The Empire Diner is a keystone in Hicksville. It is a meeting place, a place of great warmth and a place to get food far into the night.

I felt like a New York Times theater reviewer who goes back to see the same play that he reviewed five years prior. Usually this is done when the play runs for many years or there is a change in the cast.

It has been five years since I wrote the article "Everybody Loves the Empire Diner." It was immediately after the costly renovation of the diner. Many readers thanked me for my recommendation.

On Tuesday, May 9, I met my wife Lorraine at the Hicksville Long Island Rail Road Station after a harrowing day in Manhattan and we went for dinner to the Empire Diner. When we entered, we were greeted with a smile and a handshake by our host, Gus Mihalates. As we were seated at the rear of the diner next to the seaside mural of a Greek Island, Lorraine stated, "I feel safe here. I can watch the trains arriving and departing. Also the acoustics are very pleasant."

Almost immediately a basket of warm rolls, Melba toast and breadsticks appeared. We were served chickpeas, pickles and coleslaw (not too much mayo). Lorraine ordered her favorite chef salad and I chose the stuffed flounders, one wrapped around spinach and feta and one around crabmeat. Both choices were abundant and delicious.

Gus approached our booth and told me he wishes to thank his clientele for their patronage during the five years after the renovation.

After dinner Lorraine sauntered over to the glass-enclosed display of luscious desserts and chose carefully. We left feeling satisfied and knowing we would return again soon.

We always run into friends that also dine here.

Good luck Empire Diner.

Yiassou!