Wilma's Patio - on Balboa Island

Pardon my French, but Holy Crap! I had the absolute best breakfast today at Wilma's Patio, located on Balboa Island (Newport Beach). Wilma's has been in business since the 70's and not much has changed since then. Pretty much all the same people still work there. For breakfast I had the Pumpkin Hotcakes combo ($10.75), which included choice of egg and meat. I had bacon (what better way to ring in the New Year!) and scrambled eggs with my pancakes. Sorry for no pictures. Eating the pancakes was a blissful experience. They were not overly sweet, and had an undercurrent of nutmeg in the finish. I happily slathered my 3 hotcakes with butter and syrup. At first I thought there was no way I could finish 3 hotcakes, then after I was almost done with everything, was wondering if I should have gotten a full order. But my jeans are glad I didn't. * Note: Pumpkin pancakes are a seasonal dish that Wilma's only serves during the winter. Wilma's Patio (On Balboa Island) 203 Marine Ave Newport Beach, California 92662 949-675-5542

Charlie's Chili - Newport Beach

Found this gem years ago when I received an Entertainment book for the holidays. We go here periodically when the craving is for some comfort and a stroll along the beach. Parking is a zoo, but expected, so not really a big deal. Especially when your driver has parking karma. It took all of five minutes to get a great spot and drop in an extra quarter. Glad DST kicked in, because sun was still high for 5 o'clock. Charlie's is an institution. Laid back, seat yourself kind of vibe. A scattering of tables outside, with roomy booths inside. We beelined for one in the back. At first glance, yes, it appears to be pretty run down. Just take a closer look. Three flat screen monitors strategically placed, and even closed captioning on one. The stained glass light fixtures convey this homey chic that appeals. Even Jack commented the upholstery appeared in better condition than he remembered. This place is maintained. If you want uber fancy, cross the parking lot and go inside Oceanfront 21. Breakfast is served ALL DAY. You know now why I'm so fond of Charlie. Usually, we start with zucchini sticks. It's a huge pile of deep fried happiness. Not this time. He wanted a cinnamon bun. It took over half a dinner platter and was warmed upon request. Not bad. Their menu covers a diner selection with burger, chili, seafood, and brekkie options. I tried the Baja breakfast. A scramble of onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and eggs with salsa on the side. Flour tortillas included and my meal was complete. You have the option of spicy salsa and corn tortillas too. It was very good. Potatoes were chunky and onions had had a 'just chopped' crunch to them. I inhaled it without a second thought. Jack ordered the fisherman's platter (what he always gets), which came with breaded and deep fried shrimp, cod, scallops and (skin-still-on-them) fries. Came with his choice of chowder which was just fine. As always, our server was consistently friendly and her timing was well-executed. The Muzak played new Sheryl Crow, one hit wonder Dido, and classic John Cougar Mellancamp. Afterwards, we took in the salty air and casually looped around the sidewalks before heading back home. Impromptu outings like this are great. Avoiding most of Newport Boulevard and taking Superior up to the 55, priceless. Charlie's Chili 102 McFadden Place Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.675.7991

Sage on the Coast - Newport Beach

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I was starving as usual. I was still craving eggs. Brunch buffet was not the answer, but what would still be serving my kind of fare at 1:30pm? I went for it and took off to Crystal Cove. I've been to their other outpost at Eastbluff for lunch before, so I had a good idea of what to expect. Crystal Cove is a great find. You've got Mastro's Ocean Club, Javiers (soon. or is it already open?), Pacific Whey Cafe, Bluefin and Sage to keep you company. Parking is plentiful enough, and down the street is the (Ruby's) Shake Shack and Beachcomber Cafe right on the beach. Yes, there are some options in the neighborhood. I'm not the kind of person who wants to knock a place. However, I'm going to flex my non-conformist bone and share a less than stellar experience. I mean, it takes a lot to mess up breakfast. We were seated in the main dining room. A couple of groups were enjoying their mimosa-induced laughter on the patio. There was only one other table being serviced inside. We waited between five and ten minutes before someone even acknowledged us. That should've been my cue. The s/o was already getting miffed. Interior-wise, it was open and airy. Everything was very ....green. Not a bad thing, it was the only thing I could really remember. Floor to ceiling windows brought in the outside sun. The patio looked inviting. For $8 he chose a seasonal fruit plate. Yeah. It was a few sliced strawberries and some melon. Disappointing, to say the least. Did I mention that it came towards the very end of our meal? He hoped the French toast (that wasn't close to the online menu description) would carry redeeming qualities. The one specific request he asked for, syrup on the side, couldn't even be met. Good grief. I couldn't find the banana pancakes anywhere, and settled for the mushroom, leek, and asiago cheese omelet. What a disaster. It was like a poorly assembled burrito. The cheese was lumped in one section, and the leeks were nowhere to be found. I requested some double smoked bacon. It was burnt to a crisp. Black around the edges. Blech. Things were so disappointing that after spending $50+ on nothing special we walked over to Pacific Whey and munched on french toast and pastries for another $10 to satisfy us. Who would've thunk that such a nice place for lunch and drinks could serve such a mediocre meal? That would be me. Crystal Cove Promenade 7862 East Pacific Coast Highway 949.715.7243

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?

Old Vine Cafe - Costa Mesa

It was a fulfilling Saturday morning. I did something for my health - spin class I did something for my man - bought him a trash can at IKEA I did something for charity - donated to workingwardrobes.org I did something for the community - I supported a local business (more on that shortly) and I did something for the environment - I purchased a cruelty-free handbag by mattandnat.com All in all, a rather productive 5 hours. Old Vine Cafe fell into my radar maybe in the last week or so, upon reading a posting on Costa Mesa options. I enjoy just about everything to eat in this city, so after perusing their menu I decided to give it a go. Located at The Camp (across from The Lab/anti-mall - the ingenious non-SCP-like spot owned by the folks who own SCP) and strategically placed behind Native Foods, but next to Aire. This is a new joint which opened in the last few months. Quoting the website, this is where the name originates from: The cafe gets its name from the ancient vines of the old world wines of western Europe. "Old vines" are synonymous with wines of a unique quality, expressing the earth in which they are grown through the flavor of the grapes. Oh, and they've got a tiny retail section where you can purchase specialty produce, meats, and oils. For a small space, they sure know how to seat a crowd. I staked my claim at one of the counter chairs. In front of me, a surreal view of the 'forest' that only the Camp can offer. If not for all the chatter, I imagine it would mimic a holodeck request (middle of the woods) on the Enterprise. Outdoor seating is also available for four-legged dining companions (one server offered up a dish of water to one owner's pet). My menu was artfully attached to a lovely stretched canvas painting. The placesetting was accented with a small block vase. Thoughtful details that I adore. As I scanned over my options, I overheard a couple of guys comparing notes on how to cater a decent house party. One clearly thought food was more of an afterthought (because of all the lefover food you have afterwards) while the other explained how he recruited his neighbor to BBQ for him. Alrighty. Savory or sweet? I ask myself this very question throughout the day. The breakfast menu was simply divided. Do I want the syrupy sweet french toast or the hearty portion of omelet with Spanish style potatoes, choice of toast and marmalade? I leaned for the hearty (as usual). If not for my dinner at Punch Grill that night, I would've dived into that BBQ omelet. Instead, it was the Omelet Espana for me. Ole! I hoped to request fewer mushrooms, but was informed that the ingredients for this particular dish were already pre-mixed. No problem. Life could've made me wait longer for a seat...so I was just thankful to be served. I also chose the egg bread and blackberry marmalade (to go with my blackberry sage bottled ice tea. A bit overrated, if you ask me - the tea, I mean). After a short while ~ which only FELT like forever because I was famished ~ I was served. I forgot how tasty proscuitto is. Mmmmmmm. Add to it some artichoke hearts, red bell peppers, shitake mushrooms, and Manchego cheese and we've got ourselves a winner. My expectations on the bread were pretty high, but I was (unfortunately) disappointed. Should've stuck to the wheat or sourdough, but I had to get all non-conformist. I bet the marmalade would've been excellent with those. Nevertheless, my potatoes more than made up for it. Chunky and saucy, they starched me out for the rest of the afternoon. Whatever they were smothered in was a welcome change from the standard hashy/fried fare served elsewhere. I wish my trainer could've joined me, but that's what repeat visits are made for. As much as I'd like to keep this spot to myself, I want to see them succeed. Old Vine Cafe 2937 Bristol Street Suite A-102 Costa Mesa 714.545.1411

Pacific Whey vs Ruby's ~ So Cal chains in Crystal Court

One Camp Pendleton Mud Run and a best friend's wedding later, I'm back. Hungrier than ever. I found myself at South Coast Plaza on multiple Saturday morns recently, and decided to put two of my favorite chains (for breakfast, there aren't really many that rank) to the test. In one corner, the chic eats of Pacific Whey Cafe. In the opposite corner, (with 25 years of service under their belt) - Ruby's Diner. Let the smackdown begin! I remember trying to find Pacific Whey for the first time. Newport Hills was not easy to locate. Then they expanded to Crystal Cove. Great location, but cramped seating. It took forEVER for SCP Crystal Court to finally open. By the time I finally checked in, it had been running for two months. Here they've got the parking, the table space, the location, and the unforgettable pastry case. What a lovely place to see and be seen. Fantastic people watching, but I digress. I will tell you right now that I don't care for anything that isn't brekkie or pastry here. I went for the grilled vegetable omelette. My eggcellent feast of zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet bell peppers co-mingled with a fruit medley, potatoes, and hearty multi-grain toast. Service was spot on. My table was spacious. The servers/bussers were efficient. The food, eggsactly what I expected -- fresh, flavorful, pleasing to the eye...except. Well, I felt the portion sizes were smaller than I remember. Breakfast is supposed to be affordable, right? My $8.95 just seemed sparse. My trainers agreed. I think I just paid for my locale. (sigh) Next, I shoo-be-do-be-do down to the candystriper. With dark hair and brown eyes, what's not to admire about her? {Going COMPLETELY off topic, they have some rockin' fish tacos here. I don't expect anyone to believe me [cough, Christian Z., cough : ) ], but hey, for me - they are delish} I must've deliberated for a good half hour before placing. I chose the skinny eggs with Eggbeaters (hey, I'm attempting healthly eating!). It was mixed with housemade salsa, and served alongside low-fat cottage cheese, wheat toast and fresh fruit. Oh yes, and I had to get some smoked bacon. Mmmmmm.....bacon. A reasonable enough comparison to my competitor. Except this time, I order to go. Things were meticulously packaged and labeled with smiley faces. It was quite a spread, actually. Pricing was almost identical to Pacific Whey, bacon included. Sure, I sat outside NikeStore with my meal in my lap. But this was really nice. Eggs were segreated in their own covered container, and were light with a tiny kick. Bacon kept its distance in a roomy holder. Those four smoked strips were heavenly. Flavors were intact. I have no complaints. I was content... not factoring my leg falling asleep. Sure, maybe you'll just go to Champagne French Bakery instead (saw an ad for their new breakfast crepe next to the escalator. wonder how it is...) Or you'll be elsewhere. Either way, you've got options. http://www.pacificwhey.com/menu.html http://www.rubysdiner.com/food/breakfast.html

Jagerhaus

After a late night I tend to wake up craving hangover remedies like pho or pozole. The typical eggs and bacon just don't seem to cut it for me these days, but then again Jagerhaus doesn't serve your average breakfast. This past weekend I packed up the family and headed to Anaheim to partake in an authentic German breakfast. I started off with the German Apple Pancakes, a moist fluffy apple-stuffed pancake topped with powdered sugar is eons away from the sort of pancake you'd get at ihop. The pancake is accompanied by a delicous homemade apple jam that also goes great on toast. I also sampled some of the Fresh Corned Beef Hash and Eggs with Tomatoes plate and the Farmers Breakfast (Ham, Bacon, Onion, Potato, and Eggs). It's worth noting just how good and different from the norm the bacon (not greasy in the least) and the corned beef hash are. The last time I was here for breakfast I ordered the German Omelette (with Polish Sausage or Brautwurst) with Sauerkraut and Onions and it was as good as I imagined it would be. The Crailsheimer Potato Pancakes with Applesauce are also especially delicious. I can never manage to save room for dessert and if you're hoping to I'd suggest you bring your appitite. Jagerhaus is located at: 2525 East Ball Road at 57 Fwy Anaheim, CA 92806