{"id":79404,"date":"2023-11-08T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/?post_type=newspack_nl_cpt&p=79404"},"modified":"2023-11-08T12:22:04","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T20:22:04","slug":"auto-draft","status":"publish","type":"newspack_nl_cpt","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/newsletter\/auto-draft","title":{"rendered":"5 breakfast joints to try in LB"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Off the Clock<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Your time-off itinerary for things to do in Long Beach and beyond. Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Rito Garcia finishes preparing three breakfast plates at Egg Heaven in Long Beach Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. Photo by Brandon Richardson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rise and shine; I hope you\u2019re hungry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grab your Audrey Hepburn<\/strong> shades because we\u2019re going to breakfast, but not at Tiffany\u2019s, we\u2019re going to heaven, <\/em>Egg Heaven<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or maybe we\u2019ll zip over to the kitschy Omelette Inn<\/strong>. Perhaps classic The Coffee Cup<\/strong> or Belmont Shore\u2019s Let\u2019s Yolk About it<\/strong>, unless you prefer the Starling Diner<\/strong>. Forget it, we\u2019ll go to the Potholder <\/strong>\u2014 but which location? Oh, you\u2019re vegan? Wild Chive. <\/strong>You want waffles? Bruxie<\/strong>. Crepes? Creme De La Crepe<\/strong>, of course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you<\/em> want? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Confused<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever had this conversation<\/a> with your partner, best friend, parent, frenemy, etc.? If you\u2019re the Rachel McAdams <\/strong>of the pair, I\u2019d like to come to your swift defense \u2014 it is, in fact, not<\/strong> that simple. Especially when it comes to the first meal of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Say what you will, but breakfast is something that Long Beach just does right (A+). Today, we\u2019re going to talk about the many (many, many) options in town. But before we do, understand that we\u2019re talking about breakfast<\/em>, not brunch today. There\u2019s a difference: First off, you won\u2019t be hungover by 5 p.m. (hopefully); second, we can start as early as 6 a.m. and we\u2019ll be done well before 11 (hopefully); and third, there will not be a sea of oversized hats<\/a>. But in all honesty, there\u2019s overlap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get into some of the best breakfast joints in town, in no particular order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Note that I said \u201csome.\u201d Look for part 2 at a later date and another newsletter dedicated to your sacred practice of uppercase Brunch).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Egg Heaven – <\/strong>4358 E. Fourth Street <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This iconic little Belmont Heights diner has served eggs and plates of massive proportions for five decades and some change. The business has certainly been through it this year, from surviving an egg shortage<\/a> (God forbid) to another prolonged closure recently. But thank Heavens, the diner, and all of its charm, is back open every day at 8 a.m. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get the full experience of this classic greasy spoon, grab a seat at the counter. If you arrive suffering from the previous evening\u2019s indulgence, the Hangover Helper<\/strong> intends to be your antidote: Mushrooms, tomato, cheese and onion, scrambled with three eggs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starling Diner – <\/strong>4115 E. Third Street <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OK, where are my ~foodies~ at? This modern diner is the complete opposite of its heavenly predecessor, and that\u2019s not a bad thing. Some days just call for different cravings (and price points).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I asked my coworkers about their favorite local breakfast spots this week, and our City Hall reporter, Jason Ruiz<\/strong>, was quick to chime in: \u201cStarling Diner has the best eggs in the city. I will fight you if you think otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Noted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starling Diner has never shied away from the decadent, the over-the-top, and at times, experimental breakfast items like the breakfast bruschetta, the cheeseburger scramble, the smoked salmon and caramelized onion scramble, breakfast polenta, or blue crab cakes and eggs. And don\u2019t get me started on the French toast \u2014 peaches in brandy butter, fresh banana and Nutella or the morello cherry toast \u2014 all of which are topped with real whipped cream, caramel balsamic and powdered sugar.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Omelette Inn –<\/strong> 318 Pine Ave. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Omelette Inn’s riduculously expansive breakfast menu. Photo by Kat Schuster. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Personally, about 72% of what goes into choosing a place to break my own fast is tied to its charm factor (or as the kids say, \u201cvibe\u201d). From its red leather booths and floral tablecloths to its weird little egg-dude mascot, Omelette Inn has so much charm that you can forgive some of its weird pricing. ($9.62<\/em> for biscuits and gravy, $15.60<\/em> for eggs benedict \u2014 why?) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The old Inn has lots and lots of omelets, obviously. There are 18 total, including the Pacifico<\/strong> with Surimi crab, shrimp, pico de gallo, jack cheese, sour cream and green onions; or the Grecian Formula<\/strong> with veggie sausage, artichoke hearts, fresh basil, bell peppers, tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese and green onions. Like Egg Heaven<\/strong>, they also offer a \u201cHang Over\u201d omelet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But they\u2019ve got so much more than omelets, with three full massive menu pages of breakfast fare. Plus, this month they\u2019re serving pumpkin pancakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s Yolk About It – <\/strong>4722 Second Street <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A breakfast burger at Let’s Yolk About It in Belmont Shore. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. Photo by Brandon Richardson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll admit it, going out to breakfast is one of my favorite pastimes \u2014 it is after all the most important meal of the day. If I was a rich girl<\/a>, I\u2019d dine out every day. For now, I get to go maybe once a week, so I have to spend my breakfast budget wisely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why I\u2019m a huge fan of this deal at Let\u2019s Yolk About It<\/strong>: $12 breakfast burrito (or burrito bowl) and coffee, Monday through Friday, 7 to 10 a.m. and all day Tuesday and Wednesday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for something ~fun~ try the veggie burrito bowl: Scrambled eggs, sweet potatoes, griddled onions, spinach, avocado and goat cheese. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro-tip: Get a side of the Tasty Tots<\/strong> with the vegetarian jalape\u00f1o gravy (can also be made vegan). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, can we take a moment to meditate on the breakfast quesadilla and the breakfast charcuterie board? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ubuntu<\/strong> – 335 Nieto Ave. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A selection of Ubuntu Cafe’s menu: the Smashed Avocado Toast (front), Bagel & Lox (left) and Strawberry Fields Ricotta Toast (right). Photo by Cheantay Jensen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This cafe is uniquely positioned across the street from the Colorado Lagoon<\/strong> \u2014 so you really have no excuse not to walk off your morning feast afterward. Also, I have a confession to make. I have not tried Ubuntu yet, but I have plans soon to do that with Hi-lo reporter Cheantay Jenson<\/strong>, who wrote this story<\/a> about their reopening in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And from her photos of their take on the proverbial, millennial-coded avocado toast, I already know I\u2019m going to have a Rachel McAdams <\/strong>moment when we go (sorry, Cheantay). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what she recommends: The Lentil & Potato Bowl<\/strong> with green lentils, Weiser Farms fingerling potatoes, Fresno chilies, an 8-minute egg, and she says to add Portuguese sausage. Plus, their omelets are prepared in the French style, which makes them a lot fluffier. They offer \u201cJUST\u201d vegan eggs as well, so you veggie-heads can participate too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And pups are invited \u2014 they offer a frozen yogurt and peanut butter snack for the doggos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I have to stop there because there are simply too many to list, but stay tuned for part two in the next few weeks. For you midday, big-hat-wearing egg boozers, we\u2019ll also dedicate a section to boozy brunch options with additional itineraries to follow after you stumble out of your meal \u2014 so look out for that newsletter at some point too. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until then, I\u2019ll be working on building my breakfast-brunch portfolio. Do you have recommendations for me? Email me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kat Schuster<\/strong> is the assistant editor for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her at kat@lbpost.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Long Beach does breakfast exceptionally well. Today, we\u2019re going to talk about the many (many, many) options.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":302,"featured_media":79406,"template":"","meta":{"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","inline_featured_image":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_":"","_author_alias":"","cap-aim":"","cap-description":"","cap-display_name":"","cap-first_name":"","cap-jabber":"","cap-last_name":"","cap-linked_account":"","cap-newspack_employer":"","cap-newspack_job_title":"","cap-newspack_phone_number":"","cap-newspack_role":"","cap-user_email":"","cap-user_login":"","cap-website":"","cap-yahooim":"","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_email_type":"","newspack_featured_image_position":"hidden","newspack_hide_page_title":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":"","newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_show_share_buttons":"","newspack_sponsor_byline_prefix":"","newspack_sponsor_disclaimer_override":"","newspack_sponsor_flag_override":"","newspack_sponsor_only_direct":"","newspack_sponsor_url":"","disable_auto_ads":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32199],"tags":[],"newspack_nl_advertiser":[],"coauthors":[9454],"class_list":["post-79404","newspack_nl_cpt","type-newspack_nl_cpt","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-off-the-clock","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_nl_cpt\/79404","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_nl_cpt"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/newspack_nl_cpt"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/302"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_nl_cpt\/79404\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79498,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_nl_cpt\/79404\/revisions\/79498"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79404"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_nl_advertiser","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_nl_advertiser?post=79404"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=79404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}