Get your kicks at Diner 66 in city
Step out of central Christchurch and be transported into 1950s America with the city’s newest hospitality establishment, Diner 66.
The all-Amercian diner at 88 Victoria St is ready and rearing to open, but waiting for final council sign-off. It hopes to be dishing up classic American meals like deepfried pickles, tuna melt sandwiches and peanut butter milkshakes by the end of the month.
Canterbury couple Shelley and Ant Sefton were inspired to bring a slice of American culture home to Christchurch after taking a trip of a lifetime down Route 66 two years ago.
While on holiday, the classic car enthusiasts fell in love with the small town diner culture. ‘‘When we came home we really missed it and realised we haven’t got anything like that here,’’ Shelley says.
Determined for Diner 66 to replicate the look and feel of the real deal eateries they loved, they’ve imported genuine furniture from Chicago and had uniforms made in the rockabilly style.
The menu is true to the 1950s stye too ‘‘rather than a modernised Kiwi take’’. While in America the couple took notes on their favourite diner menus and have gone to some length to replicate as many of those dishes at Diner 66.
‘‘Our food is simple, traditional and home-cooked. Nothing too fancy.’’
Its milkshake menu is a standout, with 38 different flavours like salted caramel pretzel, cookie dough and caramel popcorn.
Once the Victoria St site is up and running the couple hope to add a second location to the city.