Breakfast, breakfast, breakfast, dessert

We’re still on our Sunday breakfast kick. Here’s the routine: Hop in the car, head down the block, open up Yelp to begin the negotiation. I like lighter fare. My husband likes bacon. Every place we’ve been has its positives, at least for one of us.

The latest rundown:

Delta King riverboat. Pricey. Great atmosphere on the Sacramento River. Our rating, about what you’d expect from a touristy spot with traditional breakfast fare.

River’s Edge Cafe in Sacramento. Stuffed hash browns – bacon and cheese inside – was the whole breakfast and so big that we split it. Delicious on first three bites and then grease overload hit. I could finish half of my portion. My husband gave it a thumbs up, but I’m a thumbs down.

Carol’s Restaurant in West Sacramento. Old school breakfast with extra large portions. The place was packed and it was loud. A bit greasy and watery coffee. We’ll pass next time but it seems to be a favorite place for many.

Fox & Goose in downtown Sac. Expect to wait, even for early risers. It was worth it. Great waffles and the Bloody Mary with the works has bacon in it! Two thumbs up. My husband wanted to return the next week.

Orphan Café in East Sacramento. Strong, strong coffee which is a big plus in my book. Get there before 9 a.m. to avoid a long wait. My kind of place with avocado scramble and delicious blueberry pancakes. Great place.

So then we arrive at the Jim-Denny’s experience. The pictures tell half the story. Outside, it's a run-down burger den so I almost didn’t walk inside but glad I did.

Very charming, 1950s style café. It’s mainly counter service but a couple of tight tables line the walls.

Honestly, the food was mediocre but fascinating. The short stack of mini pancakes I ordered were two massive pancakes that spilled over the dinner-size plate.

We watched our waitress also work the grill, serving up a large breakfast to our neighbors. They ordered a large pancake to share among three of them – the pancake was so large it took over most of the grill and took two giant spatulas to flip as everyone held their breath.

Yeah, Man Vs. Food was here. It’s that kind of place.

There’s a P.S. to this breakfast story that leads into dessert. I couldn’t finish even one of my short stack pancakes from Jim-Denny’s.

What do you do with a leftover pancake?

A quick Web search gave me the answer.

Tear it up into bite sized pieces and put in a casserole dish. Sprinkle in diced up apples.

Mix up milk, sugar, vanilla and eggs.

Add a generous dollop of rum and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Oh, it smelled so good! Pour over pancake pieces and refrigerate for an hour so it all soaks in. 

Bake for an hour. Voila, bread pudding!

A new spin on breakfast for dinner. Now it's breakfast for dessert.