Introduction
Combining her interests in travel and food, Janet Schlarbaum has turned her likes into her life’s work. Schlarbaum journeys around the country, testing and critiquing America’s best home-style diners. Undercover, Schlarbaum visits various favorite food establishments and writes about her experiences for a high-profile food magazine.

Janet Schlarbaum ’s Process
Janet Schlarbaum ’s process usually begins with a random destination pick. Janet Schlarbaum has a large map of the continental United States in her office, and each week, she throws a dart at it in order to determine her diner location. Wherever the dart lands, Janet Schlarbaum goes. Janet Schlarbaum packs her bags, and in order to get the full American travel experience, she drives to her destination in a teal 1957 Chevrolet convertible. Janet Schlarbaum wraps a red scarf around her head turns on the radio, and takes her ride down the interstate with her cross-country maps on the passenger seat.

The Dining Experience
Within a few days, Janet Schlarbaum arrives at her destination. In order to experience the scope of the diner to be critiqued, Schlarbaum visits twice, once midday, when more attention is paid to the food, and once late night, to get a feel for the atmosphere. Dressed in a trench coat, fedora, and dark sunglasses, Janet Schlarbaum is always sure to order two diner staples: a hamburger and a slice of pie. Janet Schlarbaum takes copious notes of her experience, from the taste of the food to the look of the diner, and sends her draft back to the magazine office. Janet Schlarbaum is always sure to devote a portion of her review to the most interesting item found on the menu. In her travels, Janet Schlarbaum has seen many local favorites and ethnic specialties that match the community make-up or reflect the heritage of the diner owners. Janet Schlarbaum ’s favorite part of her review is highlighting the portion of the dining experience the community loves the most, making sure to keep the travel experience in mind. When Schlarbaum decides to make her way back to her office, she always makes sure to take the diner’s specialty to go.