Breakfast/Brunch – Page 10

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Float Road Test #3, Breakfast at Lisa’s Coffee Shop (Covina)

October 13, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

It's time for another mmm-yoso!!! 2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float Road Test post. Kirk (and His Missus) remain on vacation and Cathy is writing.

Link to 2022 Float Road Test #one

Link to 2022 Float Road Test #two

The Mister and I were at Phoenix Decorating in Irwindale early on a Saturday in late September, in time to see floats lined up and ready to undergo mechanics and maneuverability testing. The Lions Clubs International float has another cute design this year to accompany their "Quest for Kindness" theme.
The City of Alhambra has their 2022 entry to the Parade, "School Rocks" featuring a bit of movement of the float-the engine will be 'wobbling' its way down Colorado Boulevard over the five mile Parade Route.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day , a company that makes some delightfully scented cleaning products, will be sponsoring a float for the third time. The 'outline' of Mrs. Meyer is on the label of most of their products and the reason for this float design. Clever and cute.
Rotary International, another Service Organization, has their 2022 Parade entry, "Changing Lives Through Education", symbolizing the importance of education around the world and one of Rotary's seven areas of focus: Basic Education and Literacy.
The City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center will again (for the 49th year) be inspiring America with cancer survivors riding this beautiful float along the Parade route.

Bonus photos: This basic outline of a float might give you an idea of the design as well as the detail of sturdiness built into all floats. Hopefully more will be complete with the next Road Test to help 'connect the dots'.

There is always a Driver, who only follows the 'rose colored line' along Colorado Boulevard, looking down the entire route. Then there is the Spotter, who can see out the front of the float and communicates with the driver constantly over headphones. I caught the Spotter resting his hand out of his viewing area. {you can also see the Spotters’ cut out in each of the above float photos as well as the Spotter and Driver on the Mrs. Meyer's float} Here are some peeks inside the decorating barn.

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As always, we make no plans and just begin driving home, looking for a breakfast spot. Usually, we see cars parked so we know a restaurant is open. This time, we saw the signage. Had to stop. A good size breakfast menu with many choices. Again, we did not order coffee, even though this is a Coffee Shop.

The "Mini Attack" ($8.99) was wonderful. House made buttermilk biscuit (light and fluffy), grilled and then filled with scrambled egg and a sausage patty (really good quality, flavor and size) and smothered in house made Country Gravy. It was served with two *very good* house made salsas.
The Corned Beef Hash breakfast plate ($13.99) was enough to share. A good sized serving of griddled crisped hash along with nicely crisped Home Fries, two (poached) eggs and toast. Flavors! Filling! A great neighborhood place!

Lisa's Coffee Shop 1530 W. San Bernardino Road Covina, CA 91722 (626) 339-2014 Open seven days, 7 arm,-2 p.m.

Tom’s Famous Family Restaurant (number 23)(Escondido) (again)

October 11, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk takes a break.

I wrote about Tom's Famous Family Restaurant in 2018 and it's time to post some revisits to this classic California diner (the first location opened in 1962). There is a menu at the drive through, if you park at that end of the lot.

But there is also the full menu taped in the window next to the door (and another above/behind the ordering counter). There are also posters in the window and a White Board next to the cash register advertising special prices.
The original 'open kitchen' is in view when you order and pay. Food is brought to your table.
One of the window posters had a "Strawberry Pancake Meal Deal" ($8.99) Two bacon (crisp!), two sausage (good quality; skin on), two eggs (perfectly made over easy) and hash browns (a good crisp, not a 'raw' interior)…
Along with a choice of pancakes or French toast. Thick piece of eggy bread, crispy exterior and a proper fluffy interior topped with that wonderful frozen then thawed strawberries in sugar sauce, like Mom used to put over ice cream. The White Board next to the cash register had "Chili cheese omelet, includes coffee" ($7.99). I had to. You can see it is a well made plain omelet topped with two slices of cheese (one Swiss, one cheddar (not American)) smothered with beanless (hot dog) chili. Great flavors! The home fries were wonderfully crisp, topped with onion and bell pepper. What a great breakfast!

The Mister was craving pastrami so we were back the other day. Tom's Pastrami sandwich ($8.99) was ordered. Not the combo (which is only $1 more). The hand cut, smokey, flavorful pastrami on a toasted bun with mustard and pickles hit the spot.
I ordered the three piece fish dinner ($9.99). The lightly battered, perfectly fried flaky fish pieces were very well prepared. I chose onion rings and vegetables on the side. The whole slices of onion, fried crisp after being dipped in cornmeal batter were just so good (no uncharge!). The "Normandy"steamed vegetable medley was a good choice this cool day.

Also included were toasted bread (a hamburger bun, as I would make at home) and a choice of soup or salad. This day, lentil soup the choice. It was amazing. Lentils, tomatoes, celery, onion, herbs and spices. The bowl of soup could have been a meal in itself.

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23 505 West 5th Avenue (at Centre City Parkway) Escondido 92025 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Breakfast served all day

Perry’s Cafe (El Cajon) breakfasts-again

October 10, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, What Cathy Eats!

This location of Perry's has, sadly, closed. Only the Old Town location remains.

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today while Kirk is taking a break.

I've written about the El Cajon location of Perry's Cafe only twice, but it has been a regular breakfast stop for us over the years. During some of the more restrictive COVID-19 days, there was outdoor seating in the parking lot and the condiments were ready to be put on the outdoor tables. One day, The Mister chose the strawberry French Toast breakfast ($11.99). There are a choice of fruit toppings in addition to plain French Toast (menu at bottom of this post). The over easy eggs were, as always, perfectly made. The bacon is crisp and the toast is crisp on the exterior and fluffy on the interior; perfect. These were the condiments brought out: warm syrup and lemons and tartar sauce. You might wonder why.
Well, it's because fish and eggs ($13.25) are on the breakfast menu. This meal, with a choice of potatoes (home fries for me, of course) as well as toast or muffin (banana nut was a choice this day), perfect over easy eggs (the grill is utilized perfectly in this diner) and pan fried, lightly floured fish is always satisfying. I fondly remember my catfish breakfast at Smokey's back in 2010. The Mister chose the Italian Sausage Frittata ($12.99) one day. The mild sausage was plentiful, with scrambled eggs, mixed cheeses and tomato baked in a pan and lightly firm. The sides were a pumpkin muffin and home fries. As always, we choose items we don't want to prepare at home.
From the "Mexican Breakfast" side of the menu, I decided to try the Huevos Revueltos con Nopales ($11.50). Scrambled eggs with cactus, onion, mild chiles and tomato. This was wonderful, filling and something I will order again. The meal included refried beans with cheese and warmed tortillas as well as a vey nice salsa. The cactus is soft and not salty; has a distinct yet subtle flavor.The chicken fried steak ($10.75- a white board special at the front door on this weekday) had a crisp, yet light coating and the chopped steak was quite nice, as was the country style gravy and the perfect eggs. The hash browns were nicely crisped and the biscuit, well, it wasn't quite right at this meal; it was dense instead of fluffy, but the top 'crust' was good with butter. (The dogs got a treat).
I had to get the fish and eggs again. (still $13.25) and this time the fish pieces were quite thick and still lightly floured with a crisp pan fry. Poached eggs and a blueberry muffin this time along with the crispy home fries. Always satisfying.

Hope you are having a nice, cool, Autumn weekend!

Perry's Cafe 475 North Magnolia El Cajon, CA (619) 440-5724 open daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

2022 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test #2, Breakfast at Flo’s Coffee Shop (Azusa)

September 1, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and there are many reasons we find places to eat. Cathy is writing today about the reason and the place. Kirk is busy at work.

Link to 2022 Rose Parade float Road Test #1

Link to Road Test #3

This past Saturday, The Mister and I woke around 4 a.m., let the dogs out and got ready to drive North. We left the driveway at 5 a.m. and got on the foggy, dark, empty freeway. There was a stop for coffee and treats in Tustin and then the sun was out and we were in Irwindale, at Phoenix Decorating Company, where we have not been since we decorated floats for the 2020 Rose Parade back in December of 2019. Floats were already on the road, being tested for mechanics and maneuverability.

"Arctic Dream", the 2022 entry by Oddfellows and Rebekahs, a service organization, is so cute!
The Lutheran Hour Ministries will have their 72nd entry in the 2022 Parade. "Jesus Teaches" goes with the Theme of the Parade, which is celebrating education.
The Royal Court will ride in the same float as in the past few years. The exterior 'beaning' looks good; other details and, of course, flowers, will be added during decorating.
The Farmers Insurance float underwent its first test. I can see pine and palm trees-and the driver (in the center of the float). The driver looks down and follows the 'rose colored line' along Colorado Boulevard during the parade and does not see the route; there is a 'spotter' at the front of every float.
You can see the 'spotter' seated in the front of this rebar shell of a float undergoing its first road test. Unsure of who the sponsor is, but suspect it might be Trader Joe's, because of the banana shape near the back.
The 'spotter' will be out in the open-on the 'jeep'- of this float, sponsored by Mutual of Omaha. It looks like and ode to Wild Kingdom (a classic conservation educational television show since 1963, currently found on social media and digital channels).
The Kiwanis International, "Dream to Achieve" is another cute entry. Seeing the whimsical floats rolling down Colorado Boulevard on January 1 is a great way to start the year.

We were finished taking photos pretty early, since the testing started sooner than 7. Drove North, over the 210 and headed East on Foothill Boulevard; Route 66. Look at the sign; we had to stop.
Flo's has been in this location since 2012; it had been a Mexican restaurant for decades prior.

Breakfast has a good amount of choices. Thing is, we really did not want any coffee, since we had been awake since 4 a.m., so I can't comment on the 'coffee shop' part of their name. It was pretty crowded and we sat at the counter.
The Mister ordered the Waffle Combo ($10.45) with over easy eggs and link sausages. The sausages were very good, eggs cooked properly and the waffle had a distinct vanilla flavor and was soft.
Not being able to decide and wanting savory, the Huevos Divorciados ($10.45) was my choice. Two wonderful distinct salsas covering two over easy eggs along with (very good) rice and beans. The red salsa had a distinct heat and texture: finely diced onions were still crisp (and not part of the heat factor; the chilis had a great heat) the tomatoes added sweetness and were chunky. The green salsa was great, with a garlic an citrus undertone and smooth tomatillo tang.

All in all, a great breakfast on an early Saturday.

Flo's Coffee Shop 248 West Foothill Blvd Azusa, CA 91702 (626) 334-6600 Open Daily 6:30-2

Patrons of all occupations eat here. The fire station is on the next block.

Tobey’s 19th Hole (Balboa Park) (again)

August 27, 2021 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping here, mmm-yoso!!!, to read about food. Cathy is writing today while Kirk continues to be overwhelmed with work and things.

Yes, I've written a few other posts about this golf course restaurant, located at the start and finish of the City golf course in Balboa Park since 1934. I thought you might want to see what has changed since the pandemic.

Well, not the exterior…

Not the views. The tables are spaced out and the patio was upgraded with new furniture. Oh, the menu has a bit of history on the cover. Choices are the same. Prices have increased.

There are still the specials on the sandwich board out front, but it is a newer, more colorful board.

That's it. Here we go!
The pork chop breakfast ($12). Nicely grilled, tender and juicy chop served with some applesauce as well as the hash browns, over easy (perfectly cooked) eggs and a fresh made, flaky, light and crispy biscuit. A filling and so very tasty breakfast.
The ham breakfast ($14.95) includes a *thick* piece of ham steak, also nicely grilled. I chose the O'Brien potatoes- grilled to a crisp and with the onions and bell peppers, quite a fresh, flavorful side dish. The poached eggs (again-perfect) and rye toast rounded out this large meal.

Another survivor of the pandemic. So happy we can still patronize this family run (for eight decades!) San Diego classic.

Tobey's 19th Hole 2600 Golf Course Dr. San Diego, CA 92102 (619) 234-5921 Open daily 6-6

Shirley’s Kitchen (La Mesa) (breakfast) (again)

August 18, 2021 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! today. Cathy is writing while Kirk is attending endless meetings.

It's been about seven years since my last post of Shirley's Kitchen. The Mister and I would stop here quite a bit, then there was COVID-19 and things changed. Fortunately, Shirley's Kitchen adapted by adding tables to the parking lot. while keeping the same menu and cooks.
The Shirley's Breakfast Special ($7.49) is a standby. One meat (I am unsure why we received two this time, other than we are 'regulars'), two eggs and two pancakes. The sausage patties here are quite good. The over easy eggs are always perfectly cooked and the pancakes are slightly sweet (don't need syrup) with a crisp edge and a fluffiness I enjoy. The Biscuits and Gravy plate ($11.99) is a great choice when you are hungry. Two (properly) poached eggs, two sausages, crispy hash browns and two freshly made biscuits smothered in a tasty, peppery sausage-y gravy.
The Classic Benedict ($11.49) is a toasted English muffin topped with a good size slice of ham (you can see an edge of it at the 1 o'clock point), two poached eggs and a Hollandaise sauce. The home fries are always good/crisp with plenty of onions and bell peppers.
The Florentine Benedict ($11.49) is also a good choice, with sautéed spinach and the poached egg on a toasted English muffin. You can see that the hollandaise is made from scratch and sometimes different from day to day, but in a good way.

Since 1994, this La Mesa classic diner has been a great local gem.

Shirley's Kitchen 7118 University Ave La Mesa, CA 91941 (619)462-5732 Open daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Breakfasts and Brunch Sandwiches from Bay Park Coffee – and the “Uncle Kirk” Phenomenon

April 5, 2021 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, Sandwiches, yoso-silly

While I'm not the biggest fan of working from home (more on that in a future post); during the times that the Missus is working days it does allow me to watch Frankie. It also gives me an opportunity to support my favorite neighborhood places. Heading to the office around 5am had become quite a chore as the only places open for a cup o' joe during that time is the local Starbucks and 7/11….now if this was 7/11 in Japan that would be a different story. But, if I'm working from home, I can go ahead and grab some coffee from one of the various neighborhood places, Clairemont Coffee opens at 6 (I really need to do a post one of these days), Birdrock, which I save for the coffee snob, ummmm, the Missus and usually deliver Her pour over to work on weekends. And then there's Bay Park Coffee, which opens at 730 Mon- Sat and at 8 on Sundays…..which was kind of a bummer before; but these days; with so many people working from home….perhaps not so much.

And BPC has done a nice job with the outdoor set-up; which transitions to al fresco dining for Poseidon Project at night.

On a nice San Diego day, I'll see folks on their laptops doing work…..just like they used to do indoors before in the parklet.

My usual, as I noted before is the cold brew……I'll often drop by between meetings/calls for a "pick me up" and sometimes grab something simple to eat.

And of course, like I mentioned in a earlier post, there's "Bruddah Noel" who I've come to know…….he even introduced me to his wife who is from Japan. And all the wonderfully friendly and smiling faces of the folks who work there.

I will also sometimes avail myself of an item from the "kitchen" menu; though those items aren't served until after 8am. The items on the menu comes in handy when I have meetings around lunch and need to grab something to eat as BPC is a tad over five minutes away for me.

So here's a rundown of items I've tried during the pandemic.

I mentioned in my earlier post of not being a fan of the croissants; which are from Bread and Cie as it lacks the full butter-light saltiness and is more crisp than flakey….you know, the things we like in a croissant. Still, I have tried some of the items again. And even though the eggs and cheese will help camouflage the deficiencies, it's still leaves something to be desired in my opinion.

And my verdict stands….perhaps folks will like these, it's just not for me.

BPC also now offers "sides" of egg, potatoes, and cheese……so you can get a fairly filling breakfast; of say…avocado toast (BPC loves their avocados) with a side of scrambled eggs.

You may find the item I enjoy the most (to date) from BPC kind of strange……it's the Veggie Bagel Sandwich. I will get the plain bagel; which is from Nomad Donuts….I gotta check out their brick and mortar shop one of these days.

The bagel has a light heft to it; mild yeastiness, a slight saltiness, a mild hint of sweet; but it's just the texture I enjoy with the greens, pickled onions…….light acidity from the tomatoes, creaminess from the avocado and they usually have a nice restrained hand with the cream cheese.

I have tried other versions of the bagel sandwiches; Bruddah Noel had me try his "favorite"…….

Which had ham, cheese, a huge portion of egg, pesto, and was just way too much……

I also tried the Lox version.

Which was not bad, though not something I'd have on a regular basis.

And then there's the "Uncle Kirk" thing. Noel started calling me "Uncle Kirk" early on….which cracks me up, it's a well known term of endearment back home….. though my good friends, who are quite a bit younger than me (and not from Hawaii) started calling me that years ago; so it doesn't bother me at all. Though I'm not sure what the motivating factor is? Perhaps I'm like the crazy uncle everyone needs in their lives? Of course, these same people would not dare call the Missus "Auntie"……

So, now even a couple of folks at BPC call me that as well…..and once in a while, I'll even get a "little surprise" like on the cup of cold brew to the right.

Once as Noel called out "Uncle Kirk" when my cold brew was ready, one of the women waiting for her order asked me; "is he your nephew?" To which I answered in a stage whisper, "ssshhh, he's illegitimate and twice removed….."

Well, if you'll indulge me one last story……my good friend "XJ" got married a couple of years back and requested that "Uncle Kirk" officiate their wedding. I was at first hesitant……quite terrified; but there was no way I could turn down such an honor. And things did turn out ok.

Though I've never told them; it's one of the high points of my life as I felt so privileged to participate.

Anyway, a couple of weeks later, I'm walking thru the parking lot at 99 Ranch Market when I hear, "Hi Uncle Kirk!!!!" and see a middle aged couple waving to me from an automobile. At first I didn't recognize the couple….then as I approached the vehicle…well, it was the Groom's Parents…….I had been introduced to them as "Uncle Kirk" and that's the way they knew me.

Life, ain't it amazing?

Bay Park Coffee
4130 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 275-4000
Current Hours:
Mon – Sat 730am – 2pm
Sunday 8am – 2pm
Sandwiches served:
Mon – Thurs 8am – 1130am
Fri – Sun 8am – 1pm

Times “BC” (Before Covid) – Remember Brunches? Tribute Pizza, Nate’s Garden Grill, and Dan Diegos

January 21, 2021 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Pizza, Sandwiches, yoso-silly

The Missus and I aren't real breakfast/brunch kinda folks……especially the pancake/omelette/etc…… A simple croissant will often do. I know, the "most important meal of the day" and all that stuff. Still, breakfast will often make the Missus feel tired, lazy, and sluggish….so there's not much of that going on in our household. However, when we do want to have brunch (and then probably head back home for a nap) we enjoy something that's not quite conventional as you will soon see.

At the end of 2019 and during the beginning of 2020 I was starting to work on a collection of these brunches….and then Covid-19 hit. And who knows when we'll be happily munching and brunching away next? I was just going to delete these photos…..but since these places are still open for takeout; I thought why not just go ahead and do a "COMC" (Clearing Out the Memory Card) kind of post.

So here goes:

Tribute Pizza:

A favorite of the Missus had started serving brunch and we thought we'd try it out. And we really enjoyed it….this was our favorite of the four.

The Missus loved that kale with pesto, that I started making a similar item that's a staple for the Missus's lunches. (Photo on the right)

We really enjoyed this brunch. We haven't been to Tribute since the pandemic started, but will hopefully rectify things soon.

I'm hoping when the pandemic is resolved they start up brunch again.

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 450-4505
Takeout Hours:
Mon – Wed 4pm – 8pm
Thurs     4pm – 9pm
Friday    1pm – 9pm
Saturday 12pm – 9pm
Sunday    12pm – 8pm

Nate's Garden Grill:

I've enjoyed my breakfasts at Nate's.

I think I mostly enjoy the vibe and setting…..

The brunches have always been quite rustic and hearty.

And I believe they are doing brunch for takeout on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am – 3pm

Nate's Garden Grill
3120 Euclid Ave
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 546-7700
Takeout Hours:
Wed – Fri 1130am – 8pm
Saturday 9am – 3pm, 4pm – 8pm
Sunday 9am – 3pm
Currently Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Dan Diegos:

And here's one from my 'hood. I hadn't been in a while.

Man, this was soooo much food…..

And that huge bowl of gravy went straight to my arteries.

So, of course the fruit bowl made me feel much better……right?

Really nice folks here. More about diner/pub grub and portions….but every once in a while….

No longer serving brunch, but open for takeout.

Dan Diegos Pub
2415 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Takeout Hours:
Mon – Thurs 330pm – 930pm
Fri – Sun 1pm – 930pm

So there you go….one from the memory card. Who knows when we'll be brunching again. And even though it's never been a priority for us…..I do miss it.

Stuttgart – Weingut Franz Keller, Breakfast, and You Know Where We’re Headed Next, Right?

December 19, 2020 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Germany, Travel, Wine Bars/Wineries

After dinner at Alte Kanzlei we headed back to the hotel. We took the "scenic" route, passing thru Schlossplatz once again. It was nice to see folks out and about…..everyone socializing (before Covid-19 of course), no one glued to their smartphone.

The "Golden Hour" was fast approaching and the square took on a different look in the light of fading afternoon

We decided to sit at one of the benches for a few minutes to just watch folks coming, going, and some were having a drink too!

We walked on over to the Neues Schloss and it looked quite stunning at this time of the day.

After which we headed back down Königstrasse……

And took a quick look at the Hauptbahnhof; the train station which was basically right across the street from our hotel.

As we were about to head into the hotel, the Missus and I spotted the external entry to the hotel restaurant…….there was a wine bar named Weingut Franz Keller next to the restaurant.

During our trip the previous winter, the Missus developed a fondness for the wines of Alsace and She was curious if She's enjoy German Rieslings and Muskats as well.

The prices were nice for half-pours, the wines aren't a sweet as American Rieslings, it was a nice digestif stop for us, as we had two glasses each.

The young man who Served us was so sweet, very kind, friendly…..a really nice guy and made the whole experience fun.

Weingut Franz Keller
Schillerstrasse 23
Stuttgart, Germany

Our train the next morning wasn't until almost 11am….so, we could sleep in…….which we kind of did. We usually wake quite early when travelling….well, check that, I wake early all gthe time these days. Our room had a nice view of the park next to the hotel.

Since we wouldn't be getting into our next stop until after 2pm; we decided to take advantage of the hotel buffet breakfast.

Which, like most buffet breakfasts in Europe was actually not too bad.

And after heading back to our room…where I actually took a perfect 20 minute nap, we were soon enough heading to our next stop; to the Missus's favorite city. You know where right?

Thanks for stopping by!

Golden Bagel Cafe (El Cajon)

November 11, 2020 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

After 23 years, Golden Bagel Cafe has closed, a great loss. It will be missed. Cheers Deli remains open (but does not have bagels).

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is still on a vacation with His Missus.

The Mister and I have tried to avoid patronizing chain businesses during this time of COVID-19 and lockdown. The Golden Bagel, located at the intersection of Navajo and Fletcher Parkway, in El Cajon (right on the border of La Mesa) is locally owned and prides itself on fresh made, preservative free items. It is a sister store of Cheers Deli which has been in business for 20+ years and is located about a mile west. (I know, I have to do a post)
Stepping inside, the selection of bagels (25 flavors) is good in the early morning. There are a variety of beverages available (although many opt for the Starbucks next door). There is plenty of out front seating. Here's a quick sampling of some of our breakfasts here.
Pumpernickel bagel with cream cheese ($2.99) You can taste the rye flour in this bagel and it is so very fresh and bright. On the right here is a bialy- a baked bread (the bagels here are water boiled) topped with poppy seeds and onion. A lighter, softer (yet chewy) bread, I like the differences between a bialy and a bagel. Toasted and buttered is a wonderful treat. The cheese topped bagel is also a favorite (with butter, $1.99).
Ham and cheddar with avocado and tomato on an everything, open face. ($8.99 plus $1 for the avocado=$9.99; we went for it). There is a choice of cheeses, the avocado made this kind of perfect. Open face, warm and melted- shareable! (The open face sandwiches cost more than a regular bagel sandwich. You can see each half is substantial).

The open face smoked salmon ($11.99) (of course on pumpernickel) . Pacific Northwest Smoked salmon (lox), cream cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, dill and capers (and a slice of a really good pickle). Quality as well as quantity; more than enough to share.

There are wraps, focaccia, pizza melts, salads…a nice menu. Always nice people work here. We had always passed by and are so glad we have finally stopped (and stopped in again and again!)

Golden Bagel Cafe 2744 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon 92020 Open Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (619) 464-2243 Website