Chances are that if you were to imagine going to a 24-hour diner you'd think of finding some backroads biker gang parked out front or contracting a painful case of explosive diarrhea after eating.
Fortunately, Post Road Diner isn't the place where you'd have to deal with either. Sure, there's the occasional group of bikers parked out front, but they aren't the bar fight type. As for bowel movements, you'd have to have a mostly liquid diet for a few days prior to going there to have that kind of response.
For the most part, PRD is one of those 'traditional' diners insomuch that they've got it decorated as a '50s diner with various pictures and chotchkes on the walls. The booths are deep enough for two to sit side-by-side with seat cushions that you sink into so much they seem to be as deep as they are long.
The most surprising thing about it, though, is the food. It's better than you would expect from a place that's open 24/7. They offer a good amount of variety in their offerings, ranging fom complex things you wouldn't expect at a diner to a basic plate of cheese fries. They also offer a few different shakes as well, however the banana flavor is to be avoided if at all possible.
Post Road Diner's biggest flaw, however, is parking. While small cars can fit in just fine, larger and bulkier vehicles like minivans or SUVs are a pain to drive through. Luckily, however, there's a shopping center behind the diner with an oversized lot so if you do have a large car make sure to pull into the Best Buy lot and walk over.
Despite the bad rap that diners typically have and the small parking lot, Post Road Diner is one of the best diners in lower Fairfield County, and certainly the best in Norwalk.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
In a dying market, Johnny's does it right
Music stores, like many other types of businesses, are a dying breed. While big-box stores along the lines of Sam Goody and f.y.e. have shrunk in both size and scope, Johnny's has survived seemingly unscathed.
Nestled in a small strip of stores along Rte. 136 in Darien, CT, Johnny's has been at the same location since opening in 1975. It offers a wide selection of music on three different formats: CD, cassette, and vinyl. In addition, it also sells music related items such as t-shirts, stickers, key chains, and posters. While it may take some time to find exactly what you're looking for, the chances of actually finding it are still fairly high.
The store itself is quite small, however. Unlike most mall-based music stores, it has just one aisle that runs from the door to the back of the store. CDs are on the opposite side of the register and run the length of the store, while memorabilia is next to the register. Vinyl records and tapes are found at the front of the store, between the register and front window. Usually, there's only one person working there at a time, which may be frustrating if there's a line or if you're looking for something while someone else is checking out. However, those who work there are genuine music people who are able to help you find something.
The music selection is one that offers many different hard-to-find or rare albums. If you're looking for albums by a particular artist to 'fill-out' your collection, there's a good chance you'll find it here. I personally was able to pick up Mick Fleetwood's The Visitor on tape awhile back, even though it's currently out of print.
The prices at Johnny's are reasonable. If you're on a limited budget, you're better off thumbing through the tape collection if you're looking for music, as you can get 3 for $10. Vinyl and CDs are as marked, and prices range from $10 for a CD to anywhere from $20 to over $100 for vinyl releases. Prices for band memorabilia also varies.
Nestled in a small strip of stores along Rte. 136 in Darien, CT, Johnny's has been at the same location since opening in 1975. It offers a wide selection of music on three different formats: CD, cassette, and vinyl. In addition, it also sells music related items such as t-shirts, stickers, key chains, and posters. While it may take some time to find exactly what you're looking for, the chances of actually finding it are still fairly high.
The store itself is quite small, however. Unlike most mall-based music stores, it has just one aisle that runs from the door to the back of the store. CDs are on the opposite side of the register and run the length of the store, while memorabilia is next to the register. Vinyl records and tapes are found at the front of the store, between the register and front window. Usually, there's only one person working there at a time, which may be frustrating if there's a line or if you're looking for something while someone else is checking out. However, those who work there are genuine music people who are able to help you find something.
The music selection is one that offers many different hard-to-find or rare albums. If you're looking for albums by a particular artist to 'fill-out' your collection, there's a good chance you'll find it here. I personally was able to pick up Mick Fleetwood's The Visitor on tape awhile back, even though it's currently out of print.
The prices at Johnny's are reasonable. If you're on a limited budget, you're better off thumbing through the tape collection if you're looking for music, as you can get 3 for $10. Vinyl and CDs are as marked, and prices range from $10 for a CD to anywhere from $20 to over $100 for vinyl releases. Prices for band memorabilia also varies.
Overall, if you're looking for a good music shop without the big-box store feel and reasonable prices, Johnny's is your best bet. If you're unable to find what you're looking for, there's a good chance that Johnny'll be able to find it for you.
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