There’s a unique kind of hunger that sets in after you cross the finish line of a race. After completing the Mighty Hamptons triathlon, my training buddy, Ray, and I were beyond just hungry; we were ravenous. Every ounce of energy had been spent swimming, biking, and running, and we needed to refuel, fast.
An Unlikely Destination
We grabbed our phones and typed in the magic words: “diner near me.” The search led us to Cafe Volo, a small airport near West Hampton. An airport cafe? It seemed a bit odd, but we were too hungry to be picky. We drove over, our expectations modest at best.
When we arrived, the scene did little to boost our confidence. We parked and walked toward a nondescript door in the back of a building. Upon entering, we weren’t greeted by the familiar clatter of diner plates or the smell of brewing coffee. Instead, we saw a Hertz rental car sign and a few scattered tables. A small group was eating nearby. I shot Ray a look that said, “Are you sure about this? Maybe we should just leave.”
A Surprising Oasis
We decided to press on and pushed through another door. Suddenly, the entire atmosphere changed. We had stumbled into an oasis. The place was bustling and full of life, a stark contrast to the quiet, utilitarian entrance we had just come through. It was charming and clearly a popular spot.
A host approached and asked the one question we never expected to hear: “Do you have a reservation?”
Ray and I looked at each other, bewildered. A reservation? For a place we found next to a car rental counter at a tiny airport? It turned out every table was taken. We were just about to turn away, defeated, when the host found one last table for two tucked away. We gratefully accepted.
A Meal to Remember
The service was fantastic. The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating, not batting an eye at our post-race state. We both ordered eggs, a simple and perfect recovery meal. I also asked for gluten-free bread, and they were happy to provide it without any issue.
As we ate our delicious meal, we couldn’t help but marvel at our surroundings. We were in this hidden gem, a vibrant and welcoming restaurant operating in the middle of what seemed like nowhere. It was a completely surreal and wonderful experience.
Hidden Gems in Unexpected Places
Sometimes, the best discoveries are made when you least expect them. You just have to be willing to push through that second door. Our post-race hunger led us to one of the most memorable and strangest dining experiences I’ve ever had, proving that the greatest gems are often found far from the beaten path.
