Sunday, September 30, 2007

Rooster Cafe - Costa Mesa

When I dine out on a Saturday night, I'm even hungrier the next morning. Can't explain it, but that's how I am. I was jonesing for some pancakes or waffles. Had an excuse to venture somewhere new, but WHERE?! After some debate (and correspondence with my CM-centric yoga partner) I decided it was time to hit up Rooster Cafe. Worst case scenario, I'd cross the street to Memphis if it didn't work out. And away we go.

The former spot of Mitae Ramen (pause to pay respect to the little old lady) is about 30 seats large, indoors and out, with even fewer parking spots. The menu is posted chalkboard-like above the register slash kitchen. With maybe a dozen or so items total, your options are straightforward. The breakfast burrito appeared popular, but I stuck to my guns and asked for some French toast. Ok, I also got a side of Portugese sausage. Came out to $6.50. There's also a great cereal option, but I forgot to ask what was available. Lunch entrees include BLT-style sandwiches, a cobb, and the elusive French dip.

Wanted to take a moment to touch upon the beverage options. Soda fountain, iced tea, Mexican cocoa (they were out), Izze bottles, and beer. Bottles for $4.50. For a place whose hours on the weekends accommodate bar closings, I found it kinda funny (only because I'm not a beer drinker). 7am to 3pm most of the week, with another 10pm to 3am stint on Saturday and Sunday. Back to the breakfast.

I think there was a total staff of three covering the joint. If they weren't cooking, there was cashiering and bussing left to do. Very informal order taking at the register. With these prices, it was fine by me. We took the counter seats and read the paper. I took in my surroundings. As I remembered from my MR days, two walls were completely glass windowed. The back had four cubic light fixtures against a rusty red accent wall. That was about it. When it comes to eating breakfast, I am over the moon if there's more to it than the food. This was a clean, well-lit diner.

A short time later (10 minutes or less), my cashier slash server presented me with an oval black dish. Simply plated were four half slices of Texas sized toast with powdered sugar sprinkled all around. A smallish plate sat beside me with six bites of Portugese meat. Maybe I could've eaten more, but as I cleaned my plates empty I changed my mind. This was just enough sustenance to last me to our late lunch/early dinner. A little savory, a little sweet, a lot of comfort.

I need to start planning for next Sunday. Dim sum anyone?

Rooster Cafe
750 Saint Clair Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.754.1944

btw - If anyone can explain the purpose of the two rice cookers, I'd be interested. There's no rice on the menu whatsoever. Perhaps it's slow cooking the French dip?

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Comments on "Rooster Cafe - Costa Mesa"

Blogger Chubbypanda said ... (October 2, 2007 at 10:32 AM) : 

Awww... I never got the chance to go to Mitae.

Two posts in a row. Look at you go, girl. You're a superstar!

Maybe you'll manage to guilt the rest of us into posting more. =/

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (January 6, 2008 at 12:48 PM) : 

what happened to mitae ramen anyways?

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