Today I had a taste for comfort food for lunch – that type that settles with you and puts you in “relax” mode. So I decided I wanted something Spanish – centered around my favorite, arroz y frijoles (rice and beans). But I was undecided as to which meat I wanted, so I was going to figure that out once I made it to my stop, which was initially going to be Cidra’s Cabana, at the Big Ugly Warehouse on 18th and Derry (in Harrisburg, PA). But unfortunately, they added Wednesday’s to their list of days that they’re closed. I was disappointed… But! I knew that there was a new place half a block away, where the former 17th St Diner was, that also served Spanish food, called the Rice & Beans Diner. I had never tried it before but I have heard a good review on it previously, so I went on around there to see if they could properly satisfy my craving.

What I walked into was a fresh, clean, well-lit and cheerful atmosphere, with smiling faces, in front of and behind the counter. Music playing, aroma from the kitchen, a bright serving buffet display and friendly staff all lend in to invite you, to either get your lunch the way you want it and keep going if you must, or stay awhile and be served with a smile. I was moving quickly, so I had to take mine to go.

I knew straight off that I wanted rice and beans, but I had to peruse the display to settle on a meat. I keep my choices simple – it’ll either be stewed chicken, beef or on rare occasion, pork. I very VERY rarely eat pork but my server let me sample a bit of it. And I was hooked. 😁 The flavor was PERFECT! And I figured since I’m getting back into telling you all my truths about where I eat, I’d stick a toe outside the box and have the stewed pork with my rice and beans. I was SO satisfied, as the rice was done just the way I like it as well. Done just right, not too soggy, sticky or mushy.

I don’t eat big enough to have had an appetite to try much else today and I didn’t wanna end up asleep at my desk, so along with my lunch I just got a fruit punch. 😂😂 No more food! But I WILL be back to see what else I like, in the near future!

This place is running neck and neck, in my opinion, with Cidra’s Cabana, as far as flavor, cleanliness, atmosphere and friendly staff. For me, the competition is stiff. And I love it! #Options