The Favorite Breakfast Spot
“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?""What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?""I say, 'I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?' said Piglet." "Pooh nodded thoughtfully. 'It's the same thing,' he said.”
A.A. Milne
I love breakfast.
This hasn't always been the case, but ever since I started working for a living (as opposed to sleeping through class), I can't make it through the day without a hearty meal.
Unfortunately, as a general rule, my favorite places to eat breakfast are in California. Nothing beats a breakfast where avocados, salsa, and hot sauce are regular sides. It doesn't hurt if there's a tortilla in the mix as well. (Thus my affinity for chilaquiles!) I also don't complain when the eggs are creatively incorporated with a more Italian flair.
Thus my affinity for my all-time favorite breakfast spot - Cora's Coffee Shoppe in Santa Monica.This little spot only seats 25-30 people in a mostly outdoor setting. The patio is small, but gorgeous as bougainvillea covers the entire area. The ocean temps set the tone far more than Ocean Avenue cars - which sounds unbelievable, but it's true!I often order the Huevos Rancheros, but the last time I was there the bruscetta with poached eggs became my new favorite.However, you can't go wrong with the buretta caprese omelet.
You really can't go wrong. The steel cut oats are great, and the fruit is always divine. However, one word of caution - the pancakes are made with buckwheat and are heavier than normal. My kids were disappointed in their dish and may, or may not, refer to Cora's as "the place with the bad pancakes."
Their lack of enthusiasm hasn't changed mine.
If you're in So Cal - swing by Cora's. You'll be glad you did!