By Ali Siemens (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: October 10, 2012
Hidden in the industrial sector of the Mt. Lehman side of town with only the front signage to advertise their name, Blue Collar is a small diner that warmly welcomes all its guests.
Walking in, you’ll find mismatched tables scattered throughout the dining area with a seat-yourself mantra. The décor is nothing to write home about, but the diner feel is present, and the food definitely takes precedence over the design.
Whether you are looking for breakfast or lunch, this restaurant is the place to be if you want some comforting food with big taste.
I have decided that I am always on the hunt for the best Reuben sandwich. Rye toast, pastrami, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut seems like an easy combination, but can easily be turned into a mess when not assembled properly. The last few places I’ve gone to, they’ve put the sauerkraut on before toasting the bread, leaving one side of the bun wet and soggy. Other places neglect to put a dressing on the sandwich, making it dry and tasteless.
Blue Collar has won my vote for the best Reuben in Abbotsford. Served on a dark toasted rye, the sauerkraut is placed in between the pastrami to give flavour to the meat, and not the bread. The Swiss cheese is then placed on both sides of the meat, and is slathered in homemade Dijon mustard that brings it all together. With only four major ingredients, this sandwich has a lot of flavour, leaving you excited for every bite.
The second most important part to any lunch combo is what side you can order with your sandwich. Of course fries are important, and Blue Collar doesn’t skimp out on its order. But, with the autumn season coming, a warm cup of soup can make or break a meal. Making all their soups in house, the diverse options include Borscht, creamy mushroom and even farmer sausage chowder. With my Reuben sandwich and a cup of creamy mushroom soup, I was more than impressed with my food.
Diner food should also have the key breakfast items such as eggs benedicts, omelets and skillets, and Blue Collar has them all. Their breakfast options are just as delicious as my favourite lunch option. They are all served with hearty helpings of hash browns, which are grilled and crisped to perfection.
Service is always a part of the grand picture, and here it is anything but lacking. The waitress working there seems to have the perfect system of balancing plates in one hand and a pot of coffee in the other. You need more ketchup? She has an extra bottle sitting in apron pocket. How about vinegar? She is back at the table before you even have a chance to reach for your fork.
Blue Collar is an obvious hit for all of the men and women who work in the industrial side of Abbotsford. With specials written on their chalkboard everyday, there is a menu item for everyone. Don’t put your high heels or black tie on to visit this diner; work boots, hard hats and sweat pants are welcome at any time.
