Mama's Royal Cafe, Mill Valley
This weekend I am on a course in Sausalito and Tom came along for the ride. Of course he brought his camera along but so far has not been able to use it because of the rain. I do not know how he is going to entertain himself today while I am working.
Once again, I checked out Anna’s Cool Finds to see where to eat and she came up trumps. Mama’s Royal Cafe is an absolute treasure but how to best describe it is going to be a challenge, but I’ll do my best.
The cafe is set back from the road but look out for the brightly colored sandwich board on the sidewalk. Parking is minimal so get there early (they open at 7.30 am.) Outside are few tables under cover and on a sunny day or even a dry one, it would be nice to sit outside but the inside is not to be missed.
There is just one booth and no stools at the counter so not your normal diner. All the tables are covered with a thick, plastic cover which sounds dreadful but every one is different and patterned with vibrantly colored fruit. The chairs are a complete mishmash – Tom and I sat on garden benches.
But the biggest impact to the eye is the walls, which are literally covered with a huge assortment of paintings, photos, posters and curios. For instance, within touching distance of where we sat were a photo of an old boat; paintings of a mermaid, an ocean liner, James Dean, a huge swan with a woman on its back, an elephant and a green plant. At the end of the table is a mural of an idyllic sandy beach with palm trees. There is more! A huge wooden mask, a wooden parrot on a swing and an oversize white cup and saucer.
One wall on the other side of the cafe is dedicated to Marilyn Monroe. Nearby is a cutout of a nun with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth and a sign which says ‘Nun Smoking Area’. Other curious objects which caught my eye – a four foot giraffe with a lei around its neck and above our booth, fixed to the ceiling, four place settings decorated with pineapples and flowers complete with knives and forks.
Must mention the pillars – each one is painted differently - palm tree, pencil, Egyptian hieroglyphics (plus Charlie Brown) and a red, white and blue striped one which I thought represented a stick of rock (you’ve got to be English to understand that) or a barber’s pole but probably meant to be patriotic.
I could go on and on but the primary reason we are here is for the food. The menu is an art form all of its own. The Benedicts looked tempting but I asked about oatmeal – which was not on the menu. The server, who was the only person we saw, though I’m sure there must have been someone in the kitchen cooking, said they did have oatmeal. I asked for it with raisins and banana ($6.95). Tom ordered a bacon and cheddar omelet (8.25).
It didn’t take long before the food arrived but that was probably because I was so fascinated at looking at my surroundings. The oatmeal came in a large, deep, round bowl on a decorated plate. The sliced bananas and raisins were on top. Milk was already on the table. Tom said his omelet was good with lots of bacon and my oatmeal was great and hot into the bargain. The oatmeal was coarse cut, so nice and hearty.
Now my trip to the restroom. On the way there I passed a very nice secluded booth. The thee walls were covered with a mural depicting Rick’s Café Américain from the movie, “Casablanca”.
The bathrooms are down a rather gloomy passage. I had high expectations that it would be as richly decorated as the restaurant but was hugely disappointed. The room was large and rather tatty and it was completely bereft of any adornment whatsoever. Even the pillar in the center of the room was painted a stark white.
For a real funky experience, we would highly recommend Mama’s Royal Cafe.
Mama’s Royal Café
393 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 388-3261
February 25 2010 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Bette's Oceanview Diner
It was a very foggy day and driving was difficult in places. It was a ‘Spare the Air’ day – no wood burning allowed in the Bay Area until midnight.
We are returning to Bette’s Oceanview Diner in Berkeley as it has been a couple of years since we were last here (here’s our take on the place from 2007). The lights outside were a beacon and very welcoming. Inside it was bright and cheerful with music playing softly in the background.
There were people waiting so we thought there would be a wait but we were in luck as there were two places at the counter. They were the best seats in the house as we had a ringside seat of the chefs in action and it was a pleasure to watch them. The two chefs coordinated well. Everything was very organized.
Coffee was soon served and our orders taken. Apart from one thing, nothing much has changed with the decorations since our last visit. The color scheme, the pictures and the small jukeboxes on the counter and tables were the same. The one thing missing was the huge slice of pie hanging from the ceiling. In its place were Christmas decorations. Tom asked the cashier about the pie and was told that it would be going back up the next day when the decorations were taken down.
To actually see our order being prepared was a novelty. Tom had crab cakes with poached eggs and country fries (this was on the specials list and we didn’t make a note of the price). Instead of an English Muffin he ordered a blueberry muffin. I could have nothing else but oatmeal of course ($4.95) because they use steel cut oats here. The oatmeal was ladled into the bowl (the same large shallow bowl with a green rim as before) then brown sugar and raisins were sprinkled on top. By the time it arrived in front of me, the sugar had melted and the raisins glistened.
The food was delicious and satisfying.
The one uni-sex restroom is straight off the diner. Over the door is a fish sculpture and a sign which says Toiltten. Inside the same pink tiles and chrome strip but no pictures. Where were the pictures taken on the moon and Mars?
Our conclusion – definitely a great place for breakfast but get there early.
Bette’s Oceanview Diner
1807 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
February 09 2010 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Alice's Restaurant at the Corner of Hwy 84 & Skyline
We have often passed Alice’s Restaurant but never ventured inside. Normally we see it on our way home from the coast, when the car park is packed with motor bikes. This time we decided to have breakfast there and as it doesn’t open until 8, we set out a bit later.
After an exhilarating drive up 84 to Skyline Blvd, we arrived at Alice’s. There were a few motorbikes already in the car park but cars outnumbered the bikes. It is a wooden building and probably has not been altered much since it was built. There are steps up to a wooden deck on which picnic type tables and benches had set out. The outdoor heaters were being started up but too cold for me outside at the moment. On the edge of the deck, attached to a pole and overlooking the car park and the first thing I saw as I got out of the car, was a wonderful metal owl with outspread wings.
Inside we were greeted and told to sit where we liked. We picked a booth next to the window, which overlooked the deck and car park. What struck me most about the seat was its cover. It was originally hide but most of the hair has been worn away with use. The tables was very narrow. Tom and I played footsie the whole time. At the counter were seven low stools which were also covered in hide but these had obviously been recovered in the recent past because the hair had not been worn away.
Tom ordered a Joe’s Special $8.95 and I asked for the oatmeal with fruit $5.50. On the front of the menu was a short history of Alice’s. It was constructed in the early 1900’s. At the time it was a general store to support the local logging industry. The area was called Four Corners. In the 1950’s it became a restaurant. Alice Taylor bought it in the 1960’s and named it after herself and the Arlo Guthrie song. It has been a favorite stop for bikers, cyclists and hikers for many years. Alice’s Restaurant and adjacent buildings were bought in the 1970’s and has been family run ever since.
I then had time to take a look around and it was very pleasing. Looking closer at the windows I realized they were also doors. Presumably when the days are warmer they can all be opened. To the side of the restaurant is a covered deck with a view over the garden. The whole wall behind the counter is covered with photos, adverts (mostly biker orientated) and several comic signs. One said:
‘Drink Coffee
Do Stupid Things Faster with More Energy’
and yet another:
‘Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beerholder’
Music was playing in the background. I half expected to hear ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ being played at some point but it didn’t happen. The place was vibrant with lively chatter and everybody looked relaxed and cheerful.
My oatmeal was served on a large shallow bowl on top of a blue and white paper plate inside a green plastic basket. The bowl was filled to the brim with oatmeal with very little room for milk. The top was covered with sliced strawberries and bananas. It came with no milk but a jug was brought to me when I asked for it. The Joe’s Special came on a large round plate and looked really good – plenty of cheese and spinach. Everything tasted great. Tom said it was a good breakfast and I agreed with him.
The restrooms were outside in a separate block and can best be described as basic. Originally the ladies’ restroom had a shower in it because there was a raised area at one end and a pipe sticking out of the wall near the ceiling. Now the baby changing facilities are situated in that area. There were white net curtains at the window and they were filthy. On the walls were several pictures including one of a girl on a motor scooter. There were also things written on the wall and one of them caught my attention. It said – ‘I took the road less traveled….now where the hell am I?
Our conclusion on Alice’s Restaurant – a great place to go for breakfast and we will visit again.
Alice’s Restaurant
Corner of Hwy 84 & Skyline
January 26 2010 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Once again we consulted Anna’s Cool Finds to find somewhere for breakfast on our way to Point Reyes. Last time we went to Bubba’s Diner on San
Comforts Cafe in San Anselmo
Anselmo Avenue and this time we picked Comforts Cafe, which is on the same street.
We used our new Garman (we’ve named it Camilla for her British accent) to find the place. This upgraded GPS offers a lot more refinements; better directions with exit numbers off freeways, names of streets, speed limits and it shows the actual speed we are traveling. Camilla deposited us right outside Comforts Cafe.
Comforts is a large, double fronted deli with a cafe at the side. There are seats outside under the awning. On week days it opens at 6.30 for takeaways and the cafe opens at 8.30. We timed it perfectly for opening time of the cafe.
The cafe is not large but it is bright and modern. Soft music played in the background. The tables are small and Formica topped. A padded bench runs along the walls on either side. At the counter there are four stools.
The menu is different with an interesting range of brunch choices. There was oatmeal on the list but I decided on the Comforts homemade granola with yogurt and seasonal fresh fruit ($7.50). Tom chose buttermilk griddle cakes served with real maple syrup and sausages ($11.45).
There were five pictures on the wall - opposite the entrance were two next to each other of green apples and near the counter were two more pictures of fruit, and a large oil painting of a street scene. Set on the back wall were three deep alcoves with ceramic pots in two of them and a pot plant in the lower one.
The napkins on the table were very nice. Although made of paper, they were large and thick. They also had the Comforts logo on them and underneath is written ‘Fine City and Homestyle Food.
The food is very good. My granola contained black and golden raisins, cashew nuts, coconut, almonds and pumpkin seeds. The furit wa sliced banana and strawberries. It was crummy. Tom enjoyed his griddle cakes and sausage. The coffee was $2.25 and he pronounced it as ‘good’.
Our server was cheerful friendly and efficient. What more can anybody ask?
There were two seperate restrooms. The one I chose (and I’m sure they are both very similar) was very good. The first thing I noticed when I opened the door was the pleasant smell. It was clean and the water was hot. There was one large picture on the wall of some persimmons In the corner was an antique drop leaf table with an unusual yellow orchid in a pot. All very pleasing.
On my way back to the table I took a look at the food for sale in the deli counter. Lots of yummy looking dishes. If you are passing this way and need something for dinner, this is a good place to shop. Oh, you lucky people in San Anselmo.
Yes, this is definitely somewhere I can’t wait to come back to.
Comforts Cafe
335 San Anselmo Avenue
San Anselmo, CA 94960
December 28 2009 | Breakfast Log | 2 Comments »
The West Portal Squat and Gobble in San Francisco
We are on our way to Twin Peaks today and passed this breakfast place en route. Who could resist such a name?
The Squat and Gobble is right next to the Muni west portal tunnel, right on the corner of Portola West and Vicente. There are little tables and wrought iron chairs outside. Inside it is large and bright with soft guitar music playing in the background.
(Click on the image for a larger version)
The first thing you see as you walk in the door is a huge blackboard with their whole, extensive, menu written up, inter-spaced with colorful drawings of the food. Here you choose and pay for your food before you find a table and sit down, clutching your order number on its little stand in your hand.
Tom ordered the Triple Gobbler, which consisted of two pancakes, two eggs and two apple sausages for $9.25. There was granola on the board but no oatmeal. I did ask if they did oatmeal and was told they did. Great. I was also asked if I wanted it made with water or milk. This made me question whether it is made straight out of a packet and heated in a microwave. They assured me it wasn’t so I went for it. I was tempted by the choice of pancakes but resisted.
A long padded bench is fixed along the outside wall and the tables are small but can be pushed together. Covering the whole of one wall is a mural showing food in the foreground, including a bottle of Squat and Gobble wine, and a a scenic view in the background. There is a back section as well where they have framed pictures on the wall of food.
Tom’s coffee was brought first and he was impressed. It was good and strong. He thought it was as good as Peet’s. Then the food arrived and there was plenty of it. Tom’s came on a big white plate and my oatmeal in a very large glass bowl on a round white plate. It was topped with a liberal serving of bananas and strawberries. I had asked for mine to be made with milk so no milk came separately. I asked for and received a small jug of milk. The oatmeal had cinnamon on it and was good. There was too much for me to eat it all and I left some. That’s a first for me!
The restroom was one of the better ones. It was large and clean with plenty of hot water. There was one picture on the wall of a couple dancing. In the corner was a potted plant on a nice stand. The mirror was large and I liked the matt silver frame.
Our conclusion – lots of food, quick efficient service, pleasant surroundings and the food was good. Would we come here again? Yes and next time I’ll have the pancakes.
Squat and Gobble
1 W Portal Ave
San Francisco, CA
December 05 2009 | Breakfast Log | 2 Comments »
After our stop at Pomponio State Beach, it was time for breakfast and we headed for the only place between here and Santa Cruz – Gazos Grill -
Gazos Grill along the San Mateo Coast
which is halfway between Pigeon Point and Ano Nuevo. We had to slow down as we were passing the lighthouse and then stop for a roadblock. There was a sign warning of a bike race taking place and Highway 1 was down to one lane for a short stretch. Sure enough, there were lots of cyclists and the lighthouse was the turnaround point.
Due to the number of cyclists on the road we had to be careful pulling into the car park of Gazos Grill. There were several people along the way watching the race and at least one photographer sporting a big lens. When I got home I checked online to see what the bike race was all about. Apparently it was Big Kahuna Half Ironman Distance. It was due to start with a 1.2 mile swim around the wharf in Santa Cruz starting at 7 am but due to heavy fog it was cancelled. The 56 mile bike ride and the 13.6 run went ahead though.
The last time we visited Gazos Grill we back in November 2007. Then we were the only customers. Today it was reasonably busy thanks to the bike race I expect.
We picked one of the high tables in the window with a restricted view of the ocean but a good place to watch the bikes racing by.
There was no oatmeal on the menu but I remembered from last time that is is available sometimes. When the server came to take our order I asked and today it was available so, of course, that’s what I requested. With fruit it is $5.95. I also had toast ($1.75). Tom ordered the San Gregorio Eggs Benedict which came with smoked salmon ($14.95).
Gazos Grill used to go by the name of the Beach House and the sign is still outside. It is a large restaurant separated into two sections. Some evenings they have bands playing and over the next few weeks there are several dances and parties planned.
There are no booths or a counter so not your typical diner. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The place is adorned with a vast array of pictures and posters of lighthouses, whales, elephant seals and all things nautical. In fact, lighthouses seem to be the main theme. On one wall there is a vast net hanging on the wall with fish and shellfish sculptures fixed to it. On each table was a single, almost fresh, flower in a vase and a small pumpkin.
The oatmeal came in a large round bowl with sliced strawberries and bananas. The milk came in a very small brown ceramic jug . There was not enough milk so halfway through the meal I asked for some more, which was promptly brought to me.
The restrooms are on the far side of the restaurant and although pretty standard as far as basic facilities were concerned they were lavishly decorated with pictures. The nautical theme was carried through from the restaurant. There was a laminated poster of coral pinned to the wall, a colored photo of a local beach and a rather tatty picture of mussels taped to another wall. There were also six framed pictures of beach scenes and one of the ‘I Love Lucy Show’, which, of course, has nothing to do with anything nautical. Next to the wash basin was a jug with a fish on the front. Last time there was also an easy chair here but missing this time. One other comment, the water was brownish in color.
Our conclusion – on the plus side it’s in a convenient location and it’s interestingly decorated and my oatmeal was good with ample fruit but on the negative side, Tom said his eggs could have been cooked a bit more as they were a bit runny and on the whole the food is a bit expensive.
Gazos Grill
5720 Cabrillo Highway 1
Pescadero, CA 94060
November 30 2009 | Breakfast Log | Comments Off
Alma's River Cafe on a foggy Sacramento Delta morning
After a wonderful night’s sleep, Tom was up at 6 to walk round Locke to take some early morning photos. When he returned he mentioned he saw lots of bats flying back to their day time roosts in the attics of houses. Unfortunately he didn’t manage to get any photos of them.
One of the questions we had asked Deborah yesterday was where we could get breakfast I had looked online and had found nothing. She told us of Alma’s in Walnut Grove, which is only a mile away. So that’s where we headed to at 8 am. In the half an hour since Tom had got back from his walk, fog had descended but we are both convinced it won’t be here for long. The river looked really pretty in the fog though.
Alma’s was easy to find, just a few steps away from Mel’s Mocha & Ice Cream and overlooking the river, hence the name. On the window were painted bold palm trees with a swirl of blue and white underneath each to represent the sea, so the place is easy to spot.
Inside it was small, clean and inviting. A pretty, young girl greeted us and told us we could sit anywhere. She also took our order and served us.
There was just one other customer when we arrived but several more locals turned up while we were there. The place has a really friendly feel about it. As I said, it is small with only five tables seating four people and one with seating for two. Lots of room at the long counter though with a total of 10 stools.
On our way to Alma’s, Tom asked if I was hungry, especially after our big meal last night, I said I could eat a bowl of oatmeal. It has been some time since we have been anywhere where oatmeal has been offered but I got lucky today. I ordered it with bananas $5 and toast for $1.20. Tom ordered the chorizo scramble $6.75.
The decor is understated with just a couple of photos of skiers and some advertising plaques. One painting is hidden behind the cold cabinet so have no idea what the subject matter was.
Our food was served promptly. Tom asked for his hash browns to be extra crisp and that is what he got. My oatmeal came in a pretty round bowl and there was plenty of oatmeal inside. The sugar, raisens and sliced bananas came in individual ceramic bowls and the milk in a large stainless steel jug with a lid. The oatmeal was hot too – just as I like it. Excuse me while I enjoy this delicious breakfast.
Of course, no breakfast would be complete without a trip to the restroom. The restroom itself was unadorned. The water was nice and hot though. The restaurant may not have had a lot of decoration but the corridor leading to the restroom was a different matter. There was plenty to look at: a large oil painting of the sky (I think); black and white photos – 3 of Marilyn Monro, one of a car and a motor cycle near the San Francisco auto ferry (long since defunct) and one of nine children and a dog from the early ’50s I’m guessing; plus two lst place speedway trophies on each side of a color photo of the winning car.
Summing up our visit, Tom said his scramble was not spectacular but enjoyable. I thought my oatmeal was great. Would we go again? The answer is more than likely. Alma’s is friendly, the service could not be faulted and the food was good. Another plus factor was the price which turned out to be very reasonable.
Alma’s River Cafe
14147 River Rd
Walnut Grove, CA 95690
October 29 2009 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Our choice for breakfast was the Irving Street Cafe. Leaving The Spire in the Pesidio, we drove along Aguello Blvd, through the Gold Gate Park and
Irving Street Cafe, San Francisco
somehow found ourselves on Irving Street.
Irving Street Cafe has a rather grand green awning over the sidewalk but the interior is far from grand. In fact it is dimly lit, tiny and basic. Not only that but it was packed. We did manage to find one empty table. There are just two tables in the window, six sets of tables and chairs along the wall and 9 stools at the counter. It was bustling and lively though and obviously a favorite of the locals.
There was no oatmeal on the menu. When did I last have oatmeal when we were out for breakfast I wonder? Moan, moan. The menu is also basic and the specials are under the glass top of the table. This is a typical greasy spoon so I went the whole hog and ordered Chicken-Apple Sausage Omelet ($5). Tom ordered the Ground Sirloin Egg Platter ($6). Tom had water to drink and, for a change, I ordered hot chocolate (without the whipped cream).
While we waited (and waited and waited) for the food to arrive, I studied the surroundings. There were pictures on the walls but it was an odd assortment – two of vases of flowers; three Ansel Adams black and white prints; five signed photos, one of Chewbacca from Star Wars (presumably signed by Peter Mayhew), one of two boxers fighting in the ring, one of two unidentified twin girls, one of Robin William and the last but not least of Chris Isaak; and a large poster of a pop star who we did not recognize.
After half an hour our food finally arrived. By then I had long finished my hot chocolate which, by the way, was not that tasty and I guess it came straight from a sachet. I must say though that it was worth the wait as the food was good. The hash browns were really crispy and Tom said his eggs were done just right. The proof of the pudding, as they say, was that there was nothing left on our plates but a coating of grease and, in Tom’s case, a smear of egg yolk.
The restroom though was a different matter. I was not expecting much and that it what I got. To get to it, one has to walk through the prep area. Inside it is extremely grubby so I just washed my hands. There was one interesting article in there and that was an old 8oz container of sour cream which, on investigation, contained a dried up dish sponge. The only other bit of decoration was the plunger on the floor in the corner.
Would we come here again. Yes definitely. The food was wonderful and the prices unbelievable. I just won’t venture into the restroom again.
Irving Street Cafe
716 Irving Steet, San Francisco, CA 94122
October 23 2009 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Wharf House Restaurant in Capitola, California
The Wharf House Restaurant is located at the end of the wharf in Capitola. It opens at 8 am on a Sunday and we arrived about 8.15. On the roof is a patio seating area, complete with umbrellas but it didn’t appear to be open. Maybe it will be later in the day. What fun to sit out there on a lovely day and watch all the activity going on not only on the wharf itself but also on the beach and out on the water.
Inside is a bar with a large seating area behind. We waited a few moments to be seated and were lead to our table at the end, looking out over the anglers at the end of the pier. The menu is large but includes the lunch and dinner choices. I searched in vain for oatmeal and even asked the server but was out of luck again. Tom chose the Eggs Sardou which were poached eggs covered with Hollandaise sauce on artichoke crowns and spinach for $11.95 and for me a Crab Omelette for $10.95. The coffee was $2.
The interior, as to be expected, is definitely nautical. Driftwood, fishing nets, wooden & rope covered buoys of all descriptions lined the walls. Suspended from the ceiling were a kayak, a rudder and a large wooden crab pot. There were no booths, just tightly packed wooden tables and chairs.
The food looked really substantial and attractive when it was served to us and it tasted just as good as it looked. Both our meals came with home fries and an orange muffin and we both agreed that the food was yummy though I was not too keen on the muffin. For me it was too sweet and just not what I’m used to eat at breakfast time. I managed to eat half of it and Tom very gallantly finished it off for me.
There were no signs to the restroom so asked one of the servers and was told that there public restrooms outside. Decided not to pay a visit to them but Tom did and was not at all impressed.
Our verdict – the decoration was a tad over the top but the food was great and the location second to none.
Wharf House Restaurant
1400 Wharf Rd
Capitola, CA 95010
Honest now, you’re not going to get wet. There’s a wharf there really!
September 10 2009 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
Bubba's Diner in San Anselmo, California
We were heading to Fairfax so, as usual, I checked the internet for somewhere to eat in the area. I came across a brilliant site called Anna’s Cool Finds with over 100 places to eat breakfast in Marin County. We were spoilt for choice but plopped for Bubba’s Diner in San Anselmo. The only other place we have had breakfast in San Anselmo is Easy Street Cafe in the Red Hill Shopping Center. I noticed it is not on Anna’s Cool Finds – I wonder why?
Our GPS got us to the right place and Tom and I were so surprised to find ourselves in downtown San Anselmo. We have always driven straight through and never realized such an interesting place existed just a stone’s throw from Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Lots of cool shops and several places to eat. Parking at just after 8 on a Saturday morning was readily available. As we walked towards Bubba’s Diner we could hear rather loud music which was coming from the diner but it was more subdued inside thank goodness.
The decor inside is red, white and the occasional black tile and the booths are bright red. It is your typical American diner but not very big at all. There are eight stools at the counter; one big booth in the window, four booths seating four people; two tables and chairs inside and two outside on the sidewalk. There was a sign up sheet just inside and a sign saying ‘Please wait to be seated’. but as there were very few customers, the server told us to sit where wherever we wanted. We chose a booth with a sign saying it was ‘Alex and Jean’s Booth’. It was supposed to be for four people but it would be a tight squeeze. Tom and I played footsie under the table the whole time.
The menu is adequate and there is a sheet of specials. Tom chose the Chorizo Y Huevos Scramble from the specials list for $12.95. No oatmeal at all so I chose the large bowl of fresh fruit for $6.95 plus a round of toast for $1.50. Tom had coffee, which he said was very good by the way, and I just had the water.
Each table was equipped with a wide range of condiments. Apart from the sugar – both package and pourable, the bowl of half and half milk cartons, Heinz tomato ketchup, Heinz pourable mustard and the cartons of preserves, there were 3 Beaver mustards – Deli, Sweet Hot and Jalapeno, plus a Beaver Cream Horseradish.
The walls are covered with several old coca cola signs but predominantly with all manner of adverts with Bubba in the title including two framed T-shirts, one from Bubbs’ Pub in Palm Springs and one from Bubba’s Used Cars in Islanton, South Carolina. Just over Tom’s shoulder I could see a framed photo of a sign from South Georgia saying ‘Elect H M “Bubba” Roberts Sheriff”.
Tom’s chorizo scramble came with home fries, fresh salsa and guacamole with corn tortillas on the side. The server also brought three different bottles of hot sauces. They obviously go for hot spicy food here. I was a bit disappointed with my fresh fruit. I’m sure it was fresh but it was not the crisp, clean slices or segments with bright purple grapes I was expecting. To me it looked wet and mushy. It wasn’t very colorful either with its cubes of water melon, pineapple, mango and papya. Some of the bits were very small as well. It tasted OK though.
To get to the restroom you have to walk through the prep area. I did not have high expectations of the facilities but was very pleasantly surprised. It was clean and functional but the items hanging on the wall made this a special place. Two were dedicated to the Statue of Liberty plus there was a cookie tin with the top of the Statue of Liberty embossed on the bottom of each hole. There was a cartoon strip about someone with bad breath and two notices – one forbidding spitting and the other advertising for grape stompers but they must have large feet and good balance. My favorite though was a Gail Goodwin poster of five kids sitting in a diner booth and, guess what, the diner is Bubba’s. One other sign which caused me to come away with a smile on my face and this I almost missed. It was on the top of the paper towel dispenser and it said more or less (I didn’t have my notebook with me so I’m not a hundred percent certain that I’ve remembered it correctly) ‘All employees, even if you are considering becoming an employee of Bubba’s or a family member of an employee of Bubba’s or dating an employee of Bubba’s, must wash their hands. Everybody else can decide for themselves.’ Definitely an amusing visit.
Now for the verdict. The food was tasty, though the appearance of mine was disappointing and the prices were a bit steep but the coffee was good. Service perfectly acceptable and surroundings pleasing. Would we come here again? Probably.
Bubba’s Diner
566 San Anselmo Ave
San Anselmo CA 94960
August 24 2009 | Breakfast Log | 1 Comment »
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