La Bruschetta, Felton
After our early morning hike, we were hungry and set off from Big Basin Redwoods State Park to find
La Bruchetta Restaurant
breakfast. Our quest took us through Boulder Creek, Brookdale and Ben Lomond to Felton. Our first try was at Rockys Cafe on Highway 9 but not only was there quite a wait but the car park was full. We drove through Felton and discovered La Bruschetta at 5459 Highway 9. The big wood sign at the roadside said Felton Guild but underneath was a smaller sign for La Bruschetta which was difficult to read. Tom did spot though a banner which said breakfast, so we decided to give it a try.
The restaurant is a large wood building looking like an alpine lodge. According to another sign they also hold marriage ceremonies and have an outside cathedral.
In the front of the building is a large patio surrounded by plants and trees, In warm weather it would be a great place to eat. The entrance is very unusual. A large wooden sculpture of a naked woman sitting in the lotus position, with her eyes closed. To open the door you have to grab one of her arms and pull the heavy door towards you. (Going out you have to push one of her buttocks.)
Inside we were greeted by a young woman who told us we could site anywhere. We chose a table in the corner next to a big window looking out over the patio. This is not your typical diner at all – no booths and no stools at a counter. According to the menu it is an Italian restaurant – Sicilian to be exact – and it would be a great place for a romantic dinner.
Although they were not very busy when we arrived, the service was very slow. We had ample time to study the small selection offered for breakfast. Once again, no oatmeal offered. I’m beginning to suffer from withdrawal symptoms!
After a fifteen minute wait, Tom eventually got his coffee. All was forgive when he tasted it though because it was very good. I stuck to my usual glass of water.
The surroundings here are very pleasant. On the walls are black and white family portraits from long ago. Whether they were taken here or in Sicily was hard to determine. On each side of the door leading to the restroom were framed newspaper and magazine articles featuring the restaurant – all very complimentary of course.
One quaint touch to the deco are the murals on the walls that are executed to look like exposed brickwork and damp patches. The one facing you as you walk in through the font door is made to look as if you can see blue sky through the hole in the bricks.
Front door to La Bruchetta
Dotted around the place are various objects. On the wall are a huge wooden set of salad servers and three wooden artifacts which look like farming equipment. Near the counter a set of six plates with wooden knives and forms attached to the bottom making the plates look as if they are wearing bow ties. On the window next to us a small tiled plaque and a rack with four bottles of liquid containing fruits and herbs. The window sill behind me contained a small painted pottery watering can and a stained glass panel of an angel. Over the counter was a set of fairy lights which gave the place a slightly incongruous look.
We waited another 15 minutes before our order was taken. Tom ordered the asparagus omelet ($9.95) and for me pancakes ($6.95). I know, I know, pancakes are a strange choice for me but I just fancied some today.
I didn’t time exactly how long it took to get our food but it was twice as long as we would have liked. Admittedly the place had started to fill up but our server was rarely seen. We were not particularly impressed with our server. He had a slightly patronizing mien, as if he was doing us a favor. Finally, though, our food arrived. I was handed a large oval plate with three fluffy buttermilk pancakes covered in powdered sugar. As decoration there was a piece of water melon, a slice of cantaloupe topped with a slice of orange. Tom had the same decoration on his larger round plate. His omelet looked very attractive. In the omelet with the asparagus were tomatoes and parsley with melted mozzarella cheese on top. Also on the plate were fried potatoes and two small Italian sausages.
I asked for some syrup. The server said he would be right back. Five minutes later the syrup arrived. In the meantime we realized we did not have any silverware so couldn’t start eating. There was not a server in sight so in the end Tom took some silverware from the empty table behind us. When the syrup arrived Tom asked for some Tabasco sauce. We had another five minute wait for that. So far Tom had not received his toast so we were expecting to ask for that and have another long wait for it to arrive. As it turned out the toast arrived with the sauce. Now at last we can eat!
I’m no expert on pancakes but they tasted pretty good. Tom said the omelet was very good but the fried potatoes and the toast were barely warm.
Tom noticed a rather strange car pull into the car park. Could not see the make of the car but that was irrelevant. What drew the eye was the Smurfs stuck to the roof and hood – lots of them, big and small. Quite weird.
The restroom was unisex and though small sported two large pictures. One was a collage of Italian culinary herbs and the other an old fashioned sailing galleon made out of painted glass panels made to look like a stained glass window. There was a vase of potpourri on a small table in the corner. The sink looked like a clam shell. Lots of hot water and soap but the hand towel had run out. Had to dry my hands on a couple of toilet seat protectors. Not very satisfactory as the first one completely disintegrated.
Now to our verdict. The food and coffee was excellent and the surroundings very pleasant. It was just a pity the service was so slow.
December 16 2008 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
