Denny's - Calumet-Norvelt

Sometimes I feel like I must preface my commentaries with a disclaimer that I believe many foodies are inspired to carve out negative reviews when they are dissatisfied with the food, ambience or service in a fit of retribution, and those who have been satisfied by the experience, don’t expend the energy writing anything, thus making a big chunk of reviews adversely slanted! I consistently try to be even-handed, and do not hold back the negative, but also try to underscore the positive – always my ‘opinion’ and those with me at the time and with the understanding that one good or bad review does not reflect a restaurant’s overall potential, actual character or track record. That said – kudos to Raphael Ehilen, owner/operator of one of the best Denny’s in the Washington Capitol Region! Firstly, the wait staff (at least on the day of my visit) and on-duty manager are nice, polite and service oriented and professional – very, very professional! I have not been to this good a Denny’s in years… anywhere. I recently stopped in while doing business nearby and had the Grand Slamwich: scrambled eggs, sausage, crispy bacon, shaved ham, mayo, American Cheese on potato bread that’s grilled with maple spice spread and served with hash browns – tastes like a monster Monte Cristo – WOW! The serving was ‘picture perfect’ as you can see from my pic! The place was immaculate, clean, well appointed and worthy of being the East of the River’s first and best sit-down restaurant. Secondly, I’m happy for the community, and for Raphael whom I was part of a community development team over 10 years ago that helped him get started against all odds that this type of restaurant would work here… naysayers were proved wrong. If you truly want to have the best Denny’s has to offer in the region, this location is bar none the one for you. Bon appétit!