My mate asked a favor. It involved getting up earlier than usual and following him to the repair shop so he could drop off his Jetta.” Sure, why not.” I must not have looked too enthusiastic, as he added “I’ll take you out for breakfast!” Great!

I had a few days to plan out where…we do love our brunch on the weekends, but on a weekday… hmmm where to go? I polled several “locals” and here are suggestions that were made.

“Colonial Pantry!” No hesitation, the comment was from a 30-something guy at my health club. He is the picture of health and fitness, so it was hard to imagine him tucking into Country Gravy, crispy fried hash browns, eggs, sausage and never-ending coffee! There is something to be said for solid, well-cooked plain good food. Service is brisk and super friendly. I guess a 30-year-old can easily burn off the calories too! He also mentioned the Pecan Waffle as a favorite. Located at 9627 Firdale Ave., in the Firdale village.

Next on the most recommended list was Claire’s Restaurant, at 301 E. Main St. in downtown Edmonds. When my mother-in-law comes to visit this is her favorite too! They serve breakfast “All Day, Every Day” and have eggs, any style, paired with every conceivable type of meat, all accompanied by their homemade hash browns and toast.

Chanterelle, at 316 Main St., is called out by a “well-known travel celeb” as Edmonds’ unofficial gathering spot. Casual bistro atmosphere with a myriad of breakfast options, but you may want to take a friend along to share. I have yet to get around an entire portion of their truly especially amazing omelets! Coffee here is wonderful and keeps diners lingering, to get just one more cup.

Craving pancakes? The Pancake Haus, tucked in next to the IGA on 5th, is another wonder in our community. The German ambience is fun, the flapjacks are great and the family atmosphere is mentioned repeatedly as a plus. Kids love the pancakes that are “as big as their faces!” Favorites mentioned are the sourdough and buckwheat cakes. The German apple pancake is amazing and sent me straight to the treadmill at my club, but so worth it! YUM!

Fresh coffee from beans roasted on premise? Red Twig Bakery Café at 117 5th Ave. S. had my vote for our breakfast outing. Steamed eggs in their scramble are so light and fluffy that it gave me permission to nibble on the side of crispy potatoes and the whole-grain toast that accompany them. Fresh-baked pastries are hard-to-resist temptations, and the cinnamon rolls must be part of the “deal” for whomever owns this establishment! I was introduced to the gigantic gooey wheels at this very location, formerly called Brusseau’s, almost 20 years ago. The metabolism needed to burn the calories has slowed but they still appeal, I just need to share one… with several friends.

Wondering where we finally wound up on an early morning in Edmonds? Since it was his treat, I let my honey pick. Rusty Pelican, at 107 5th Ave. N. — open right on the dot of 8 a.m. — was his choice. He wanted to be “good” and stick to his heart-healthy diet. The “healthy choice menu” items like oatmeal or yogurt could be a good fit. He totally caved when he saw the California scramble. But avocados are “healthy fat” or at least better for him than the Hollandaise on my spinach Eggs Benedict. The still-crisp spinach tucked under perfectly poached eggs was very healthy. The side of fruit instead of crisped potatoes scored some points too.

Since I didn’t truly get to go to my favorite spot, I will have to tinker around in the garage, under the VW’s hood… so I’ll have another opportunity to be treated to breakfast again!

Shhhh! Please don’t tell!
Kathy

P.S. Readers, if I’ve missed your favorite spot for a quick bite and great cup of coffee that start off your week day, give me details at
restaurantnews@myedmondsnews.com

– By Kathy Passage

A specialty gourmet food broker for over 30 years, Kathy Passage has in-depth knowledge on food and the special qualities of ingredients used in the exquisite products she helped bring to market. Kathy brings this unique perspective from the “other side of the plate” to writing about the food and restaurant scene in Edmonds.