Travels with Brownie: Bananas for O'Roukes

What could be more delicious than French toast covered with caramelized bananas? How about French toast that's made from banana bread THEN covered with caramelized bananas? Yes, oh, yes, I'm talking banana bread French toast and you can get this deliciousness at O'Rouke's Diner in Middletown, CT...

If you love diners, O'Rouke's is a worthy spot to visit. Located in downtown Middletown, the diner is deeply rooted in the community and a beloved hang out joint for students at nearby Wesleyan University. Opened by John O'Rourke in the 40s, it's been run by his nephew Brian O'Rouke since the 70s.

In August 2006, the diner was catastrophically damaged by a fire and it's future seemed precarious. The restaurant didn't have fire insurance and the cost to reopen was estimated at $350,000. The community pitched in a la It's a Wonderful Life and these days you can still find Brian O'Rourke manning the grill whipping up creative takes on breakfast classics banana bread French toast topped with bananas O'Rourke. For $12 you get a hefty serving and one that's best enjoyed with a crowd on account of the sweetness. Next time I visit I'm going for the babka French toast...