New restaurant, ice cream parlor opening in Monroe

Jacquelyn and Josh VanLieu plan to open Fantasy Diner & Ice Cream Parlor on Monday at 5837 Hamilton Middletown Road in Monroe.

The new business gets its name from the Fantasy Farm amusement park that was once operated on the property and the building was the home of the man who owned the amusement park, said the VanLieus, who live in neighboring Fairfield Twp.

The site was purchased Feb. 12 and the VanLieus have been working to renovate it ever since.

Fantasy Diner and Ice Cream Parlor will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus soft serve ice cream with a score of topping options alongside of milk shakes.

The diner will offer waiter service and take out, plus outdoor seating.

A sneak peek of the menu shows 13 different options, including a Filet Mignon & Eggs and an item called The Scrambler, an omelette with up to four toppings an toast. There’s also The Turnpike (three pancakes, two eggs, one meat, potato cakes) and The Fantasy (biscuits and gravy, two eggs, one meat, potato cakes, toast and apple sauce).

The menu also includes a choice of nine sandwiches, including a Fantasy Cheeseburger with an 8-ounce patty and a Breakfast Burger with cheese, fried egg and bacon, plus Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Chicken, Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Turkey Club, BLT and Grilled Cheese options.

Platters, which are mainly served with two sides, include Open Faced Roast Beef, Fried Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Chicken, Pork Chops, a Mac & Cheese Chicken Boat and Smoked, Bone-In Pork Chop.

There’s also pizza in small and large sizes with a choice of 12 toppings.

An extensive children’s menu costs $5.50, including a drink, and includes options like pancakes with one meat, biscuits and gravy, eggs, yogurt parfait, grilled or friend chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, corn dog, grilled cheese, grilled chicken salad, cheese pizza and homemade mac & cheese.

Daily specials vary and cost $7.95 for a small portion and $9.95 for a large-size portion.

Hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/FantasyDinerandIceCreamParlor.

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