"Going to eat the best french toast in the entire world!"
A simple post on pownce. A throw away line, I'm sure. Hundreds probably looked at it without giving it a thought.
Turns out she was talking about Country View in Mountain View, CA.
Me? I was immediately transported to EJ's Luncheonette in New York.
First a bit of background is probably in order. I'll keep it brief.
I love breakfast and breakfast foods. I love my weekends because my
wonderful wife treats us to a culinary morning masterpiece. Breakfast for dinner is one of my favorite options. In fact, I believe that breakfast isn't just for breakfast any more.
We often vacation in New York (trips typically centered around Allman Brothers or Gov't Mule concert runs). Dining out in New York is very expensive so we have found over the years that we can save a bit of scratch by keeping to just two meals a day. A big breakfast or brunch can keep us filled up for a good portion of the day.
Some restaurants in New York are a rip-off, ($13 for Mac and Cheese, you ought to be ashamed of yourselves....). When we find a good place with good food that is reasonably priced, we tend to revisit it quite often.
So, over the course of our visits, EJ's has become one of our favorite spots. Along with
McAleers, Freds,
Coppola's,
Soto Cinque, and MamaGoo's, we have had some great meals and we know we can always count on these places.
But I have a soft spot for EJ's - mostly because of their french toast.
This isn't any ordinary french toast though. This is crunchy almond and corn flake crusted french toast. Big thick slices of challah. Perfectly battered. Golden brown. Coated with crunchy stuff. Served with syrup it is wonderful,
ask for the raspberry preserves and slather heavily and you have something to die for. Add in generous sized mugs of good coffee, ginormous amounts of bacon on the side, and you have just about the best breakfast you can find anywhere.
They are famous for their pancakes and for their cereals but all the food at EJ's is good, all fresh and well prepared. My wife gets adventurous and tries cuban sandwiches with yucca fries and such, which she always raves about - I stick to the breakfasts.
OK - I didn't really intend to write a full review but I guess I'm already almost done so I'll add in some info about the decor and such.
EJ's is an old school diner, with narrow aisles and a busy counter. Can't tell whether it is really vintage or imitation vintage, but either way it is comfortable. It is very kid friendly and the the front is littered with strollers. Dress is casual, service is friendly and not-rushed, even when they are busy.
We always hit the one on the west side but I guess there are other locations as well. Like all NY restaurants, they do offer delivery service -unfortunately Chicago is a bit out of their range.
So if you
really want the best french toast in the entire world - look no further than EJ's.
When are we going to NY again?
SB
A big-big thanks to
Shanna Ravindra for graciously allowing me to use her photos of EJ's. We've been many times but have neglected to ever take a photo of our own. Thanks again Shanna.
Excellent with extra syrup and crispy bacon on the side...
I miss it already.
Thanks for the review!
My wife does some breakfasts with a tex-mex flair. Chorizo and eggs, breakfast burritos and such. Eggs and salsa are a great combo.
Doesn't matter though, if it's breakfast - count me in.
SB