Breakfast
Leon's
Location
One of my favorite home cooking places near Wilmington is just close enough to the end (or beginning) of I-40 to qualify as an “interstate eatery.” For many years, Leon Mavrolas and his family treated locals and visitors to delicious and plentiful breakfast, lunch, and supper for modest prices. My favorite was his creamy seafood chowder. I tried to persuade Leon to give or sell me the recipe. He politely refused. But he has turned it over to new owners, brothers Jimmy and Bobby Pennington, along with the all the other secret recipes and procedures that make Leon’s such a special place. Manager, Jason Slays, who has worked at Leon’s since he was 15 years old, is committed to continuing Leon’s traditions of delicious home style cooking.
Hrs: Mon.-Sat., 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun., 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
From I-40
Take Exit 420 Head east on Gordon Road. Go 2 miles to U.S. Hwy. 17. Turn L and go 1 mile. Leon’s is on the right just beyond the Ogden Village Shopping Center.
The Diner
Location
For my meal at The Diner, I sampled the breaded tenderloin along with my scrambled eggs. Owner Steve Eaton Jr. explained that, while the breaded tenderloin is a mainstay, the most popular item is the black skillet pan gravy, which is served as a separate dish. Eaton’s grandfather, Raymond Eaton, opened The Diner around 1968 in a nearby building. Raymond learned to cook while in the U.S. Navy and at the old Zinzendorf Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem. Later, he bought a small restaurant with nine stools and a counter for about $300. The business expanded, and in 1979, Raymond Eaton sold the business to his son, who sold it to Steve Eaton Jr. in 1996. Steve’s grandmother makes some of the desserts — banana pudding, homemade cobbler, and pies.
Hrs: Mon.-Fri., 5:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat., 6 a.m.-noon.
From I-40
At Exit 188 (the intersection of I-40, Business I-40, and U.S. Hwy. 421) take U.S. Hwy. 421-West. Then take the first exit (Exit 239-Jonestown Road). Turn R, and head north on Jonestown Road. Go .5 miles to Country Club Road. Turn R, and go 1 mile; turn L on North Gordon Dr.
Interstate Eateries is published by Our State magazine.
