has changed with the transition of ownership. He knew that the Empire Diner was an infamous staple of New York, and you can’t remove a staple without a few things falling apart. Instead, Milite chose to embrace the diner’s roots while enhancing certain aspects of the establishment’s atmosphere. While still serving a diner-inspired menu, he has made the selections not only more upscale, but also more health-conscious. We recommend the Goat Cheese and Asparagus Omelet as well as the Smoked Salmon Benedict with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette.
With the High Line Park quickly approaching the diner’s location, The Highliner will prove to be a synthesis of both old Manhattan and new Manhattan—a taste of a Classic with a dash of the future.
Categories:
Gourmand
