The Collegian

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Arts

Media Credit: Shannon Odell

Beyond Hillsdale's city limits lies a haven for the Saturday morning heroes, the weekday warriors and anyone else looking for some good, cheap grub - a "diner in the rough," if you will.

Assorted coffee cups dangle from hooks lining the perimeter of the ceiling at Mel's Diner, like beer steins at a brewery. Above an outdated cash register a sign hangs, reading "Mel's Coffee Club."

The inside is decorated with knick-knacks riddled with sayings and random signs from local businesses from the area, including old composite from the Delta Tau Delta class of 2003, the last class of the old Delt house. It reminds owner Mel Kayse of her days cooking for the Hillsdale College fraternity.

The little diner has an open griddle facing a low bar and is visible from any point inside.

This morning I'm with a bunch of new Delts proudly sporting letters. We take a seat at one of two booths big enough to sit five men and examine the few other smaller tables.
Mel recognizes our letters and greets us with five mugs, expecting everyone to order coffee.

Mel's breakfast is known for its delicious omelets, the most expensive of which tops out at $7.50. Enticed by it, I recount the few crumpled up bills in my pocket and, disappointed, say I won't be eating this morning.

"No problem," Mel says. "You can pay me later; I know where you live."

We order, and exchange good-natured banter with Mel about the old Delts and the college crowd, as we watch her crack fresh eggs on the griddle.

When breakfast arrives, silence comes over our caffeinated table as we devour the meals in front of us. It's not the greatest breakfast in the world, but the food tastes fresher than the Finish Line, and it's nice to get out of Hillsdale for a change.

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