Put on the Blue Light

Graham Greene described the Blue Plate Special as a symbol of American democracy. It was popular in the ’20s through the ’50s. It was the kind of thing that a person in an Edward Hopper painting might order: The dish was dirt-cheap and usually consisted of veggies and meat. Today,...

By Penn Bullock

May 29, 2008

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Graham Greene described the Blue Plate Special as a symbol of American democracy. It was popular in the ’20s through the ’50s. It was the kind of thing that a person in an Edward Hopper painting might order: The dish was dirt-cheap and usually consisted of veggies and meat. Today, this old trope of cafes and diners is in danger of disappearing, much like our democracy itself.

With food prices inflating, a revival of the Blue Plate Special is much needed. Here it comes, thanks to the bears at Bill’s Filling Station (2209 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors). Every Sunday from noon till 5 p.m., the popular gay haunt serves a Blue Plate — meat, two veggies, a salad, and bread — for $5. Another $3 will get you an astonishing 32-ounce Vodka Bloody Mary. Tapas, too, are newly available on Bill’s menu. Stay past 5 p.m. for $3 Long Island Iced Teas in mason jars and the “Might T” show, a whirlwind of impersonations, dance performances, DJs, giveaways, and transsexual splendor. Come on the second Sunday of the month for Southern-style food and the last Sunday (right before rent’s due) for an “all you care to eat” event. For more info, call 954-568-3885, or visit www.billsfillingstation.com.
Sundays, 2008

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