South Bay Breakfast

Breakfast is like a pair of old shoes. It's a comfortable meal. A little boring, pretty worn out and only complete with the familiar aroma of coffee and bacon. Trying something new for breakfast can be like squeezing your foot into hard tight leather that still needs a few weeks of blister building stretching before it feels right. And so I present to you a couple of comfortable old shoes for breakfast.

Misto Caffe - Yeah, I know it's spelled like it should be on 3rd and La Cienega, but it's on Hawthorne just up the hill from PCH. Hardly an exclusive neighborhood, unless Texaco, Bob's pool supply, and Michiko's Hair Salon are on someone's "A" list. True this is where middle class Torrance passes off to wealthy Palos Verdes, so maybe that explains the spelling. Misto is also hidden from the street in a little mini mall that features a number of businesses for suburbanites who have just a little too much money on their hands (a jewelry store, interior design office, hair salon, knitting shop, etc.). It's easy to miss, but when you hit Palos Verdes Blvd. turn back - you've gone too far.

If weather permits (when does weather not permit in LA?) sit on the patio. Misto is primarily a bakery so you'll love the mini-muffins and scones they bring - gratis. The fact is, I love Eggs Benedict and most any Benedict-like variation. For me Misto is a breakfast heaven. Eggs Benedict, Sirloin Medallion Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, Salmon Benedict, Vege Benedict... it's crazy. Anything that they can fit on an English Muffin. And they're all good. I've tried them all. Hitomi usually has an omelet. They do the basics - salmon omelet, Mediterranean Omelet, Vege Omelet, whatever... and they're never a disappointment either. The service is always good, and those little muffins are the little muffin rulers! in my book Misto Scores 4 old shoes.

The Admiral Risty - Out where Hawthorne Blvd. Meets the Pacific Ocean, there is a nearly forgotten strip mall that features the Starbucks with the best view in LA County. Next door you'll find the Admiral Risty - Average age: 60+, average car in the parking lot:
Lincoln Continental, or 1980's Caddy. The Admiral Risty is only open Sunday for brunch, and no one seems to know about it. You're likely to get a table in front of the window. The view is unobstructed ocean, what could be better for your digestion? (the picture is from their website - I didn't take it) The service here is old school. the people are small town friendly and pretty attentive. The coffee is actually fresh ground. They serve banana bread or like breads for appetizers and the menu rides the thin line between breakfast and lunch (it is Brunch after all, isn't it?) I always get the seafood crepes, because I find I am really just a creature of habit. They're good though. Hitomi usually opts for lunch and tends to lean toward the Seared Ahi. That's good too! Yup Risty for brunch is another 4 old shoe experience.

The Admiral Risty, 31250 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes

Misto Caffe 24558 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505