Dishing with Diane: Sandy's Restaurant in Highwood

HIGHWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- On this week's Dishing with Diane, you'll see why one north suburban diner has been winning hearts and stomachs for decades.

ABC7 viewers nominated your favorite locally owned breakfast spots, and ABC7's Diane Pathieu has more on her third stop.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Sandy's Restaurant, a diner in Highwood, racked up multiple nominations, and for good reason.

With decades of charm and classic recipes unchanged, it's no wonder customers keep coming back.

The cozy diner sits right on Sheridan Road. Inside is a quaint space where the motto is "It's all good."

"When my mom was here, people just loved her. They came because they felt like it was home," said owner Darcy Mosconi.

Established in 1962, Sandy's was originally named after the previous owner, until Darcy's mom, Sandy, bought the place in 1989. Since then, this little diner has become a bustling neighborhood favorite stop.

When her mom passed away over eight years ago, Darcy took over, and she made sure to keep her mother's traditions going.

"She made little kids feel special. She remembered everybody's birthday," Darcy said.

Darcy even decided to use her mother's favorite saying all over the restaurant as a daily reminder of how special this place is.

"Growing up, that was just her saying. The most laid back, relaxed person. Even when she should have gotten mad, she would say, 'Honey, it's all good.' She said that saying until she passed away," Darcy said.

She also kept the mouthwatering recipes.

Gary Willis should know. He is one of the regular customers that nominated Sandy's.

"Sandy's is just a wonderful community establishment that serves up wonderful food, lots of laughs, and you never know who you are sitting next to. You turn left, you turn right you make a new friend, and you just have a great start to the day," he said.

Her employees are also very special and very dedicated.

"My cooks are husband and wife, and they have been with me for 38 years now," Darcy said.

And those cooks create magic on these plates daily, keeping things simple, consistent and very tasty.

"Everybody loves my French toast. It's real basic, real simple," Darcy said. "Our Garbage Omelet has got a little bit of everything in it, the meat, the cheeses, the veggies."

Darcy continued, "Then, the Moron Sandwich named after one of my customers... His name was Ron, and so, that was his sandwich. It wasn't on the menu, and he ordered it every day. It's just bacon, egg and cheese on Italian toast with tomato, mayo, and grilled onions."

But that's not all.

"We have really good burgers," Darcy said. "Really good Mayra Salad. My cook's wife marinates chicken, and we put a flattop, so it gets nice and blackened, and she makes a homemade dressing."

So, what's next for Darcy and her staff?

Expanding, of course! She is planning on opening a second location next year, continuing her mother's tradition for years to come.