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| This ain't no Eggo waffle |
I used to avoid breakfast. Yeah, yeah, most important meal of the day. Blah, blah, it's "brain food" to keep you going. But I just didn't have time for it. I felt like my mornings were too busy for it. And on the weekends the trend is usually brunch, an often costly affair of over-priced eggs benedict that leave me wondering why I didn't just invest that into a pork belly sandwich for lunch. I did however start a love affair with waffles (more so as a late night snack) and as the waffle and I became dear friends, I decided that maybe I should re-introduce breakfast into my life. And surely like any great meal, I discovered that breakfast can actually be quite wonderful. Sometimes sweet, sometimes salty. Sometimes meaty, and let's not forget eggy. It's a food that in it's best, heartiest preparation, can be extremely satisfying. And what's also satisfying is not having to break your wallet to partake in some of the best that LA has to offer. Here's a crop of yummy spots that can even convince a naysayer like me that breakfast MIGHT just be the most important meal of the day -- or at least a heck of a lot better than that bowl of Wheaties. So if you're looking for your replacement breakfast of champions, look no further.
1) SimpleThings - Remember these guys? My favorite pie peeps that I dedicated an entire post to? Well, they're at it again with an incredible "weekends only" breakfast menu (served from 9am -2pm and priced under $10). Move over soggy english-muffined eggs benedict and hello artisanal sausage benedict served over brioche with caramelized onions, poached eggs, and sage hollandaise for $8.50! I rest my case.
2) Shaky Alibi - opened in 2010 on Beverly Blvd. this hand-crafted waffle bar serves up the tastiest Liege waffles around. And since you can't find many authentic waffle shops (if any!), owner R.J. Milano knows how to create a perfect niche and draw in regular customers. With a variety of options for toppings, you can go sweet one day and savory the next. The two that I can't stop dreaming about? Traditional Waffle w/ Crunchy Speculoos ( a Belgium spread made up of ground graham crackers) and Fresh Strawberries ($7.50) & The Savory Waffle with Black Forest Ham, Gruyere and a Poached Egg ($11).
3) Milk - while this wonderful corner ice cream shop serves some of the best shakes and sundaes in town, it's their breakfast sandwich that's at the top of my list. You won't find their breakfast menu on their site or main in-house board but on Saturdays and Sundays they serve a mean egg sandwich with bacon on ciabatta for about $8 bucks that will not only satisfy your breakfast hunger pangs but also lunch.
4) Susina Bakery - I've been frequenting this scrumptious bakery for a few years now, exquisite cakes, delectable cookies, and a wonderfully friendly owner. I'd usually grab one of their heated ham and cheese croissants or a tasty polenta raspberry scone and be satisfied. But now they've made their breakfast options even better by adding a full menu that includes incredibly tasty french toast and omelettes. Like everything at this bakery, it's done well and they still manage to keep their dishes under $10.
