Grinds Cafe, near Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii

We found this restaurant near  Hanapepe, and it didn't look like much from the outside, but the service and the food were another story.  Grinds Cafe. Their menu boasts  for their fresh and quality food, and not to be in a hurry to enjoy it.   Good coffee and very friendly service.  I had a hard time deciding what to have.  It was between the pancakes and an omelet.

Kalua pulled pork, spinach, onion and cheese omelet.  It's not folded over.  And it was delicious.  Needless to say, I did not consume the entire plate full.  About half was all I could eat, and I didn't want to stuff myself, because there was their own sourdough toast to eat.

A plate of yummy deliciousness

and this is the funny thing.  They give you grape jelly to put on your toast.  The Kuhio jelly factory is on Kauai, but hardly any of the restaurants offer it.  I guess the grinder would be considered a 'locals' place to dine.  Grinds on Yelp

Cafe Lucca in Orange, California

One of my most favorite places to eat breakfast in Old Towne Orange, CA is Cafe Lucca.  Start with a lovely latte - beautiful leaf design on top. It is a charming place to dine with friends.

I love their what I call their 'Seasonal' omelets - Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter - this is a Summer with spinach and other delicious ingredients.  One piece of thick cut multi-grain toast and a bowl of fruit.  Yum.  A great way to start the day.  106 North Glassell Street, Orange, CA

Granola

This is really easy to make and it delicious to put on yogurt, ice cream or eat it right out of the container.  I got the recipe from watching The Barefoot Contessa.  Made a couple changes to her recipe.  I hope you will enjoy it.

4 cups of Quaker Oats, Old Fashioned

2 cups of chopped almonds

A variety of chopped dried fruits to make up 1-1/2 cups;  I used raisins, currents, apricots, and cherries

1/2 cup of Wesson oil

1/3 cup Honey

2 teaspoons of Cinnamon

mix together in a large bowl, and then spread into a large baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Check it every 10 or so minutes to move it around with a spatula, so nothing sticks to the pan.  Store in an airtight container.

great cooking hint from the Barefoot Contessa - measure out the oil first in a measuring cup, then do the honey, it will totally slip out, because of the oil.   

Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee

My family and I visited Nashville, Tennessee recently for a family wedding.  One of our favorite stops for breakfast is the Loveless Cafe.  Just the biscuits alone are worth the trip.

Scrambled eggs, pork with BBQ sauce and grits.  The flavors together were wonderful. And darn fine coffee.  The grits were just right, and you could see the grains and seeds in them.  Most people like these with butter, but I like my bowl with Splenda.  Oh so yummy delicious.

Someone at our table had Belgium waffles and they were light and fluffy

This is the menu choice that I was personally torn between "Sweet Potato Pancakes" and I got a couple of bites.  They were ever so wonderful, light, fluffy and flavorful. 

Here is one left over box to go - the most yummy biscuits that you will ever eat.  And let's not forget the jam!

Kimmie's Coffee Cup in Orange, CA

Kimmie's Coffee Cup in Old Towne Orange, 190 S. Glassell, Street  714-288-2899; they also have a restaurants in Fullerton and Brea.  This was our first visit for breakfast and it was fabulous.  Charming atmosphere, really great service - everyone was friendly!  And the best omelet that I've ever had.

They serve great coffee in a large mug, offer flavored cream, as well as, half n'half.

Asparagus, spinach and feta cheese omelet was the BEST!  I love their selection of ingredients for their custom made omelets!  They offered a fruit bowl instead of potatoes!  I think they had about 6 choices for bread/toast and they have biscuits, but I'll have to have those the next time we go.

My sweetie had their country sausage, eggs and hash browns breakfast and he said it was delicious.  Definitely coming back here!

Diner Adventures

Arthur's in Orange, CA; Greatest Breakfast in Town is what their sign says.  It looks like a big old house on the outside, which opens up to a spacious ranch style dining room on the inside.  You'd swear you were in Oklahoma...I think they speak Okie here.

Cinnamon Raisin French Toast and it was divine with sweetness, and how I love the powdered sugar on the top, crispy edges and almost as good as what my mom used to make on special occasions.  Got a yummy cup of Joe and we were off and running!
Mom's French Toast
3 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 7 slices of day-old bread, cut in half
Beat eggs, add milk, sugar, and salt and beat until well mixed.  Dip each piece of bread into this mixture for a few seconds; then lift into a heavy skillet in which butter has been heated, and cook until golden brown on underside; turn and cook on other side.  Add more fat as needed.  Serve at once with syrup or sugar.  4-5 servings