The Spinners Diner Location has been a landmark in Cornwall for decades.  Purchased in 2001 by Barbara Guest, the restaurant was passed down four years ago when Gina, Barb’s daughter, took over.  “It has been many things over the years”, says Gina. “When my mom bought it, it was the Downtown Diner, owned by the same guy as the Uptown Diner.”

To me, Spinners has always meant breakfast.  It’s a place I have enjoyed going to, on Sunday Mornings, with my family after church.  And breakfast at Spinners has always been awesome.  But after requesting to do a review, and after Gina served us everything BUT breakfast, it now sits proudly on the Lucio map of lunch venues.

First, we sampled a potato-bacon soup which had just the right mixture of earthy and smoky. The bacon, very crispy might I add–which was a nice surprise considering it was floating in liquid– added a hint of salt to the broth.  A touch of parsley added some summer to the mix.

Along with the soup, came a bacon, shredded cheddar baby spinach sandwich, served on rye bread, a Spinners Specialty.  Again, the bacon was crisp, and the combination of mayo, fresh spinach and sharp cheddar was very pleasing.  The texture and full flavour of the rye bread completed the item nicely.

Next came a Taco Salad southwestern enough to give you a glimpse of Mexico, but mild enough to please the North American palate.  Served on a homemade taco shell, deep fried, crunchy, but not greasy, it featured ground beef, mixed with homemade taco seasoning, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese with sour cream and salsa.  Ours  was a sampler, but it was large enough to satisfy, while leaving room for dessert.

The next dish really surprised us as it is not an item you would expect to order at a typical diner.  Please say hello to the Smoked salmon salad with balsamic vinaigrette. No Icebergs to be found in this oceanic salad, instead, it featured green leaf lettuce served with cucumbers, shredded carrots, red peppers and tomato, topped with a thick slice of smoked Pacific Salmon.

Finally, crowning the feast, serving us a dessert fit for queens, Gina brought us some deep fried strawberry ice cream, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.  Who knew Spinners could do that!?  And HOW does the ice cream not melt???  Gina won’t tell.  “That is Spinners’ secret!”

To be noted.  All produce and meat served at Spinners are purchased locally and are as fresh as can be.  Also, all summer long, outdoor seating is available on the patio, near the sidewalk, where you can enjoy interaction with passersby.  In our short time there, we met quite a few interesting people, including William Blais, a newcomer to Cornwall, who will certainly try Spinners in the near future.

Spinners serves Ice Cream, Milkshakes and other frozen delights to cool you down on  hot summer days.  Why not try a float or a deep fried ice cream cone?  And of course, you can always order breakfast!  Tell them we sent you!

Spinners is open Monday to Sunday 7:00am – 2:00pm.

Julia’s rating                                 Mary-Rose’s rating

• 
  Food                              ****½                                               *****
• Service                          *****                                                 *****
• Value                              *****                                                 *****
• Atmosphere                   ****                                                   ****