There is something special about some diners. Jean’s Place in West Hoosick Falls is one of them.

The waitresses (almost always female) are tough on the outside but soft and big. They know almost every customer who comes in by name and had their coffee or juice on the table even as they sit down.

They are almost invariably sweet battle-wagons, there are even signs warning customers not to mess with them.

They know who is sick or who has passed and who gets hugs or condolences. Those good and loyal customers are on the ropes and will skip the check once in a while.

The service is terrific. Orders are taken quickly; you never have to wave your hand for a check. The muffins are right out of the oven and delicious, usually still warm.

In these diners, the food is rarely perfect, but always a cut above. The egg sandwich is not greasy; the bacon is fresh and flavorful, the muffins and pies are home-cooked, the bread is home-cooked, the salads fresh, the hamburgers thick and lean.

Everything about these diners speaks of family, not of franchises.  They are intimate, welcoming, personal.

Jean’s Place is such a place; we had breakfast there this morning to celebrate the transfer of our chickens – yes, we got personally involved. It is so good to see them open and busy again, so good to eat their exceptional egg cheese sandwiches and eat their crisp but never greasy home fries.

Even their decaf coffee tastes like the real thing. So glad to be going again.