The Great American Diner and Bar now open at the corner of California Ave SW and SW Edmunds is the product of experience both professional and personal but most of all, interest in bringing back some of the values and traditions of the past.

Owner Glen Quadros, born in Goa India, has been all over the world as part of the cruise industry and worked for hotels for nearly 30 years including the Sheraton in India, the W hotel and Hilton Hotel in Seattle. 

Quadros explained, "I always wanted to have something of my own and I looked around the city. At first I thought maybe an ethnic restaurant, then I thought 'There are no good diners in West Seattle serving authentic American traditional favorites.' It feels like most of them serve frozen food from these giant companies" but his menu is a reflection of his love and admiration for this country.

He and partner Chef Sarabjit Singh both believe America is the "best country in the world," and they should know. 

Quadros has visited "80 to 90 countries" and "seen everything from abject poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa to Monte Carlo where Mercedes Benz Maybach's are parked anywhere in the street. We've had pirates chase us off the Cape of Good Hope, It was deadly. There are also lovely places like Australia and elsewhere. But in 2001 when I came here I found that truthfully, this is actually the greatest country. The reason is, I have a wide perspective. I've seen it all. I love my home country dearly but this is one place - a land of equal opportunity, that if I was given the choice to spend the rest of my days in this would be it. This country, we can say we did wrong but our hearts have always been in the right place. It is this country that has pioneered the medical revolution, space exploration and the computer age." Look at Bill Gates, look at Warren Buffett. Wonderful human beings, pledging their whole fortunes to uplift the world. Nobody does that. That's amazing. That's America. Truly, truly the greatest country. This is the way I look at it."

This isn't a political view for Quadros or Singh. It's just a recognition and celebration of the kind of food and place that have been popular in America for decades. They are aware of the political climate are aren't taking sides. They just want to serve great food in a comfortable atmosphere.

If you miss the last restaurant in that space, Shelby's Bistro and Ice Creamery which closed a few months ago, you will be pleased to know you can still get ice cream at the Great American Diner. This time around it's made largely in house from a base that is then flavored in to Mango Coconut, Coconut and Toasted Almond, Date and Honey or Rum Raisin or other custom blends. 

Forty menu items include all American breakfast favorite ham and eggs, hash browns, toast, omelettes, Clubhouse sandwiches, Angus beef burgers, fries, salads, pizza, nachos, biscuits and gravy, steaks, pasta dishes and more. It's classic American diner style food with a few twists like yakisoba noodles thrown in.

The restaurant is open 365 days a year from 8am to 1 am (or later depending on volume) serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. That means all holidays will feature American style foods from Turkey with all the trimmings in November to special meals at Christmas, Easter Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day and even Halloween, complete with lots of seasonal decorations. 

A banquet room is available in the back for private dinners or meetings. 

A buffet brunch/breakfast is offered on weekends from 8am to 3.

Wines include a "naked" Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, two types of Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet, a Rose and Proseco round out the selections.

Regional beers in the bottle and four beers on tap are available.

They have a Happy Hour from 2pm to 6pm and 9pm to close with house wines for $4, tap beers and well drinks are $3.95. Specialty drinks are around $5 -7.

A Happy Hour menu features an Angus Burger, Calamari Strips, Wedge Salad, Soup and Salad, Grilled Shrimp Skewers all at or around $5. 

In keeping with America too is the restaurant's embrace of new developments and opportunities meaning you can get their food delivered by one of the now ubiquitous Uber Eats, Grub Hub and others. 

Quadros and Singh may not originally be from America, but they understand probably more about the values (and foods) that make this nation what it is than many who were. 

You can reach them via phone at (425) 417-6797.

Great American Diner and Bar at 4752 Calfornia Ave SW