How to Make Breakfast in Southern California
Posted September 17th, 2007 by Amy-Gilbert
Breakfast for me is an indulgence, not a necessity. Usually I just have a bagel, granola and yogurt, or cereal if I’m feeling whimsical. And coffee, always coffee. It’s a must. But sometimes, if I drag myself out of bed early enough, I get to go out to breakfast with my parents at one of our many regular spots (after all, the best part of a meal is getting someone else to pay for it.) Here’s a couple of them:
Allison’s - Ventura, CA
I’m a carb fanatic. The thought of going on a Atkin’s diet stirs up emotions akin to a holocaust survivor reminiscing about her summer vacation in Dachau. Allison’s has some pretty good omelette selections, pancakes, etc. But their crown jewel is their biscuits. My dad’s family is from Texas and Oklahoma and we have a recipe for the best biscuits in the world from my grandma. Allison’s is the closest I’ve come to finding my grandma’s Texas biscuits in a restaurant. And the gooey raspberry jam that comes with them is amazing! The only thing that sucks is that a years ago they used to have the jam in a jar on the table with a little spoon so everyone could dig in. My guess is that the jam got a little nasty, too many biscuit crumbs left on the spoon or something, because now they serve the jam in individual plastic cups. Too sanitary for my tastes, but still some damn good breakfast!
Mrs. Olsen’s - Ventura, CA
Again with the carbs, Mrs. Olsen’s has the best potatoes! They use pepper plant seasoning on pretty much everything so there’s tons of flavor. It’s so great, when you walk into the place you go right past the griddle with a mountain of country potatoes waiting patiently to be gobbled up. They also do the build your own omelette thing with a list of ingredients a mile long. Last time I got tomatoes, shaved turkey, and cheddar cheese. I was in heaven. Bonus - Its right on the beach, so after you eat just roll up your jeans and walk off all those early morning calories in the surf.
Noah’s Bagels - All over the fucking place
The egg and bagel sandwiches are really good and really filling! I’ve taken to copying them at home. Just scrambled eggs, cheese, and whatever else you want (bacon, tomato, ham, onions, lox) on a bagel. Cheap and addictive. Plus their coffee is great too!
Stay tuned for my next installment: Where to eat in Sonoma county when you’re hungover.
