THE FREMONT DINER
Fried Pies and Whole Hog, anyone?
It’s almost impossible to drive by the Fremont Diner, read these wooden hand-painted signs waving in the wind and not pull over. After months of driving by with a curious eye on the fresh renovations of a former greasy spoon and then subsequently watching the increase in patrons day by day, I finally caved, pulled over and…how in love I am.
The Fremont Diner is located on Fremont Road near the Sonoma turnoff (Schellville, to be exact – who knew?; it’s on your way to/from Napa) and it opened just a few months ago after a fantastic renovation of what was formerly Babe’s Burgers. I fly by this roadside cafe on a weekly basis and never once had the urge to pull over for Babe’s. But fried pies, whole hog, fresh milkshakes and brightly painted outdoor seating? Yes please, may I have another!
Fremont Diner is the creation of Chad Harris who scoped the property numerous times before taking the leap (it was for sale for over a year). Harris has done an unreal job turning greasy, tired Babe’s into a fresh enclosed-porch cafe/diner with vineyard views and vintage flair (think Ready Made magazine meets Real Simple).
And don’t let the word ‘diner’ fool you like it did me. I cringed at the thought of coagulated mac-n-cheese. Oh no. Not Fremont Diner. I’m talking gorgeous arugula salads with Honey Crisp peaches & fresh mozzarella. Perhaps you’re in the mood for the Whole Hog Sandwich (pulled pork BBQ with chopped coleslaw and onion rings) or Bellweather Ricotta Dumplings (infused with butter, corn, truffles & sage). And yes, there is mac-n-cheese on the menu: baked not coagulated.
So go soon and belly up to the corrugated tin counter after reading the chalkboard specials, grab some vintage-themed candy for the road and settle yourself at one of the outdoor picnic tables with views of neighboring vineyards. Enclosed patio seating is also available inside, as well as racy red stools at the kitchen counter to watch the behind-the-scenes magic.
I’m seriously in love with Fremont diner, from the vintage aprons to the hand-jarred bing cherries (and that’s not even mentioning the gorgeous food). So much so, I even joined their Facebook fan page. Now that’s love. Just don’t forget to save room for the fried pie.
Fremont Diner: 2698 Fremont Dr, Sonoma, CA – (707) 938-7370 (Open 7am-7pm, Mon-Fri; 7am-5pm, Sat; Closed Sun)
SCL Insider Tip: I’m almost loathe to give this tip because I don’t want it to prevent you from going to Fremont Diner, but feel it my experiential culinary duty to you, dear reader. Fremont Diner is located near Laura Chenel’s Goat farm and Stornetta’s dairy cows. You can imagine that given the right circumstances and wind orientation and well, there are many times the breath gets held while driving this stretch of agricultural road. BUT NOT ALWAYS! And this certainly wasn’t the case when I visited the diner this week. BUT. Consider yourself warned that if the wind is just right, you might want to get that fried pie to go.
eve
