Delicious Comfort Food: Metro Diner

​By: Bob Gurley
 
Comfort food is great this time of the year. There is nothing better than easing into a restaurant and ordering up a feast that will stick to your bones. If you have ever been to one of the Metro Diners in the valley you know that big portions are what they are all about.
    
A visit to the Henderson location found me leaving with a full stomach and pleasant memories. Being a big fan of chicken and waffles I had to indulge in their version. 

Half a fried chicken arrived with a Belgian waffle. On top was powdered sugar and sweet strawberry butter.
 
The butter is a specialty of this chain but I have to admit it wasn’t my favorite. I prefer maple syrup liberally doused. The chicken was moist with a crust that was prepared just right.
    
There are a lot of other choices for breakfast including Biscuits and Sausage Gravy that features large biscuits. The sausage is made from scratch and two eggs and hash browns are included.
    
A touch of Mexico is also part of the fare with Huevos Rancheros with eggs sitting on top of fried tortilla shells, chorizo sausage, black beans, onions and peppers. Melted cheese, salsa, sour cream, fried jalapenos and green onions finish things off. Priced at $11.99 this one is a winner.
    
Since Metro started in Florida, there is a nod to Southern-inspired dishes at dinner. Charleston Shrimp and Grits is delivered with corn cakes infused with cheese, roasted red peppers and andouille sausage. Sitting on top are shrimp, sausage, onions and peppers in a shrimp sauce.
    
Country fried steak is making a comeback and this edition is battered, fried then topped with sausage gravy. Also, on the plate are red-skinned potatoes and steamed broccoli.
    
You can get a proper burger here and with a list of options that make some choices unique. For instance, Metro’s Holy Davoli Burger ($13.49) is a huge affair. A half-pound of Angus beef comes with lettuce slaw and mayo sitting in between two grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with American cheese.
 
Tomatoes and bacon are a nice addition. The Bold City version has Provolone cheese, bacon and a sausage patty.
    
A couple of soups are featured, including an all-American chicken noodle edition with celery, carrots and onions. A soup of the day is also featured.
 
And if you are looking for a salad ponder the Spinach Salad with bacon, candied pecans, carrots, red onion, feta, blueberries and strawberries.
    
For those who are looking for something leaner they have “The Lighter” side menu that includes things like Avocado Toast with fresh-chopped avocado and sliced tomatoes served with eight-grain bread. Stuffed Tomato with Tuna Salad features a full tomato split in half with the salad.
    
There are a lot of gluten-free items, like the Breakfast Pie with layers of eggs, cheese, mushrooms, onions, peppers and red-skinned potatoes that include a side. A bacon, egg, and cheese croissant is another choice.
    
The Henderson location just celebrated their second anniversary. If you are looking for comfort, this is the place.
    
Metro Café, 249 N. Stephanie St., Henderson. (702) 728-5721 Also, 7305 S. Rainbow Blvd. Suite 100. (725) 333-8974 www.metrodiner.com.