Tucked in the small town of Low Moor, Virginia, Penny’s Diner gleams like a chrome time capsule against the mountain backdrop – a retro oasis where milkshakes are considered an art form.

Where’s the beef? We were on an Alitalia jumbo jet bound for Rome from New York. Some 38,000 feet over the cold, dark ...

It’s a massive slice with layers of cheesecake, chocolate mousse and brownie, all coated in chocolate and slivered almonds. This diner is also famous for its Greek food, so get on that moussaka.