CHIT CHAT DINER
dining out
MacKenzie-Childs and Matzo Ball Soup Chit Chat Diner fills the eyes, notjust the stomach
WRITTEN BY ESTHER DAVIDOWITZ PHOTOGRAPHYBYCHRIS MARKSBURY
NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE The décor at the Chit Chat Diner in West Orange puts fun on the menu.
It’ snearly impossible to miss the Chit Chat Diner as you whiz down Eagle Rock Avenue in West Orange. The big, darkstone building stands out— as do the sculptures offrolicking children that surround it.
The interior is— shall wesay— different.
For those not familiar with the whimsical, bold and vibrant designs of MacKenzie-Childs, the New York City company that produces handpainted ceramics and enamel home decor, here’ syour fair warning: When you walk into the 180-seat diner, you may think you’ ve walked onto ageometrical, pop-art, riotous
Alice in Wonderland set. The decor is wild, and stunning: radiant chandeliers dripping with varicolored crystals; booths upholstered in kitchy red, purple, green and polka-dot fabrics; and black-andwhite checkerboard design throughout. Look closely
West Orange
CHIT CHAT DINER
410 EAGLE ROCK AVE.( 973) 736-1989, CHITCHATDINER. COM
and you’ ll find jazzy birdhouses hanging from metal vines on which bright red bird figurines are perched. It’ s nearly impossible not to be wowed by the look of this place.
The food, on the other hand, may not wow as easily, but it won’ t disappoint, either. Not if you accept that Chit Chat is a diner— even though it may aim to be something more. Certainly, its oversized menu( a diner staple) is more varied and creative than those ofmost diners.
Sure, you can get the standard diner fare: eggs and omelets($ 4.95 to $ 11.95), pancakes and waffles($ 5.95 to $ 15.95), sandwiches($ 4.95 to $ 15.95) and salads($ 13.95 to $ 17.95), and burgers galore
44 FALL 2018 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE