You may have noticed that I dislike chain restaurants. Fortunately, I live in a town where eclectic is not a bad word. No restaurant in Columbus defines eclectic (and delicious) better than the Starliner Diner in Hilliard.

I first visited the Starliner the first week it opened in 1994, by a former employee of the now-defunct and mourned Galaxy Café. From its inception, the Starliner has featured wonderful Caribbean, especially Cuban, inspired food in a setting that is half restaurant, half museum of '50's kitsch.

Typical of the menu offerings are Cuban-style roast chicken, cornbread-crusted chicken casserole, or my favorite, pan-roasted vegetables. The vegetables, a colorful variety in a delicious light sauce, are served with huge portions of rice and beans. Another favorite is the veggie burrito which uses the same mix.

Our Friday Night dinner group hit the Starliner again last night. Carolyn had one of the specials, roasted chicken and vegetables atop a rich macaroni and cheese. Su ordered a Cuban sandwich, which came with a side of another signature dish, pan-fried plantains, sweet but not cloying, and flavorful.

I had the jalapeño soup special, a thick creamy puree with just the right amount of heat. It came with a slab of their wonderful baked-on-site white bread.

Few entrees break the $10 level, and the diner has a full liquor license. The Starliner is also popular for their Sunday morning brunch.

Of all the restaurants in Columbus, the Starliner is my favorite. Give it a try the next time you're in the area.

By the way, I'm not the only one that likes the Diner.
Another person's opinion.