Adam Sharaf, the general manager of the Floridian Plaza Diner, opened the door and greeted a family by name. He escorted them to their usual table and handed them menus, although he already knew what they were going to order.
Business at the diner keeps getting better every year. Three years since its reopening, it has found new talent to engage and entertain customers in the Chandelier Room and the staff are continually adding new and unique items to the menu.
The diner hosts live events in the Chandelier Room, such as Elvis impersonator Don Anthony, Santa and his elf, a doo-wop duo and a karaoke night. Sharaf seeks out quality entertainers and is currently looking for comedians to have the customers cackling throughout dinner and drinks.
The room can be rented for gatherings like company meetings, bridal showers, birthday parties or any other kind of party. The Floridian Plaza Diner will help plan the full-course party menu, choosing an appetizer, a meat or vegetarian entree and a dessert. If interested in jazzing up the gathering with entertainment, the diner can help procure performers. Recently the room was rented for a party, and the guest of honor came prepared with a DJ and radio bingo.
It’s not only the Chandelier Room and customer service that keep people coming back to the diner — it’s the food. The Floridian Plaza Diner has a continental menu that even the pickiest of eaters will be able to choose from. Sharaf and Sam Elbassiony, co-owner and chef, work together to design menus and create dishes that customers crave.
Every holiday has its own menu, and there’s now a daily pasta special, such as the fettuccine alfredo, with its indulgent creamy sauce, savory hints of parmesan cheese and an aromatic smell of garlic.
Sharaf and Elbassiony listen to the customers’ menu ideas and make their foodie fantasies come true. The latest request is sardines on breakfast eggs. Oxtails were demanded back and will be returning to the menu, as well as the possibility of adding goat meat. If that’s not your hankering, you can always get a grass-fed black angus burger with a side of disco fries.
In addition to the large venue, devoted staff and satisfying food, there is a spacious parking lot, which is handicap accessible, and a full bar menu.
If you’re hungry, want to entertain or are looking for work, stop by the Floridian Plaza Diner, located at 2301 Flatbush Avenue. It’s open Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call ahead for specials, 718-377-7744, or visit the website, https://floridianplazadiner.com/.
