Word of the Day - Blue Plate

[debodun]

Blue Plate (noun) - a.k.a Blue Plate Special or Daily Special - is a discount-priced meal at a diner or restaurant that usually changes daily. The term was used mostly in the 1920s through the 50s and derived from the practice of serving the meal on a solid blue or blue patterned divided plate.

Today's blue plate special is meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans.

 

[Robb.hisself]

Thanks for the memory. Most diners and cafes served them. Unfortunately, both the pandemic and sky high price of food has made these history in my location. I can remember eating blue plate specials all the way up to the early 1990's. They were standard fare in locations where working men lived and worked. Not so much for white collar workers or their neighborhoods. The food often had the taste of 'left overs', but there usually was lots of it that filled you up. Not for the gourmet type.

 

[Ruthanne]

I remember growing up with the blue plates. They were Corning Ware.

 

[StarSong]

Thanks for the history, @debodun. I recall "blue plate specials" in local diners when I was growing up, but didn't know how the term arose.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Awesome post Deb. First off, I adore this blue and white patterned dinnerware. I also remember sectioned plates. Most of them made for children but some people hate food mixing when they eat. I have a friend who cant stand any different foods touching each other. If there’s a meal with 4 different foods, the first thing he’d do is make large division lines It was entertaining

 

[hollydolly]

In the UK this expression'' Blue Plate ''is unknown...

 

[gamboolman]

I ate many a "Blue Plate Special"

 

[Buckeye]

My mother loved her "Blue Willow" plates and cups and saucers. So we had our own "blue plate special" every Sunday for dinner, or so it seems.

Blue Willow China

 

[debodun]

some people hate food mixing when they eat. I have a friend who cant stand any different foods touching each other. If there’s a meal with 4 different foods, the first thing he’d do is make large division lines

They don't realize that once it in their stomachs, it all get mixed together.