The Ole Plate, from The Train Depot, in Fresno, CA.

At 4 1/2 stars on Yelp, I figured we just had to try out The Train Depot for breakfast on a recent trip to California’s San Joaquin Valley. Yelp did not lead us astray. As soon as you walk in the door of this unassuming little cafe you know you’re in for a treat. I had the Ole Plate, which pits 3 scrambled eggs with chili sauce, cheese, tomatoes, and bell peppers thrown in to boot. It normally comes with potatoes, hashbrowns or “home style”, and the waitress informed me that I could split the potatoes into beans and potatoes. It’s got a bit of a kick, but nothing you can’t handle. Along with a side of toast, their homemade salsa, and some joe, and you’re set.

Enjoy!

– image © 2012 A R Lopez

The Oklahoma Skillet, from Flappy Jack’s Pancake House, in Orange, CA.

The foundation of this monster breakfast is a thick layer of fried potatoes, followed by a heapin’ helpin’ of bacon, cheese, and scrambled eggs. The best way to attack this bad boy is from the top down – that way, after you’ve filled up, and you still have lots of potatoes left, you simply take them home.

Enjoy!

– image © 2012 A R Lopez

The Mark Twain Breakfaste plate at the River Belle Terrace, in Disneyland.

The Mark Twain breakfast includes scrambled eggs, homestyle potatoes, bacon, and a biscuit. It’s an excellent start to the day, whether the day will include hiking all over Disneyland, or simply stopping by for a taste of familiar sights.

Enjoy!

– image © 2011 A R Lopez

Diced Ham and Scrambled Eggs, from Paula’s Pancake House, in Solvang, CA. Yes, I know, ordering ham and eggs at a Danish pancake house in the middle of the Danish-themed town of Solvang might be considered an unpardonable act – but I prefer breakfasts with more savory substance that help carry me through a day of sightseeing.

I first tried the diced ham (or bacon) and scrambled eggs plate last December and really enjoyed it. I tend to go for hashbrowns and wheat toast (unless the establishment has killer biscuits) along with my eggs. Cheese is also mixed in this scramble, which helps bind the whole conglomeration together. A bit over-priced, in my opinion, but just about everything in this locale (wine country near Santa Barbara, CA) is.

Enjoy!

– image © 2011 A R Lopez

The Missouri Skillet, from Flappy Jack’s Pancake House, in Orange, CA.

A Route 66 roadhouse that is off of Route 55… oh well. The Missouri Skillet combines loads of potatoes, two eggs, ham, bacon, tomatoes and onions topped with Monterey jack and cheddar cheese. Yowser! Toast or pancakes side, and I always add some coffee. A very tasty combination of savory breakfast flavors in this dish. Be forewarned, however, you’ll have leftover potatoes for the family!

Enjoy!

– image © 2011 A R Lopez

I recently watched Rebel Without a Cause, for the first time, and decided to highlight a breakfast in Paso Robles because of it. Why Paso Robles? It’s near the spot where James Dean crashed his Porsche and died.

Vic’s Cafe is a little spot nestled away in the old town section of Paso Robles, a community with a rich cattle heritage that now also sports an upscale wine industry. The simple plate of bacon and eggs comes with hash browns and toast. Add the requisite coffee and you’re set!

Enjoy!

– image © AR Lopez

Breakfast Burrito at Pepe’s, in Fullerton, CA.

We discovered this little gem about a year ago, after a photowalk at the Fullerton Arboretum. In my opinion, this is one of the best breakfast burritos in Orange County. A healthy mix of egg, along with potatoes, cheese, beans, bacon, and sauce / salsa. I usually hold the beans as I think they can overpower the handhold-ability of the burrito. And I typically order the salsa on the side. I really like the fact that these puppies have a generous amount of egg, not attempting to pass off a potatoe filled burrito as your breakfast. Also, the bacon is crisp and very evident.

Enjoy!

– image © 2010 AR Lopez