Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/819918
Rise, Shine & Dine Breakfast Delights Around the Peninsula B Y V A N J A T H O M P S O N • P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y K E L L I U L D A L L t's an oft-repeated axiom that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I do know it's the most fun, and not just because of bacon and pancake smiley faces. There's something very comforting about the familiar music of coffee brewing, skillets sizzling, and the overlapping voices of groggy loved ones talking about the day's plans. And if there's nowhere to be, I can think of no better way to slowly start a day than lingering over a large casual breakfast…that I didn't make myself. Luckily, within just a few miles in every direction on the Peninsula, breakfast restaurants are plentiful. Among them are a few understated gems known mostly to locals—but I'm going to spill the (coffee) beans and share a few of my favorites. A trip to Toasties Café in Pacific Grove feels like visiting a dear aunt's country home where bunny, rooster and floral themed knick-knacks abound. The waiting area is a small separate room with local artists' framed prints and wicker loveseats, and children can explore a height- appropriate cupboard for their pick of loaner toys. Since opening shop here on Lighthouse Avenue with her husband Robert 26 years ago, Therese Yee has watched customers and servers grow up and, in turn, has watched their kids grow up. Her own grandkids can often be seen playing games and having breakfast at the counter. Several of the wait staff have worked at Toasties over 10 years, and Therese remembers waiting on some of the same customers "since day t's an oft-repeated axiom that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I do know it's the most fun, and not just because of bacon and pancake smiley faces. There's something very comforting about the familiar music of coffee brewing, skillets sizzling, and the overlapping voices of groggy loved ones I 178 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 7 At Toasties Café, located on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, diners have been enjoying breakfast treats for 26 years. Owners Therese and Robert Yee have toys for kids to enjoy while waiting for their order.