3,2,1, ...LIFT OFF!

But where do you go to sample a real American experience? Where do you park that Harley (if you're lucky enough to have one!) Where do you go to have that Hamburger and Coke and bop to the rock 'n' roll sounds of the jukebox!

For the past couple of years lucky Dubliners have been able to step off the street (sorry, sidewalk!), enter one of Eddie Rocket's Diners and be instantly transformed into a cornucopia of Americana, a hamburger heaven, a rock 'n' roll dream come true. With its rounded, chromed fixtures, its authentic 1950s' decor and unique friendly and happy atmosphere, Eddie's has become an unforgettable eating experience for thousands.

Well, soon hungry hipsters around the rest of the country will be able to sample one of Eddie's delicious hamburgers or tasty hot dogs and eat to the beat of the rocking sounds from the hit-filled jukebox. Eddie Rocket's plan to open even more restaurants soon with eateries opening shortly in Galway and Belfast. Watch out for restaurants in the near future in Cork and Limerick.

Founded by self-confessed hamburger addict, Neil Fortune, Eddie Rocket's first diner opened in Dublin's South Anne Street just three years ago. It was clear from the start that Eddie's was to be a totally new eating experience and not just another fast food outlet or burger bar. Neil himself went to considerable trouble to design and create a restaurant that would be authentic and true to the style of the classic American diner of the 1950s. After numerous exhaustive trips to the States, he blended the best aspects of several diners he visited and styled Eddie's on what he felt would be the most authentic look of nostalgic '50s' eating. Fittings and memorabilia have even been imported from the States to further enhance that genuine Fifties' look.

But it's not just the atmosphere which has given Eddie Rocket's the astonishing success it has had to date. The food served at Eddie's is second to none. You can have mouth-watering hamburgers, delicious hot dogs as well as salads, sandwiches and desserts. With a special emphasis on fresh ingredients and tasty sauces, Eddie Rocket's claim to have the closest thing you'll find to the ultimate hamburger. One bite into one of Eddie's burgers and you'll find it hard to disagree with this claim. Many of Eddie's customers have become regulars who come back again and again to sample the delights of the varied menu. And Eddie Rocket's staff are friendly, helpful and with just the right attitude to make your visit to Eddie's an unforgettable experience.

In fact, should you visit one of Eddie Rocket's diners you'd never know who you might meet. Since it opened, Eddie's have attracted international celebrities in increasing numbers from both the rock and film world. Just look at this guest list: Axl and Slash from Guns 'N Roses; Meatloaf; members of Metallica; Mark Knopfler; Julia Roberts; Gabriel Byrne; Ellen Barkin; Johnny Depp; U2; The Sawdoctors; The Chippendales; The Blues Brothers. And this is just a small sampling. Such is the reputation Eddie's has garnered among the rock fraternity that promoters are often asked by visiting bands to take them straight to Eddie's to sample some of that genuine American food and atmosphere. And should Michael J. Fox ever descend on Eddie's he could be forgiven for feeling he is on the set of yet another sequel to Back To The Future!

Dubliners are well catered for when it comes to Eddie's with restaurants in South Anne Street, Rathmines, Blackrock, Donnybrook and The Square in Tallaght. A new one has just opened in Phibsboro' and there are plans for further restaurants in Temple Bar (due within the next month or so), Baggot Street and O'Connell Street.