Archive for the 'Breakfast Log' Category
The Lighthouse Cafe in Sausalito
The Lighthouse Cafe is just beyond the downtown section of Sausalito on Bridgeway and almost next to where I did my weekend course in February. We parked at a meter in the front where, fortunately, 47 minutes remained on the clock.
The cafe is tiny but bright and cheerful. A model of the top of a lighthouse is on the second floor balcony with two blue chairs beside it so it is easy to spot as you are driving past.
Inside it was full but as there are only 5 four seater booths and 9 stools at the counter, it was not surprising. You have to wait to be seated. The tiny spot just inside the door is the waiting area. We were second in line but the wait was not long at all. It gave me time enough to look around the place.
There was a specials board and Tom had already chosen what he wanted – hot link sausage scrambled with bell peppers, onions, spinach, eggs and cheddar cheese ($5.95).
A couple of posters were displayed on the wall but I couldn’t read the writing and wondered in what language it was written. I surmised it was a Scandinavian language but decided to ask when we ordered. There were a couple of black and white photos of lighthouses over the door and a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge with the Point Bonita lighthouse,which we will be visiting later this morning, in the foreground. A colorful geometric painting of a lighthouse hung next to the photographs. The numbers of a clock on the far wall were different pictures of lighthouses.
When I looked at the menu it became obvious which Scandinavian language it was because several of the dishes had Danish in the title. Tom ordered the special but there was no oatmeal for me. So what did I go for instead? Would you believe a large mixed fruit pancake? The server said they were awesome so I thought I would try one ($4.50). The coffee was $2.15.
The restroom was unisex, very small and basic, with a small wooden framed mirror. There was a large cupboard set in the wall and, being nosy, I had to check it out. Inside was just a meter. Serves you right Margaret.
Tom really enjoyed his scramble. There was lot of hot spicy sausage plus they had his favorite Pepper Plant hot sauce (much better than Tabasco Tom informs me). My pancake was large and scrummy. Inside were banana, blueberries and raspberries. A pat of butter was slowly melting on top so I slathered it over the pancake and poured a generous portion of syrup on top. All those calories but who cares. After that long hike to Kirby Cove and back I deserved it.
We both heartily recommend the Lighthouse Cafe and will definitely come again.
The Lighthouse Cafe
1311 Bridgeway Avenue
Sausalito, CA 94965
May 19 2010 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
The Longhouse Restaurant in Gilroy
We were surprised that there were no breakfast places in Morgan Hill. I’m sure there are some, but either they were not open or they are on back streets.
The Longhouse is not quite in downtown Gilroy but right on Monterey Street. It looks as though it has been around for a few years. There were quite a few vehicles outside, mostly trucks and one old Dodge Charger.
Inside it is big and dimly lit. On the left hand side it was full of customers. A server told us to sit where we liked so we found a table on the right hand side, next to the window. We were the only people in that section. At the end, there was a partly opened door to another section. Being curious, we peeped through. It was a large room with a bar and smelt of stale beer. We took a guess that the place must really rock at night.
The menu is large – they open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – but the breakfast section is not very extensive. Oatmeal was there at $4.25. I did not hold out any hope that it would be steel cut oats as this is not the sort of place which would serve it. I asked the server if it was cooked in the microwave and she said the cook made a fresh batch every time. Umm – sounds as though at best it is quick cook oats but as there was not anything else I fancied on the menu, I went ahead and ordered it. Tom ordered chorizo and eggs with hash browns and served with corn tortillas ($7.95).
It won’t take me long to describe the decor as there was not one picture, poster, photo or any form of knick knacks anywhere. There were lots of fake potted green plants on the dividers between rows of booths and hanging from the ceiling. A few bottles of wine were displayed as well. The only break in the monotony was a vase of Calla lilies. I could not see from where I sat whether they were real or not but will give them the benefit of the doubt because they are in season at the moment.
When the food arrived I was disappointed with the presentation. OK, there was no garnish on our plates, which is not unusual, but it was more than that. My oatmeal was in a large shallow white bowl on a white plate and it looked as though it had been sloppped in the plate. On a separate plate were small plastic containers with butter and brown sugar, a small stainless steel jug without a handle containing milk and a larger plastic container with chopped up prices of banana. Tom’s chorizo and eggs also looked messy.
My oatmeal was very runny but at least it was hot. Tom said the Chorizo was plain but OK and he had had better tortillas.
The restroom was better than expected. It was large, bright and clean but once again no pictures or any sort of decoration at all.
Our verdict, it can be summed up in one word – bland. Doubt whether we would ever come again.
The Longhouse Restaurant
8195 Monterey Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
May 05 2010 | Breakfast Log | 2 Comments »
3-Zero Cafe at the Half Moon Bay Airport
Tom found a new place for breakfast today. We have passed it many times and never noticed it. It is at Half Moon Bay Airport, right off Highway 1 and used to be the terminal building for San Mateo Airport. Lots of parking outside and lots of room inside.
The first thing that strikes you as you walk towards the door are the airplanes suspended from the ceiling. They come in all sizes from large down to the size my brother used to build from kits many moons ago.
We could sit anywhere we wanted and chose a table in the window looking over the airfield. The place has so many windows that by turning our heads we could also see traffic passing on Highway 1.
The menu is very impressive and yes, there was oatmeal. It was in the Lite section and comes with sugar, raisins, fruit and a dry English muffin for $5.75. Tom’s choice was an asparagus omelet for $9.45. The coffee was $1.95.
It is certainly a bright and cheerful place with colorful plastic tablecloths and the sun slanting through the windows. Apart from the aforementioned airplanes hanging from the ceiling, the walls are covered with pictures, photos, maps and assorted aviation memorabilia. The entrance to the airport office is inside the cafe as well.
We did not have long to wait for our food, which pleased Tom as he was hungry. His omelet looked scrumptious. The plate was not very big and the omelet and home fried potatoes filled it completely. So much so he did not know quite where to put his English muffin so he laid it on a napkin. There was a creamy hollandaise sauce on top of the omelet which was garnished with chives. My oatmeal came in a deep round bowl on a blue oval plate. Also on the plate, a small ceramic jug of milk and three small ceramic bowls containing brown sugar, raisins and chopped up strawberries. The muffin, which did not look all that dry, was sitting on the plate along with a sprig of parsley.
I enjoyed my oatmeal. It was hot and there was a lot of it. Tom said the omelet was good. The asparagus were just right – not soggy at all – and the home fried potatoes were both tasty and crispy. The coffee though was only so-so.
Real nice restroom. Big, clean, bright and with hot water. Lots of pictures on the wall but surprisingly the main themes here are paddle steamers and old cable cars. The biggest and brightest attractions are two large and colorful completed and framed jig saw puzzles, one of hot air balloons and the other of an airport scene in a bygone era.
This has been a real good find. Everything about it was great – location, food, service and surroundings. We thoroughly recommend it.
3-Zero Cafe
Half Moon Bay Airport
9850 Cabrillo Hwy N
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
April 23 2010 | Breakfast Log | 4 Comments »
A late start today. We plan to hit some wineries around Gilroy and they don’t open until later in the morning.
OD's Kitchen in downtown Gilroy
OD’s is in central Gilroy. According to another review, this place gets crowded. We were expecting to have difficulty parking and to wait for a table. Neither happened. OD’s has it’s own car park across the road and there were several spots empty. There is also parking available right outside the cafe.
From the outside the place looked full with people waiting inside but we got a table straight away. The place was buzzing with lively chatter and there were lots of servers bustling around. Our table was a two seater right next to an unused front door – at least we hoped it was unused. The letterbox, which I found unusual as I have never seen one in a door over here, was blocked by a dish cloth. Very artistic!
Our very nice server handed us the menus and poured coffee for Tom. There was oatmeal listed on the menu but only available on weekdays. We both ordered the Eggs Benedict – $6.95.
The main theme of the decor was horses from the pictures and sculptures on the walls to the logo on the servers; T-shirts. One painting on wood caught my eye because it did not feature horses. It was of four fishes, ranging in size from the very large to the very small. The three bigger fishes have their mouths open. The caption read – ‘There is no such thing as a free lunch’.
Our food took a little time to come but we weren’t complaining as they were very busy. When we ordered Tom asked for the has browns to be extra crispy and they were. The server even came back to check that they were OK.
Tom had one comment about the silverware – the fork tasted metallic and I had to agree with him.
The restroom was large but not impressive. There was no hot water at all and there was only a big roll of kitchen paper to dry your hands on. The only decoration was a very dusty artificial green plant in a wicker basket on top of a cupboard.
Our conclusion was that the food was OK but were not very impressed with the whole package. Doubt whether we would pay another visit.
OD’s Kitchen
28 Martin St
Gilroy, CA 95020
April 04 2010 | Breakfast Log | 1 Comment »
Mama's Royal Cafe, Mill Valley
This weekend I am on a course in Sausalito and Tom came along for the ride. Of course he brought his camera along but so far has not been able to use it because of the rain. I do not know how he is going to entertain himself today while I am working.
Once again, I checked out Anna’s Cool Finds to see where to eat and she came up trumps. Mama’s Royal Cafe is an absolute treasure but how to best describe it is going to be a challenge, but I’ll do my best.
The cafe is set back from the road but look out for the brightly colored sandwich board on the sidewalk. Parking is minimal so get there early (they open at 7.30 am.) Outside are few tables under cover and on a sunny day or even a dry one, it would be nice to sit outside but the inside is not to be missed.
There is just one booth and no stools at the counter so not your normal diner. All the tables are covered with a thick, plastic cover which sounds dreadful but every one is different and patterned with vibrantly colored fruit. The chairs are a complete mishmash – Tom and I sat on garden benches.
But the biggest impact to the eye is the walls, which are literally covered with a huge assortment of paintings, photos, posters and curios. For instance, within touching distance of where we sat were a photo of an old boat; paintings of a mermaid, an ocean liner, James Dean, a huge swan with a woman on its back, an elephant and a green plant. At the end of the table is a mural of an idyllic sandy beach with palm trees. There is more! A huge wooden mask, a wooden parrot on a swing and an oversize white cup and saucer.
One wall on the other side of the cafe is dedicated to Marilyn Monroe. Nearby is a cutout of a nun with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth and a sign which says ‘Nun Smoking Area’. Other curious objects which caught my eye – a four foot giraffe with a lei around its neck and above our booth, fixed to the ceiling, four place settings decorated with pineapples and flowers complete with knives and forks.
Must mention the pillars – each one is painted differently - palm tree, pencil, Egyptian hieroglyphics (plus Charlie Brown) and a red, white and blue striped one which I thought represented a stick of rock (you’ve got to be English to understand that) or a barber’s pole but probably meant to be patriotic.
I could go on and on but the primary reason we are here is for the food. The menu is an art form all of its own. The Benedicts looked tempting but I asked about oatmeal – which was not on the menu. The server, who was the only person we saw, though I’m sure there must have been someone in the kitchen cooking, said they did have oatmeal. I asked for it with raisins and banana ($6.95). Tom ordered a bacon and cheddar omelet (8.25).
It didn’t take long before the food arrived but that was probably because I was so fascinated at looking at my surroundings. The oatmeal came in a large, deep, round bowl on a decorated plate. The sliced bananas and raisins were on top. Milk was already on the table. Tom said his omelet was good with lots of bacon and my oatmeal was great and hot into the bargain. The oatmeal was coarse cut, so nice and hearty.
Now my trip to the restroom. On the way there I passed a very nice secluded booth. The thee walls were covered with a mural depicting Rick’s Café Américain from the movie, “Casablanca”.
The bathrooms are down a rather gloomy passage. I had high expectations that it would be as richly decorated as the restaurant but was hugely disappointed. The room was large and rather tatty and it was completely bereft of any adornment whatsoever. Even the pillar in the center of the room was painted a stark white.
For a real funky experience, we would highly recommend Mama’s Royal Cafe.
Mama’s Royal Café
393 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 388-3261
February 25 2010 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Bette's Oceanview Diner
It was a very foggy day and driving was difficult in places. It was a ‘Spare the Air’ day – no wood burning allowed in the Bay Area until midnight.
We are returning to Bette’s Oceanview Diner in Berkeley as it has been a couple of years since we were last here (here’s our take on the place from 2007). The lights outside were a beacon and very welcoming. Inside it was bright and cheerful with music playing softly in the background.
There were people waiting so we thought there would be a wait but we were in luck as there were two places at the counter. They were the best seats in the house as we had a ringside seat of the chefs in action and it was a pleasure to watch them. The two chefs coordinated well. Everything was very organized.
Coffee was soon served and our orders taken. Apart from one thing, nothing much has changed with the decorations since our last visit. The color scheme, the pictures and the small jukeboxes on the counter and tables were the same. The one thing missing was the huge slice of pie hanging from the ceiling. In its place were Christmas decorations. Tom asked the cashier about the pie and was told that it would be going back up the next day when the decorations were taken down.
To actually see our order being prepared was a novelty. Tom had crab cakes with poached eggs and country fries (this was on the specials list and we didn’t make a note of the price). Instead of an English Muffin he ordered a blueberry muffin. I could have nothing else but oatmeal of course ($4.95) because they use steel cut oats here. The oatmeal was ladled into the bowl (the same large shallow bowl with a green rim as before) then brown sugar and raisins were sprinkled on top. By the time it arrived in front of me, the sugar had melted and the raisins glistened.
The food was delicious and satisfying.
The one uni-sex restroom is straight off the diner. Over the door is a fish sculpture and a sign which says Toiltten. Inside the same pink tiles and chrome strip but no pictures. Where were the pictures taken on the moon and Mars?
Our conclusion – definitely a great place for breakfast but get there early.
Bette’s Oceanview Diner
1807 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
February 09 2010 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Alice's Restaurant at the Corner of Hwy 84 & Skyline
We have often passed Alice’s Restaurant but never ventured inside. Normally we see it on our way home from the coast, when the car park is packed with motor bikes. This time we decided to have breakfast there and as it doesn’t open until 8, we set out a bit later.
After an exhilarating drive up 84 to Skyline Blvd, we arrived at Alice’s. There were a few motorbikes already in the car park but cars outnumbered the bikes. It is a wooden building and probably has not been altered much since it was built. There are steps up to a wooden deck on which picnic type tables and benches had set out. The outdoor heaters were being started up but too cold for me outside at the moment. On the edge of the deck, attached to a pole and overlooking the car park and the first thing I saw as I got out of the car, was a wonderful metal owl with outspread wings.
Inside we were greeted and told to sit where we liked. We picked a booth next to the window, which overlooked the deck and car park. What struck me most about the seat was its cover. It was originally hide but most of the hair has been worn away with use. The tables was very narrow. Tom and I played footsie the whole time. At the counter were seven low stools which were also covered in hide but these had obviously been recovered in the recent past because the hair had not been worn away.
Tom ordered a Joe’s Special $8.95 and I asked for the oatmeal with fruit $5.50. On the front of the menu was a short history of Alice’s. It was constructed in the early 1900′s. At the time it was a general store to support the local logging industry. The area was called Four Corners. In the 1950′s it became a restaurant. Alice Taylor bought it in the 1960′s and named it after herself and the Arlo Guthrie song. It has been a favorite stop for bikers, cyclists and hikers for many years. Alice’s Restaurant and adjacent buildings were bought in the 1970′s and has been family run ever since.
I then had time to take a look around and it was very pleasing. Looking closer at the windows I realized they were also doors. Presumably when the days are warmer they can all be opened. To the side of the restaurant is a covered deck with a view over the garden. The whole wall behind the counter is covered with photos, adverts (mostly biker orientated) and several comic signs. One said:
‘Drink Coffee
Do Stupid Things Faster with More Energy’
and yet another:
‘Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beerholder’
Music was playing in the background. I half expected to hear ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ being played at some point but it didn’t happen. The place was vibrant with lively chatter and everybody looked relaxed and cheerful.
My oatmeal was served on a large shallow bowl on top of a blue and white paper plate inside a green plastic basket. The bowl was filled to the brim with oatmeal with very little room for milk. The top was covered with sliced strawberries and bananas. It came with no milk but a jug was brought to me when I asked for it. The Joe’s Special came on a large round plate and looked really good – plenty of cheese and spinach. Everything tasted great. Tom said it was a good breakfast and I agreed with him.
The restrooms were outside in a separate block and can best be described as basic. Originally the ladies’ restroom had a shower in it because there was a raised area at one end and a pipe sticking out of the wall near the ceiling. Now the baby changing facilities are situated in that area. There were white net curtains at the window and they were filthy. On the walls were several pictures including one of a girl on a motor scooter. There were also things written on the wall and one of them caught my attention. It said – ‘I took the road less traveled….now where the hell am I?
Our conclusion on Alice’s Restaurant – a great place to go for breakfast and we will visit again.
Alice’s Restaurant
Corner of Hwy 84 & Skyline
January 26 2010 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Once again we consulted Anna’s Cool Finds to find somewhere for breakfast on our way to Point Reyes. Last time we went to Bubba’s Diner on San
Comforts Cafe in San Anselmo
Anselmo Avenue and this time we picked Comforts Cafe, which is on the same street.
We used our new Garman (we’ve named it Camilla for her British accent) to find the place. This upgraded GPS offers a lot more refinements; better directions with exit numbers off freeways, names of streets, speed limits and it shows the actual speed we are traveling. Camilla deposited us right outside Comforts Cafe.
Comforts is a large, double fronted deli with a cafe at the side. There are seats outside under the awning. On week days it opens at 6.30 for takeaways and the cafe opens at 8.30. We timed it perfectly for opening time of the cafe.
The cafe is not large but it is bright and modern. Soft music played in the background. The tables are small and Formica topped. A padded bench runs along the walls on either side. At the counter there are four stools.
The menu is different with an interesting range of brunch choices. There was oatmeal on the list but I decided on the Comforts homemade granola with yogurt and seasonal fresh fruit ($7.50). Tom chose buttermilk griddle cakes served with real maple syrup and sausages ($11.45).
There were five pictures on the wall - opposite the entrance were two next to each other of green apples and near the counter were two more pictures of fruit, and a large oil painting of a street scene. Set on the back wall were three deep alcoves with ceramic pots in two of them and a pot plant in the lower one.
The napkins on the table were very nice. Although made of paper, they were large and thick. They also had the Comforts logo on them and underneath is written ‘Fine City and Homestyle Food.
The food is very good. My granola contained black and golden raisins, cashew nuts, coconut, almonds and pumpkin seeds. The furit wa sliced banana and strawberries. It was crummy. Tom enjoyed his griddle cakes and sausage. The coffee was $2.25 and he pronounced it as ‘good’.
Our server was cheerful friendly and efficient. What more can anybody ask?
There were two seperate restrooms. The one I chose (and I’m sure they are both very similar) was very good. The first thing I noticed when I opened the door was the pleasant smell. It was clean and the water was hot. There was one large picture on the wall of some persimmons In the corner was an antique drop leaf table with an unusual yellow orchid in a pot. All very pleasing.
On my way back to the table I took a look at the food for sale in the deli counter. Lots of yummy looking dishes. If you are passing this way and need something for dinner, this is a good place to shop. Oh, you lucky people in San Anselmo.
Yes, this is definitely somewhere I can’t wait to come back to.
Comforts Cafe
335 San Anselmo Avenue
San Anselmo, CA 94960
December 28 2009 | Breakfast Log | 2 Comments »
The West Portal Squat and Gobble in San Francisco
We are on our way to Twin Peaks today and passed this breakfast place en route. Who could resist such a name?
The Squat and Gobble is right next to the Muni west portal tunnel, right on the corner of Portola West and Vicente. There are little tables and wrought iron chairs outside. Inside it is large and bright with soft guitar music playing in the background.
(Click on the image for a larger version)
The first thing you see as you walk in the door is a huge blackboard with their whole, extensive, menu written up, inter-spaced with colorful drawings of the food. Here you choose and pay for your food before you find a table and sit down, clutching your order number on its little stand in your hand.
Tom ordered the Triple Gobbler, which consisted of two pancakes, two eggs and two apple sausages for $9.25. There was granola on the board but no oatmeal. I did ask if they did oatmeal and was told they did. Great. I was also asked if I wanted it made with water or milk. This made me question whether it is made straight out of a packet and heated in a microwave. They assured me it wasn’t so I went for it. I was tempted by the choice of pancakes but resisted.
A long padded bench is fixed along the outside wall and the tables are small but can be pushed together. Covering the whole of one wall is a mural showing food in the foreground, including a bottle of Squat and Gobble wine, and a a scenic view in the background. There is a back section as well where they have framed pictures on the wall of food.
Tom’s coffee was brought first and he was impressed. It was good and strong. He thought it was as good as Peet’s. Then the food arrived and there was plenty of it. Tom’s came on a big white plate and my oatmeal in a very large glass bowl on a round white plate. It was topped with a liberal serving of bananas and strawberries. I had asked for mine to be made with milk so no milk came separately. I asked for and received a small jug of milk. The oatmeal had cinnamon on it and was good. There was too much for me to eat it all and I left some. That’s a first for me!
The restroom was one of the better ones. It was large and clean with plenty of hot water. There was one picture on the wall of a couple dancing. In the corner was a potted plant on a nice stand. The mirror was large and I liked the matt silver frame.
Our conclusion – lots of food, quick efficient service, pleasant surroundings and the food was good. Would we come here again? Yes and next time I’ll have the pancakes.
Squat and Gobble
1 W Portal Ave
San Francisco, CA
December 05 2009 | Breakfast Log | 2 Comments »
After our stop at Pomponio State Beach, it was time for breakfast and we headed for the only place between here and Santa Cruz – Gazos Grill -
Gazos Grill along the San Mateo Coast
which is halfway between Pigeon Point and Ano Nuevo. We had to slow down as we were passing the lighthouse and then stop for a roadblock. There was a sign warning of a bike race taking place and Highway 1 was down to one lane for a short stretch. Sure enough, there were lots of cyclists and the lighthouse was the turnaround point.
Due to the number of cyclists on the road we had to be careful pulling into the car park of Gazos Grill. There were several people along the way watching the race and at least one photographer sporting a big lens. When I got home I checked online to see what the bike race was all about. Apparently it was Big Kahuna Half Ironman Distance. It was due to start with a 1.2 mile swim around the wharf in Santa Cruz starting at 7 am but due to heavy fog it was cancelled. The 56 mile bike ride and the 13.6 run went ahead though.
The last time we visited Gazos Grill we back in November 2007. Then we were the only customers. Today it was reasonably busy thanks to the bike race I expect.
We picked one of the high tables in the window with a restricted view of the ocean but a good place to watch the bikes racing by.
There was no oatmeal on the menu but I remembered from last time that is is available sometimes. When the server came to take our order I asked and today it was available so, of course, that’s what I requested. With fruit it is $5.95. I also had toast ($1.75). Tom ordered the San Gregorio Eggs Benedict which came with smoked salmon ($14.95).
Gazos Grill used to go by the name of the Beach House and the sign is still outside. It is a large restaurant separated into two sections. Some evenings they have bands playing and over the next few weeks there are several dances and parties planned.
There are no booths or a counter so not your typical diner. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The place is adorned with a vast array of pictures and posters of lighthouses, whales, elephant seals and all things nautical. In fact, lighthouses seem to be the main theme. On one wall there is a vast net hanging on the wall with fish and shellfish sculptures fixed to it. On each table was a single, almost fresh, flower in a vase and a small pumpkin.
The oatmeal came in a large round bowl with sliced strawberries and bananas. The milk came in a very small brown ceramic jug . There was not enough milk so halfway through the meal I asked for some more, which was promptly brought to me.
The restrooms are on the far side of the restaurant and although pretty standard as far as basic facilities were concerned they were lavishly decorated with pictures. The nautical theme was carried through from the restaurant. There was a laminated poster of coral pinned to the wall, a colored photo of a local beach and a rather tatty picture of mussels taped to another wall. There were also six framed pictures of beach scenes and one of the ‘I Love Lucy Show’, which, of course, has nothing to do with anything nautical. Next to the wash basin was a jug with a fish on the front. Last time there was also an easy chair here but missing this time. One other comment, the water was brownish in color.
Our conclusion – on the plus side it’s in a convenient location and it’s interestingly decorated and my oatmeal was good with ample fruit but on the negative side, Tom said his eggs could have been cooked a bit more as they were a bit runny and on the whole the food is a bit expensive.
Gazos Grill
5720 Cabrillo Highway 1
Pescadero, CA 94060
November 30 2009 | Breakfast Log | Comments Off
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