wait, where's the car?

drink and drive? not a good idea, but you can pretend when you're at the cadillac cafe in northeast portland.

we'll keep this short, because the wait there, was not. we waited about an hour for a table at the cozy little nook, with about a block full of people waiting to get in at 10 a.m. it was, in fact, worth it though. and the food comes really fast.

atmosphere: pink walls, 1980s patterned carpet, a pink cadillac (think elvis documentary-esque caddy) INSIDE the place, and a neon pink sign. very cute, very well themed. they even have a bar up front to get coffee, juice or cocktails while you wait. i should have had a cocktail.

food: delicious! they have this fabulous custard soaked frenchtoast with butter, hazelnuts, powdered sugar and syrup! YUM! and they boast the city's best chicken apple sausage. i concur. the potatoes, eggs and omlettes looked delicious and my friends and i finished all of our portions. the place also has drink specialties for brunch! from pear mimosas to kamikazes...you won't go thristy for long. coffee was delicious too.

service: fast, friendly, perfect.

the vroomvrooms: unique things. after all the places we've been, we're still being surprised. the staff here is really unorganized, but so nice amidst the mass chaos taking place!
the emergency breaks: you wait forever for your table.

trophy

our favorite brunch spot so far we decided today was gravy, hands down. decorated with colorful gravy boats adorning the walls, exposed raw wooden rafters, flowers, natural and ornate hanging lighting-- the place is quaint and very inviting. once in the door you have to put your name on a list that makes you feel like you just signed up for a five-year wait, but its only 45 minutes and SO worth it.

the food was outstanding! my two friends had salmon scrambles one with poached eggs, one with scrambled and they both ate until their stomachs hurt it was so flavorful and delicious. one had orange juice and one had a mimosa. the mimosas were generous portions and not too sweet, with just a little pulp. perfect! i had the creme brulee oatmeal with berries and house potatoes...OH. MY. GOODNESS. This oatmeal is one of the best things in exsistance. The top was crispy and sweet, and when you broke through there was a light layer of oatmeal and creme mixing with the powdered sugar and blueberries on top. under it all was a mixture of blackberries, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries with the oatmeal. the potatoes were out of this world. sauteed with onions and chives until a light brown all over. I'm drooling just writing this, how are you doing? haha.

we will definately go back.

the ups: amazing faire, pleasant staff, vibrant atmosphere, good balance of young people, parents and seniors.
the downs: 45 minute wait at least. 30minutes to get your food. but you'll see why, it's fabulous.

brunch binge

ugh. i am a poor excuse for a breakfast informant. let's catch up, shall we? over the past several weeks, there have been some disturbing, surprising and delicious breakfast discoveries.

So, briefly:
Izzys: Imagine a breakfast buffet + a pizza buffet...voila. your wildest dreams have just materialized. I found it a caloric delight, but if that's not your thing, go elsewhere. the woo-hoos: yum, dinner and breakfast finally get in bed together. the boo-hoos: the service is not so great, nor is the atmosphere or fellow brunchers if you not into screaming baby's and post-hangover misfits.

Gracies: Five star dining for anyone who's ready and willing! I am a huge fan of this little nook nestled in the heart of the Hotel DeLuxe (also home to the fabulously classy driftwood lounge and bar). The whole hotel is themed after old movies and this eatery is nothing short of perfect in it's role. The on-cues: Everything here is excellent. The service, the atmosphere, the bottomless mimosas and the array of dishes from vegetarian omlettes to peanutbutter and chocolate pancakes. The outtakes: None to speak of!

Sub Rosa: A quaint and prestine little spot with great light and clean colors. Bonus points for being down the street from Q is for choir. Awesome. the yum-yums: fantastic skillets, very flavorful and satisfying. their tea selection is also wonderful! fast and friendly service and the place wasn't even that packed (especially for that area of town). the hum-drums: small portions on the beverages and beverage refills weren't as speedy as you might like.

J&M Cafe: Will remind you of an adult version of your fifth grade camp cafeteria. very open, great parking, stumptown coffee whie you wait! cat's pajamas: fresh squeezed orange juice and a fabulous yet small selection of daily specials. the ginger butter with pecans on french toast is to die for. bummers: more than likely you'll sit at the bar if you want a seat quickly, it might take servers a little while to get to you. no mimosas.

Beaterville Cafe:quirky, funky rad atmosphere. themed after old, beat up cars, the walls, colors and menu were like mechanic meets beatnik...and then they had a wonderful breakfast. yays: large portions, fast service, strong coffee. unique menu items as well such as spinach, feta and sundried tomato scramble with home fries and toast. boos: they are popular. order fast and early or your dish might be missing some ingredients and might not be available (turkey and wheat toast = gone when we went).