Welcome to the Bayou Kitchen!

Normally I give myself a little time to take a quick jaunt around whatever town I’m visiting for breakfast, but unfortunately Portland, Maine was my first stop on a whirlwind tour of New England, and I just didn’t schedule enough time to explore everything the city had to offer. Looks like I’ll be back for a visit…and I can’t wait!

Fortunately, I was able to make some time to partake in The Bayou Kitchen’s mouth-watering breakfast fare. And, if you’re in Portland or near Portland, it’s something I highly recommend…but only if you don’t mind waiting or waking up early. This place is only open until 2 p.m., is incredibly busy and rightfully so.

I could smell the food from down the block. It took me right back to New Orleans – the smell of Cajun spices and crawfish – I quickened my pace as I rounded the corner. As I walked up, I noticed a large crowd milling about…I could tell they were equally eager as I was to get into the joint.

Michaolopoulous prints adorning Bayou’s walls.

When I walked in, once again, I felt like I had been plopped right smack in the middle of the Crescent City – a swath of purple, green and gold colors, Mardi Gras beads, fleur-de-lis and a couple of James Michalopoulos‘ prints adorning the space. Oh, yeah, and a giant alligator hanging on the wall. It’s a feast for the eyes, really.

Welcome, friends!

Speaking of feast, I started mine with an endless cup of very strong coffee. Not bad for $1.65. I sat down with owner Karl Silander – a totally laid back, easy-going kinda guy and a native to Maine. I found this very interesting considering the origins of his restaurant’s cuisine.

But, that didn’t stop Karl. It’s obvious his research into Cajun cooking paid off handsomely. The result is a menu that’s eclectic and diverse, and if it’s a traditional breakfast you’re after they have that too…but why go boring when you can go bold? And, bold is where I went and I loved every morsel of it.

Not that you’ll need to add any more flavor to Bayou’s food…but check out this hot sauce selection!

I started with a taste of their Gumbo. Made with chicken, crawfish, andouille sausage and, “a whole lotta goodness,” says Karl, Bayou’s gumbo captures the very essence of this unique Louisiana dish. “With Cajun cooking,” Karl says, “No one flavor should over power the other. You should be able to taste every single thing in a Cajun dish.” Indeed, I did, savoring every last bite.

Mmmmmm…gumbo and jalapeno cheddar cornbread.

Next up was the Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread – again, a nod to the South. It was lightly crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside and was paired perfectly with the gumbo…and the Red Beans and Rice.

I couldn’t tell you the last time I had red beans and rice. Regrettably, it might have been at Popeye’s Chicken somewhere…and these were definitely NOT those. Bayou’s red beans and rice were a little smoky flavored with a nice bit of spice and a lot of heat…well, let me explain. When you order Bayou’s red beans and rice, be sure not to inhale them. Allow a little time for them to cool, then eat.

The last dish was Huevos Rancheros with their vegetarian black bean chili that is slightly sweet, but very flavorful. The eggs are cooked to perfection and blend nicely with the chili and flour tortilla. You can wipe your mouth now.

A little huevos rancheros, a little red beans and rice and a whole lotta flavor!

I’d like to thank Karl’s employee, Pat, who was a gracious host and who kept filling my endless coffee cup and to the brilliant folks who made my breakfast feast worth the trip.

The Bayou Kitchen is located at 543 Deering Avenue in Portland, Maine. You can visit their Web site at http://www.bayoukitchenmaine.com.

Cajun Cooking Champs….yes, I concur.

Welcome to Rainbow!

Yes, I said Southern California. California is HUGE. In fact, it is America’s most populous state – containing more people than the 21 least populous states combined. So, for the purpose of my quest, I divided California in two and began with it’s southern megaregion…thanks, Wikipedia….never heard of a megaregion before but I kinda like it.

I was convinced that a cool, hip place in a metropolitan area like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles or San Diego would win So. Cal’s top spot. In my opinion, any place that serves up an awesome breakfast is hip and definitely cool…so Rainbow – with a population of less than 2,000 – fits the bill.

Rainbow is located in San Diego County just south of Temecula off the Interstate 15 freeway. Rainbow proper consists of a grocery store, a gas station, a florist and Rainbow Oaks Restaurant. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kinda town. So, I would keep your eyes peeled – you certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on this breakfast.

Commonly known as The Oaks, Rainbow Oaks Restaurant was originally established in 1946. After an extensive renovation to restore the interior of the building utilizing local timbers salvaged from the devastating 2007 San Diego fire, it reopened anew in 2009.

Bar stools made from reclaimed wood from the 2007 San Diego fires.

Rustic interior of The Oaks…

The day I visited The Oaks, it was slightly cooler, cloudy and a bit damp…so, their typical weekend crowd wasn’t there that day. Their typical weekend crowd? Anywhere from 300 to 500 bikers roar into Rainbow on their way down to San Diego or up to Julian for a quick bite. I’m sure it’s a sight to see. And, so is their breakfast.

First, thank you to owners Duke and Jonelle Maples, and their wonderfully helpful employee, Teresa Nieto, for your generous hospitality.

Thank you, Teresa! You’re the best!!

Thank you, Duke and Jonell!

I started with something I’ve never had before…wild boar cranberry sausage. Growing up in Texas, I was introduced to many different types of game meat like quail, venison, pheasant and duck. Some were good and some were…well, gamey…which is what I thought my first wild boar experience might taste like. Fortunately, it wasn’t like that at all. In fact, the influence of the cranberry and shiraz wine brought about a burst a flavor making the sausage a little sweet and little savory…but a whole lot of delicious.

Wild boar cranberry sausage…yum.

Speaking of delicious was their next dish…apricot pancakes. As I’ve said before in some of my previous posts, I LOVE thin pancakes. The Oaks’ pancakes aren’t and they are perfect just they way they are due to the specially ordered and intensely guarded buttermilk demanded by the chef for his pancakes. These things melt in your mouth. The buttery, fluffy pancakes are stuffed with dried apricots, which treated me to a wonderful surprise with every couple of bites. Brilliant!

Apricot pancakes…I’m still dreaming about them.

Next up were their Egg Skins…yep, Egg Skins not potato skins. This is one of those dishes perfectly designed for a grab and go breakfast. First, you start with a hollowed out potato skin. Not a bad place to start. Then, stuff it with scrambled eggs with or without bacon (or sausage), and top it with scallions and melted cheese. It’s served with two different types of salsa and sour cream. Be careful…these are served three to an order but if you’re hungry order away.

Egg Skins…a perfect breakfast on-the-go.

 Rainbow Oaks Restaurant is open everyday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s located at 4815 5th Street in Rainbow. On their Web site, they state “Make it a point to stop by and see Duke and Jonell at the “Oaks”… you will seriously be happy that you did! ” Seriously, you should. And, when you do…tell ‘em Little Lee sent you!

The San Marcos River
Photo: unityofsanmarcos.com

I’ll admit. When Texas landed on the breakfast trip calendar, I secretly hoped that San Marcos, my hometown, would win the heart of the Lone Star State and the followers of Little Lee’s BREAKFAST IN AMERICA…and, to my amazement and delight, it did!

I absolutely love my hometown and when I get a chance to visit, I’m always taken back to times of Ralph the Swimming Pig, Mama’s Pizza and sixth grade at Lamar Middle School. If you grew up in San Marcos in the 80s, you just took a ride down memory lane.

Duran Duran – my obsession from 1983-1985…well, maybe longer.

Another place I grew up with was Paper Bear – one of the most unique specialty shops in San Marcos. I remember saving my money to buy a Duran Duran button or a super cool sticker set or one of their colored plastic boxes that would house my love letters to DD’s drummer, Roger Taylor. Fortunately, for anyone who visits San Marcos today, Paper Bear is still alive and thriving. In fact, it is now located directly across from it’s original location – a semi-underground spot on North LBJ. In it’s place…the Root Cellar Cafe and Gallery - Texas’s favorite breakfast spot.

I’m sure I purchased some of these back in the 80s at Paper Bear.

When I Google-mapped the location, I knew exactly where I’d be traveling. It was my hometown and LBJ (named after the 36th President of the United States Lyndon Baines Johnson) is its main thoroughfare. But, when I got there I looked around (above ground) for the restaurant and didn’t see anything. Then,  I saw the entrance, saw where it led and felt my smile widen to something resembling a cheshire cat.

I walked down the steps and into the Root Cellar Cafe and Gallery…I hadn’t stepped foot inside that building in decades and it felt just like home. I knew that breakfast was going to be good.

Thank you to Kyle and Megan for all your help in making my trip back home worth while!

Thank you to owner Kyle Mylius and executive chef Megan Turbeville for your hometown hospitality and for taking time to prepare some fun food for my visit.

As the name suggests, the Root Cellar Cafe is located in a quaint basement that was originally used as a root cellar – a place that is built partially underground to store fruits, nuts and…yes, root vegetables. The restaurant opened for business in February 2005 after a grueling period of remodeling and prep work and became a part of San Marcos culture. And, if you’ve never been to San Marcos, the culture is, in a word…eclectic – merging college life and commerce, history and a killer art scene. And, in my humble opinion, the Root Cellar Cafe fits into the fold perfectly.

And what they also do perfectly is breakfast.

I started my meal with something somewhat exotic – Brazilian French Toast. Well, it’s not quite that exotic…I mean, how exotic is French Toast, really? But, when you add a little vanilla rum to the mix, it turns a simple dish into something quite special. The portion size is just right…it fills you up, but leaves you wanting more because it’s so darn tasty. Remind me to hang with Brazilians more often…especially if they’re serving up some French Toast.

Brazilian French Toast

Next up was their Baker’s Bagel. Okay, you have a bagel and cream cheese, so what’s the fuss all about? Well, let me tell you. Yes, you start with a plain bagel and top it with cream cheese. But, this isn’t your ordinary cream cheese. It’s a wonderful mixture of honey and cream cheese whipped together into dulcet deliciousness. Then, slice and sauté a Granny Smith apple in butter, cinnamon and sugar until it’s cooked through for a perfect topping to this easy and scrumptious breakfast treat.

Baker’s Bagel

To finish my hometown breakfast extravaganza, we went with another simple, but unique selection…the Rae Sandwich – named after one of Kyle’s friends named, well, uh…Rae. Megan and I decided it was an acronym for Really Awesome Egg sandwich. I’ve had my fair share of egg sandwiches before and they always go something like this – bread, egg, cheese. Or, bread, egg, sausage, cheese. Or, bread, egg, bacon, cheese. See the pattern? So, the Root Cellar Cafe decided to do it a little differently. First, they begin with thickly-sliced bread appropriately called Texas Toast…and you can never go wrong with Texas Toast. Then you pack it with an over-easy egg, sliced tomatoes and pickles. Yes, I said tomatoes and pickles. Never would have seen that combination, but it works and works really well together. Unlike a standard egg sandwich made with a hard fried egg,  the Rae is served a little runny, allowing the yolk to blend nicely with both the tomatoes and pickles. What’s left is one satisfied palette.

Rae Sandwich…Really Awesome Egg sandwich.

After my three-course meal, I perused the gallery of artwork by local artists hanging on the walls throughout the restaurant. I bid farewell to my gracious hosts and made my way back to the airport…past the beautiful historic homes on Belvin Street, past the Sac-n-Pac that’s still in business, past the ever-growing outlet malls that dwarf the sign of Centerpoint Road – the road that led back to Southridge Estates and to a time of long summer days picking blackberries, playing tag in the fields behind my house and waiting for the lightning bugs to tell me when it was time to go home.

Art adorning all the walls at the Root Cellar Cafe.

The Root Cellar Cafe and Gallery is located at 215 N. LBJ Drive in San Marcos. Please visit them in person, but if you can’t get there visit them online at rootcellarcafe.com.

Me…in my hometown.

The Windy City from above!

Chicago has always been one of those places I’ve longed to visit. From its architecture to Michael Jordan to Second City and deep dish pizzas, it’s a place that’s intrigued me on many, many levels. So, when I learned that Hash House a Go Go Chicago was chosen as Illinois’s favorite breakfast spot by the followers of Little Lee’s BREAKFAST IN AMERICA (and after I nearly broke my 40-something-year-old back doing a cartwheel out of sheer happiness), I eagerly started planning my itinerary.

Since I was there only a day and half, I caught just a small sampling of what that terrific city had to offer. And, might I add…the PEOPLE of Chicago are AMAZING. It’s such a big city, but the people – every single person with whom I came in contact – were gracious, helpful and just plain nice. BRAVO. A special thank you to Debbie and Joe Reif who opened up the whole top floor of their beautiful home to a total stranger and made her feel like family.

I was able to sightsee a little checking out the Sears Tower…yes, to every true-blooded Chicagoan it will always be the Sears Tower. To everyone else, it’s the Willis Tower. I wandered over to Cloud Gate at Millennium Park…think GIANT Tiffany Bean. Got lost on Michigan Avenue and loved every minute of it. I made my way to Gino’s East for the most amazing deep dish pizza because I could, and I visited an old friend, the buh-rilliant James O’Donnell, chef extraordinaire at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse who introduced me to my first-ever Delmonico. Beyond insane.

Cloud Gate aka giant Tiffany bean

Yes…and then there was BREAKFAST. Now, I had been to a Hash House before when they were voted Nevada’s favorite breakfast so I knew what to expect…but, you know about expectations, right? Well, sometimes reality has an uncanny ability of going beyond my expectations…which is what HH Chicago did.

Hash House here I come!

First, thanks to Brad Gold for your generous hospitality. Like my visit to HH’s Reno location, Brad provided me with a small sampling of their food. Not that that’s possible since HH can’t do food that’s anything less than big and gastronomically pleasing. It’s just too bad I didn’t have five more of my friends to help me finish them!

Thank you, Brad, for your hospitality and taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me!

As I did in Reno at the HH there, I started with a delicious treat of drink called the Butterscotch Latte Pop. Garnished with a wrapped piece of butterscotch candy, the coffee beverage had a slight hint of butterscotch and just the right mixture of whip cream and espresso.

After a couple sips of their delicious apéritif (sans alcohol), came three GIANT plates of food. And, when I say GIANT I mean GIANT. And, I was a bit scared.

I began my culinary adventure with Hash House’s Pork Tenderloin Eggs Benedict which starts with a layer of griddled mashed potatoes topped with a biscuit; then they add spinach, tomatoes, hand hammered pork tenderloin (breaded and deep fried) and scrambled eggs. And if that wasn’t enough, the whole thing is topped with their homemade BBQ cream sauce – one of the many sauces made in-house every day at HH. In my opinion, if you bread or deep fry anything you’re on your way to making something good. And, the Pork Tenderloin Eggs Benedict wasn’t good, it was great. The wonderful thing is that if you order the Benedict, no one else in your party of five will need to order. Did I say it was GIANT?

Pork Tenderloin Eggs Benedict – to. die. for.
(photo: Tastychomps.com)

Next up was their Meatloaf Hash. Now, I love me some meatloaf, but for breakfast – and in a hash? I wasn’t so sure about that. I think hash I think chopped up tiny bits of meat with potatoes which go well with eggs over easy. And, I guess this would be considered a hash. The only difference is that the chopped up bits of meat are the size of one inch squares! It’s overwhelming to see that much food on a plate so fortunately it is appropriately served on a medium-sized cast iron skillet. The presentation was perfect for a dish that size. What’s more, it was topped with a sprig of rosemary the size of a small tree branch.

HH’s Meatloaf Hash!
(Photo: Tribune file photo)

Last but certainly not least was the Hash House Quesadilla. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tortilla that large before my trip to HH. Typically, a quesadilla is something that’s quick and easy, an on-the-go type breakfast…not so at Hash House. If the Hash House tortilla were a car, it would be a monster truck! This thing is huge and is filled with deliciousness -  eggs, mashed potatoes, tomatoes, jalapeños and cheese. It’s topped with a mildly spicy chipotle cream sauce that is a little smoky and a little sweet, and a perfect complement to this massive breakfast dish.

The Hash House Quesadilla…nuff said.

A much needed quiet moment atop the Willis Tower (I mean, Sears Tower) after devouring HH’s amazing food.

Hash House a Go Go is located at 1212 N. State Parkway in Chicago. To learn more about Hash House a Go Go or to peruse more of their menu, visit them online at www.hashhouseagogo.com/chicago. And, if you’re in the Windy City, check ‘em out and tell ‘em Little Lee sent you!

Boston on a spectacular Saturday morning.

First my trip began with my friend Pam and her husband, Tom who – for some God forsaken reason – said yes to driving me from Palm Springs to LAX. In my opinion, that is a GIANT ask. But, I had to ask since my husband was busy working (helping to fund a future breakfast trip). Without blinking an eye, they said yes and would not accept anything in return. It was the best send off.

Next, I found myself in Boston at Enterprise Rent-a-Car where their associate, Spencer Dixon, greeted me with a warm smile and a friendly disposition…it was much needed after a long flight on the redeye where I got ZERO sleep.

I then made my way to Portland, Maine to Finn’s home (for you airbnb-ers). I’m not quite sure why this happens, but there have been times when I book my travels and have moments when my brain shuts off. I like to call them brain farts. And, inevitably, I’ll miss a flight because I think it’s leaving at 6:50 when it’s really leaving at 6:30 or I’ll book a room for the wrong day, which was the case in Maine. But, at least when I got off the plane in Boston I was able to sleep for just a little bit and freshen up in a beautiful, clean home (thanks Finn, Joe and Tyson) to then eat Maine’s favorite breakfast at the Bayou Kitchen in Portland.

Tyson – one of my hosts in Portland, Maine.

My post about that experience will come next week. But once again, thank you to Karl and Pat at Bayou for making me feel right at home and for the unexpected, but delightful trip to the Louisiana Bayou with your inspired Cajun cuisine.

With Bayou Owner, Karl Silander.

Next up was a LONG trip to Burlington, Vermont. When I got there I was dead tired so I was looking forward to a nice comfy bed. My post about this experience will come later as well since it is very much a cautionary tale of false advertisement. Nevertheless, I did find my way to beautiful Lake Champlain and the Hilton hotel that overlooks it. A big THANK YOU to Ben who somehow managed to find me the in-desperate-need-of-a-room-never-been-to-Burlington-Vermont rate. It was the perfect rate for someone traveling on a bargain-basement budget.

After a long night’s sleep, I felt refreshed. Good thing because my next stop was meeting Earl Handy, owner of Vermont’s favorite breakfast spot – Handy’s Lunch in Burlington – and who happens to be one of the most energetic, friendly people on the planet. Thank you to Earl and his crew for an incredible experience. I felt right at home…except, at home, I don’t believe I’ve ever actually eaten breakfast with my Mayor. Yep, I had breakfast with Miro Weinberger, the Mayor of Burlington, Vermont. Mayor Weinberger, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule that day to eat breakfast!

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, Handy’s owner Earl Handy and one very satisfied and full eater.

Next stop was Sunapee, New Hampshire – and to another airbnb location. I was extremely nervous considering the experience I had at the Burlington airbnb, but when I drove up and saw the host’s smiling face my fears were quickly allayed. Thank you to Berit - your hospitality and your home were a perfect introduction to New Hampshire. I MUST go back.

Onto New Hampshire’s favorite breakfast at Daddypops Tumble Inn Diner where owner Debbie and her coworker Minette made me feel like I was an old friend passing through town.

Great food definitely runs in the family! Thanks, Debbie!

After New Hampshire I was on the road to Milford, Connecticut for Connecticut’s favorite breakfast at the Corner Restaurant (Corner Brunch on Facebook). But before that I was able to catch up with my friend, John Wells and his wonderful wife Kristine. Thank you both for opening up your warm and inviting home, but more importantly, thank you for the company and the laughs!

Next was the Corner Restaurant who treated my visit like the event of the season. I was so overwhelmed by the greeting. I couldn’t believe everything you did for my visit, I felt like a celebrity. Yet, at the same time, I felt like family so thank you for that. I’d like to also extend a big thank you to the Ben Blake, the Mayor of Milford, Connecticut and to their City Attorney John Berchem for making time to support Corner. Milford is definitely A Small City with a Big Heart!

Breakfast is certainly an event at the Corner Restaurant in Milford, CT – a small city with a BIG heart!

Onto Rhode Island’s favorite breakfast spot…the Kountry Kitchen in Greenville. Thank you to the Brothers Delos – Thierry and Lionel – who each took time from cooking to meet with me and to introduce me to some delicious French-influenced breakfasts. Amazing. I’d also like to thank, Elizabeth, who kept that celebrity feeling going! I felt incredibly special and I loved my Little Lee Menu and the Kountry Kitchen baseball cap!!

The Brothers Delos – Thierry and Lionel…chefs extraordinaire!

After Rhode Island, my husband and I had a half a day to spend exploring Martha’s Vineyard. A special thank you to Skip and Caroline who invited us into their super sweet home – one of the many unique and quaint gingerbread homes in Oak Bluffs. It was an unanticipated surprise.

My final visit was to Massachusetts’s favorite breakfast spot at Toast in Hull. Owners Steve Cassevoy and Audrey Berman greeted me with a sandwich board sign, balloons and bucket of all things “Toast.” I was truly overwhelmed by your hospitality as well as your welcome!

Thanks to Steve and Audrey! You made me feel like a really well-fed rock star.

Just re-reading all of this fills my heart with great joy. Please check back next week as I will post photos and blogs about each restaurant and my experiences at each one!

Thank you, New England. You treated me well and for that I am grateful…and, stuffed.

Casa Nueva…come for breakfast…stay for lunch, dinner, happy hour and a late night special!

One of the things I love about traveling to eat breakfast across America is when things come out of left field…just like Ohio’s choice for its FAVORITE breakfast spot – Casa Nueva.

Yes, that’s correct…a Mexican restaurant in Southeastern Ohio was voted Ohio’s favorite breakfast spot. I know, I thought the same thing when I saw they won the voting poll…”WTH?!”

But, man, those Ohioans know WTH they’re talking about when it comes to breakfast.

Walking into Casa Nueva felt like walking into a restaurant right smack in the middle of Berkeley. Same cool, bohemian vibe with a little Midwest thrown in.

Casa Nueva prides themselves on using the freshest, seasonal ingredients.

As I walked into Casa, I could smell freshly cut veggies and herbs filling a space that looked much more like a nightclub than a restaurant. And, no wonder…I entered through Casa’s Cantina which I’m sure many Bobcats frequent after a long school week.

Casa Nueva is located in Bobcat Territory aka Athens, Ohio…home to Ohio University.

Casa Nueva sits in the heart of Athens, Ohio, which, in my opinion, should just be called the Bobcat Territory since Ohio University occupies most of the town.

Formerly known as Casa Que Pasa, Casa Nueva opened for business as a worker-owned cooperative in 1985, when Casa Que Pasa’s owner found himself heavily in debt and took off, leaving eight of the restaurant’s employees without jobs.

Casa Nueva opened in 1985 as a worked-owned cooperative.

The eight owner-workers re-opened the restaurant as Casa Nueva, and its been a mainstay of Athens’ restaurant scene for nearly 30 years.

I always get a little nervous when I see “healthy” selections on a breakfast menu. I mean, I think “breakfast” I think bacon, biscuits and gravy, eggs smothered in cheese and pancakes. Obviously, my view on breakfast has significantly changed since my little breakfast adventure began, so I was ready for anything Casa Nueva had to offer me.

I sat down with Michelle Wasserman, one of the worker-owners and an incredibly gracious, superbly cool woman, who described Casa Nueva’s food as Southeastern-Ohio-Mexican-style cuisine…my translation: food with a boatload of flavor.

Michelle introduced a couple of different dishes, but the one she chose for me was their Huevos Rancheros topped with their seasonal veggies of the day. For a brief moment, well, maybe for several moments I was a little concerned. “Seasonal veggies of the day”…what would that mean? What in the world would they do to a classic Huevos Rancheros?

Huevos Rancheros with Swiss chard and roasted bell peppers…brilliant!

Salsas galore! Casa Nueva serves 13 different kinds of salsa that are made fresh daily.

It didn’t matter. Casa Nueva prides itself on a farm-to-table approach to food…using only local produce and seasonal selections. In fact, the freshness and flavor in this dish won me over. It didn’t matter that it had Swiss chard and roasted bell peppers…they each gave the dish an unexpected, pleasant twist. The veggies were sautéed and in that process whatever bitterness the Swiss chard might have had relaxed a bit. As I took a bite, the flavor of the veggies mixed with the pepper jack cheese from the Laurel Valley Creamery, and the combination worked beautifully.

Wall of fame…a well-deserved wall of fame!

The dish comes with a house-made flour tortilla, topped with their house-made salsa.They make 13 different kinds of salsa and Michelle’s choice for me was perfect, which was of the black bean variety. There was a bit of a kick from the cayenne pepper, but the pepper jack cheese mellowed it out as it melted in my mouth. It is a dish I highly recommend and would love to eat again with whatever veggies are in season…maybe beets and sweet potatoes next time?

Hours for breakfast at Casa Nueva are 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. And, the restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. so if you plan on hanging around there’s plenty of time to do so. They are located at 4 West State Street in Athens, Ohio. For more information, call 740-592-2016 or visit their Web site www.casanueva.com.

Thank you to Michelle Wasserman (seated) Cheri Harvey (far left) and Zeb Thoeaben for your wonderful hospitality!

¡Hasta la vista!

I began my trip in Wisconsin, then trepidatiously crossed Lake Michigan to continue my breakfast journey at the Original Pancake House of Bay Harbor.

First, I want to extend a special thank you to my friend, David Renker and his family, who so graciously allowed me to stay in their home. It afforded me a much-needed respite before my long drive from Michigan to Ohio.

I would say the best thing about the Original Pancake House is that they are just about EVERYWHERE. Yep, you don’t need to fly five hours, ride on a ferry for two and drive another six (like I did). The Original Pancake House has multiple locations in 30 of our 50 states. However, if you want to go on an adventure, see a part of the country you’ve never seen before and meet some really wonderful people (like I did), then the Original Pancake House of Bay Harbor is a great place to do just that.

Bay Harbor is an upscale residential and resort community that sits on the shore of Little Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan. The Original Pancake House is located in the heart of Bay Harbor called the Village. It’s incredibly charming with great boutiques, restaurants and is situated near the marina. I’d venture to guess that this place is definitely hoppin’ in the summer, but an early fall visit was perfect.

Onto breakfast…

When I walked into the Original Pancake House the first word that came to mind was “butter”…a result of the wafting aroma that hit my olfactory nerve like a ton of bricks. I took a deep breath in and didn’t really want to exhale, it smelled so good.

I was greeted by two beautiful blondes…Sandy Clark and her daughter, Stacy Kennefeck…who both treated me like I was the Rachel Ray of breakfast. In addition to their charming demeanor and great big smiles, they laid out a breakfast feast like I’d never seen before…two tables of utter deliciousness. I was more than happy to oblige.

I began with The Big Apple – an oven-baked, German pancake that, when presented, looks more like a giant, bubbling apple pie. It takes roughly 25 minutes to bake…and is worth every minute of the wait. Don’t be intimidated when you see it. Just follow Sandy’s instructions and dive right into the middle which is exactly what I did. The texture is more soufflé-like than a pancake and is a fun adventure that you must try. It’s packed with Granny Smith apples, butter, sugar and cinnamon which, when combined, is a true delight.

Next up, fresh squeezed orange juice…which tasted like squeezing an orange directly into my mouth. Yum.

After the tasty OJ was their cinnamon french toast. It’s made from cinnamon swirl bread by Johan’s Bakery located by the Haspitil in Petaskee (or, hospital in Petoskey…love the Midwest accents!). I’d imagine that the bread is delicious all by itself, but add some egg batter and griddle it and it’s beyond brilliant.

Even though I had already devoured two pretty delicious baked treats, I was up for the next challenge…the 49er Swedish pancake. This pancake is really more like a crepe with a sourdough taste to it. It’s served with powdered sugar, butter and lemon. There’s no need for syrup or anything else for that matter.

After loosening the drawstring on my pants, I was ready to accommodate round two which started with their crepes: cherry, peach and raspberry. Each of the fillings are cooked in wines that intensify the flavor of the fruits. Don’t worry all you lightweights, all the alcohol is cooked out leaving really wonderful flavors. My favorite of the three was the raspberry. The Danish wine that it’s prepared with combines beautifully with the raspberry, resulting in a flavor that is a little sweet, a little tart and a little perfect. 

Stacy mentioned that one of the reasons their crepes and pancakes are so good is because of the butter they use and what they do with it. Apparently, there are different grades of butter. The United States Department of Agriculture grades butter based on its body, texture, flavor and appearance, and then gives it a score. The best type of butter is Grade AA which has a score of at least 93 out of 100. The butter used at the Original Pancake House of Bay Harbor is a 93 score butter. So, they start with the best, boil it, take all the cream of the top which leads to a super pure, clarified butter. Is your mouth watering yet?

Onto their corned beef hash…it’s ground fresh every day with the best corned beef, fresh potatoes, onions and a secret blend of spices. De-lish. The chef (who looked young enough to be my kid) prepared it with an egg that looked nearly fake. It was the perfect texture and shape.

Their biscuits and gravy were next. Biscuits were light and fluffy. The gravy…insanely rich and flavorful. It’s made with pure whipping cream, chunks of sausage, tabasco, onion powder, garlic and a blend of spices. I expect the South to have great biscuits and gravy, but the Midwest? Well, mmm hmmm, they do too.

Because I hadn’t had quite enough to eat just yet, they gave me a sampler of all the different meats they serve…the standout was their sugar-cured, thick-sliced smoked bacon. I’m convinced that bacon tastes different outside of California. The flavor is out of this world.

Next was their Garden Dutch Baby – the texture is similar to The Big Apple, but it’s the savory version of it. It’s packed with gouda cheese, fresh green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onion and broccoli. The aroma and the dish were just delightful, but I barely finished two bites of it since my stomach was quickly approaching maximum density.

I carried on…right into their spicy Santa Fe omelette. The texture of the eggs was surprising…very light and fluffy…apparently due to the heavy whipping process they use on the eggs (similar to spindles Dairy Queen uses to whip their ice cream). It’s then stuffed with tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, onions and pepper jack cheese. There is a kick because of the jalapeño but it’s still very enjoyable.

Up next was a sampling of their pancakes: pumpkin, blueberry, chocolate chip, pecan, buckwheat and plain. My fave: pumpkin. The secret to their pancakes…well, they’ll never tell, but what is interesting is that every single Original Pancake House must use the same stabilizer from the original location in Portland, Oregon and follow their precise recipe. In my opinion…a recipe for success!

After a delicious cup of coffee, I presented Sandy and Stacy with the restaurant’s award on behalf of the followers of Little Lee’s BREAKFAST IN AMERICA. And, all I have to say is they got it RIGHT!

You can visit The Original Pancake House of Bay Harbor at 4165 Main Street in Bay Harbor, Michigan. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., or visit them online at their Facebook page.

Incidentally, Laverne & Shirley wasn’t even filmed in Milwaukee…bummer.

I wasn’t able to spend much time in Milwaukee (sigh), but it’s a city I’d definitely visit again. I learned that Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and has a vibrant theater community, including one of the nation’s most successful theaters — Milwaukee Repertory Theater. For those of you who are unimpressed with that bit of information…Milwaukee has a great Riverwalk, the Delta Airlines Convention Center and Miller Park Stadium. Still not floating your boat? Well, check this out: Milwaukee is the home of Harley Davidson. Now, you gotta admit, that is cool.

Clearly, I’m a big fan…now, onto Café at the Plaza. I mention the bustling theater community because The Plaza Hotel & Apartments (where Café at the Plaza is housed) is the home-away-from-home for many actors and performers, keeping the hotel and Café very, very busy. So busy, in fact, that I had to use the Director of Sales and Marketing’s office for my interview with their Executive Chef Christopher Stoye.

And, first…I would like to thank Carole Barnum and Chef Chris for their hospitality and for making my trip to Milwaukee so worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my delicious visit.

Walking into The Plaza Hotel & Apartments is like walking right back into the Roaring 20s…and it’s no wonder, considering the building was built back in 1925.

Now, I found this kinda cool…it was originally a women only apartment building. In fact, the Café’s current location was originally a tea room/lounge. This is where The Plaza’s female tenants would entertain their male companions back in the day (because the men weren’t allowed in their rooms). What’s more, soldiers would come back from the war to visit their girlfriends and they would outfit the lounge with cots for the soldiers’ stay. Love it.

The decor is entrenched in art deco. From the wall sconces to the floor tiles, every detail harkens back to a time of flappers and speakeasies. But fortunately, for diners…the kitchen is most definitely 21st century – perfect to keep up with the pace of this busy establishment.

Onto the menu…which was filled with unique items like Sherried Black Truffle Eggs (Three eggs softly baked with a touch of sherry vinegar, black truffle oil and gruyere cheese) and Ginger Stuffed French Toast (Two pieces of egg bread stuffed with honey ginger cream cheese served with a strawberry rhubarb compote). Pause for reaction.

What I was privileged to eat was an off-the-menu item since the Café’s menus are seasonal. The dish that originally caught my eye was their Vanilla Malt French Toast and fortunately, they had it as a special on the day I arrived.

So, if you’re reading this blog, you’re a lover of breakfast and, therefore, familiar French Toast. Right? The Café’s Vanilla Malt French Toast takes the traditional French Toast to a fun and delightful place. It begins with egg bread dipped in a vanilla malt egg mixture. Yum. Then, it’s griddled to perfection. Chef Chris then has the audacity to stuff the vanilla malted griddled bread with a vanilla malt cream cheese…and he doesn’t stop there! In season, he serves the Vanilla Malt French Toast with a surprisingly scrumptious banana milk jam. Yes, banana milk jam.

When I think of jam I think of traditional jam flavors like grape, strawberry and boysenberry. But, banana milk? It was perfection. I’m not sure if pureeing bananas makes them more flavorful, but whatever Chef Chris did with them made my mouth jump for joy. It was like a burst of fresh banana flavor…and that, combined with the subtle mixture of vanilla and malt, made for a breakfast that was out of this world!

When you’re in Milwaukee, make it easy on yourself and just stay at The Plaza Hotel & Apartments…it’s a quick, easy walk to breakfast.

Café at the Plaza is located 1007 N. Cass Street, Milwaukee, WI. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., seven days a week. You can check them out online at http://www.cafeatheplaza.com

The Scoundrel

Fortunately, today’s Charleston is nothing like what I imagined…it’s far better. While the architecture and culture are deeply rooted in history, the city and the people are hip and progressive.

The Marrill Clan

Speaking of hip and progressive…I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my wonderful hosts, Ed and Rebecca Marrill. I love traveling the country and visiting places I’ve never been before, but there is something very comforting when I get to stay with friends instead of a hotel room. So, thank you Ed, Rebecca and Asher for welcoming me into your beautiful home and for the super comfy Aerobed. And, congratulations on Andrew! I hope I get to meet him some day soon!

When Hominy Grill was nominated, I have to admit that I secretly hoped it would win. I mean, who wouldn’t want to eat at a place called Hominy Grill located in the Deep South. Do the math…hominy = grits = the Deep South, right? Okay, so I wasn’t a math major in college. But, c’mon…grits in the South, does it get much better? No, it doesn’t…and I don’t think grits get any better than the Shrimp and Grits at Hominy Grill – but we’ll get to that later.

As always, I did a little research before my visit. I wanted to know a bit about the restaurant and the person I was going to interview. I quickly decided after this trip, that I would never again do research ahead of time. It is way too intimidating. I had visited Hominy Grill’s Web site and went directly to their “Hominy in the News” page…this is where I found my sources of intimidation: the New York Times, Food and Wine and Gourmet…it was like the trifecta of culinary critics…all with glowing reviews about Hominy Grill and its prolific Chef and Owner, Robert Stehling. So, would he even give me the time of day? I hoped so.

Me with the man, Chef Robert Stehling

Southern decor…love it.

Hominy Grill is nestled in a semi-residential neighborhood in downtown Charleston in between a major medical center and university. Founded in 1996 by Stehling, the restaurant occupies the first floor of a fantastic building that dates back to the 1800s – a giant “Rosie” mural greets diners in the parking lot. As I walked up I noticed a quaint courtyard, perfect for a baby shower or a Mother’s Day brunch. The dining area decor is simple and Southern…inviting, warm and tasteful, and their tin ceiling harkens back to a different era.

For some reason, I was very nervous. I so desperately wanted to have a large TV crew with me so I could justify taking time out of this man’s very busy day. However, the staff made me feel right at home, they set me up with a much-needed cup of coffee and directed me where to set up shop.

I quickly took some snapshots of the dining area. I loved all the little touches…the wainscoting that lined the walls, decorated with vintage art and black and white photos…next to tables topped with tiny floral bouquets set in mini mason jars.

It’s the little touches…

I glanced at the menu again, trying to keep my tongue inside my mouth. Everything sounded so delicious, but I was convinced I was either going to try the Big Nasty Biscuit or the Shrimp and Grits…but, I would let the Chef dictate what I’d have for breakfast in South Carolina.

After a few minutes, he arrived. Whatever preconceived ideas I had about Chef Stehling quickly changed. He was incredibly personable, gracious and humble. We sat and talked a little about his background. He hails from North Carolina…in Southern terms, he’s a “Northerner.” Before opening Hominy Grill, he worked his way up from dishwasher to sous chef to head chef at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. He then moved to New York where he honed his culinary skills under some of the best and brightest, bringing his talents to Charleston in 1996 with his wife, Nunally.

We then discussed different items on the menu and I mentioned the Big Nasty Biscuit. While he agreed it was good, he thought that since I had never been to Charleston, I needed to try a dish that was quintessentially Charleston…enter the Shrimp and Grits.

And, I learned a few things along the way. I learned that years ago shrimp and grits were considered “poor people’s food” because grits were easy to make, and shrimp (especially in Low Country areas like Charleston) were simply caught with a net…much easier than farming cattle. I had no idea how much went into grits or that there were different kinds of grits….so I was quickly schooled. According to Hominy’s Web site, hominy is what you get when a kernel of corn is treated with an alkaline solution, resulting in something that feels sort of like a soft, pillowy chickpea. Dried hominy is ground to make grits…and they get their grits from Old Mill of Guilford.

Now for breakfast…

As soon as they brought the dish, I could smell it from about four feet away…and, I could feel my salivary glands working over time. The dish is served with approximately five to six jumbo shrimp that are sautéed with butter, scallions, bacon, mushrooms and spices. The mixture is then poured over a plate of perfectly cooked cheese grits seasoned with splashes of Tabasco. I have had cheese grits before but add Tabasco, and I could bathe in them.

Shrimp and Grits!
Photo courtesy of Hominy Grill

After I quickly devoured half the plate, I kept describing the dish as “amazing” and “awesome”. In fact, I couldn’t go into too much description because I really didn’t how to put into words what I was experiencing, except for that it was “amazing” and “awesome”. So I asked Chef Stehling, in his expert culinary terms, to describe it for me.

Amen!

He said, “Well, sometimes I use words like gooood. Oh yeah, that’s gooood.” And, boy did he nail it…they are gooood.

A special thank you to Chef Stehling, Nunally and the staff at Hominy Grill for an exceptional breakfast experience. And, if Charleston is in your future then make Hominy Grill one of your stops while you’re there.

Hominy Grill is located at 207 Rutledge Avenue in Charleston. Visit their Web site at hominygrill.com