Restaurants

     

With apologies to the chicken, the egg comes first at the Broken Yolk Cafe. After all, the longtime restaurant’s slogan, “We’ve Got Huevos!” celebrates the egg in all its morning glory.

But eating is believing, so a quick bite at the Gaslamp Quarter location in downtown San Diego recently confirmed my thoughts about the establishment’s “eggs-cellent” culinary reputation. Needless to say (and this will be the final “eggs” pun), I was “eggs-static” when I saw the menu:

Poached, fried, scrambled, you name it, the Broken Yolk makes it. That includes omelets (though 20 favorites top the menu), which are prepared with four fresh eggs, and served with a choice of home fries, shredded hash browns, fresh fruit, Mexican rice or beans, and various muffin options. Of course, egg whites can always be substituted as well.

From the griddle, big Belgian waffles beckon both the eyes and stomach, with their strawberry or banana slices topped with delicate puffs of whipped cream. Fabulous flapjacks, ranging in many flavors including buttermilk, banana and blueberry, can surprisingly be ordered gluten-free. Still another sweet favorite, crepes, are served with Nutella, powdered sugar, more Nutella and whipped cream.

But that’s not all: South of the Border palates are respected with no less than 12 dishes devoted to huevos (rancheros, con chorizo), quesadillas, enchiladas and even authentic Tijuana street tacos.

While breakfast is served all day, the lunch menu makes for an impressive list as well. Topped by half-pound Angus burgers and 10 different sandwiches, it also features wraps, paninis, soups and salads. Wow!

But back to the Broken Yolk’s show-stopper, the egg. I ordered mine scrambled and I am pleased to pronounce they were flavorful and fluffy. Other than that, patrons sipping pomegranate mimosas looked delighted with their orders as well.

The Broken Yolk, whose original location is still open in Pacific Beach and has an airy rooftop patio, is celebrating 35 years of serving happy customers. Stop in at one of its 13 Southern California locations anytime between 6 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information or to make an order online, visit http://thebrokenyolkcafe.com/.