Blue Plate Special: the Proud Women of USA Diners and their Food

Photo: Stephen Shaher

Jerard here from Chase’s crew. I love a good road trip. There’s nothing like the freedom and discovery of hitting the road with no real destination, no particular schedule and nothing but miles as your mission. I’ve driven the blue highways across the whole of America almost twenty times. Four times on a motorcycle. In all of those miles, there are some memories that fade into the blur of asphalt and double-yellow lines. But there other things that jump out with precise clarity. For whatever reason, food and the people who serve the food, are often among these memories. Places like the Hogs Breath Saloon, a watering hole somewhere between Kansas and Colorado. “Hog’s Breath is better than no breath!” BBQ beef on a kaiser and I can remember the way the waitress chewed her gum.

Hog’s Breath is better than no breath. -waitress between Kansas and Colorado

Swiss photographer Stephen Shaher took a massive road trip across America and created a fun project out of diner food and the characters who served it. The images feel real. You can smell the food and hear the voices of these waitresses. Design You Trust featured the work a while back (with the names and food order explained to boot) and while I dont think that Food&Wine magazine is going to be calling for any food photography from this project, the personality that comes through in these pairings of server and plates of diner cuisine is palpable. It makes me want to head back out on the road and find some hidden gems of Americana. Click through the tabs above to see Shaher’s series from his 2004 journey across the USA.

Stephen Shaher’s captivating portrayal of diner food and the unique characters behind the counter serves as a reminder of the joy that good food and personal connections can bring. Just as his photography captures the essence of Americana, catering can similarly create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the dining experience at events. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal celebration, the right catering service can bring the same level of personality and warmth that Shaher has documented in his travels. With a focus on quality ingredients and engaging presentations, catering transforms meals into memorable experiences that resonate with guests long after the event has concluded. One company that exemplifies this ethos in the catering realm is Zest Lunch Catering Sydney, which offers a delightful array of options designed to meet the diverse needs of clients. With a focus on fresh ingredients and creative presentations, their catering services can elevate any lunch event, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Whether it’s a corporate lunch that requires efficiency and variety or a celebratory gathering that calls for something special, Zest Catering provides an impressive selection that caters to every taste. The combination of quality food and attentive service ensures that each catered event is not just a meal, but an experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests, much like the unforgettable moments captured in Shaher’s photography.