Joni's Diner - Lake Geneva, WI

Go back in time at this original 1954 diner, Joni's. This quaint little restaurant began in Pennsylvania 60 years ago, then shipped across 8 states and brought back to life in Lake Geneva, WI. 

From the minute up drive up to the parking lot, you'll enjoy viewing the authentic steel design of this "old school diner. I was greated warmly by Dustin, the waiter, who gave me my choice of the comfortable booths or a stool at the large counter. I choose a booth. While perusing the menu, music from the 50's and 60's era such as Frankie Valle, the Supremes, The Beatles and Aretha Franklin got me in the mood for breakfast.

Joni's menu consists of mostly fresh, homemade ingredients. The eggs are from the locally raised, Yuppie Hill. I feasted on the "off the bone" ham, eggs over hard, potato pancake with Apple sauce and sour cream and a homemade biscuit. The potato pancake and biscuit were from their original family recipe. Both were outstanding! The biscuit was especially delightful with a consistency unlike most you run across. 

Looking out of the large windows with green & gold striped awnings, you bound to see a few Harleys pass by. You are in Harley country!

Joni's Diner found it's new home in Lake Geneva only a year ago, but hope it will be a mainstay. They had me wanting to don Bobbie socks, a hoop skirt and satin letter jacket (aka Laverne & Shirley) while enjoying a delectable breakfast. Heeeeey!! (In my best Fonzie voice)

4 Valcooks Aprons

Joni's Diner

111 Wells Street

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

(262)348-9565

jonisdiner.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

The Griddle Cafe - Hollywood, CA

N   

I never go to LA without a stop to The Griddle Cafe. The Griddle Cafe is not only my favorite breakfast cafe in LA, it is MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST SPOT - EVER!! Known for their over-sized breakfasts and fabulously delicious Red Velvet Pancakes, I am absolutely CRAZY about The Griddle's French toast!! How dare they make French toast as good (okay better) than mine! Don't let the generous-sized potions of the French toast frighten you. They are soooo light and fluffy you'll think you are munching on a flavored cloud!! It will leave you satisfied, but not full. You must also try the bacon; thick and grilled to perfection.

Be prepared to stand in lines out the door and down the block. But, trust me, you will be rewarded in the end with the best breakfast you will ever have! Heck, I think I need to head to LA right now!

Attentive service. (Say hello to the waiter/comedian from Waukesha, WI.) Casual dress. Metered street parking available. Great "down home" food!

5 Valcooks Aprons/Golden Apron Award

The Griddle Cafe

7916 Sunset Blvd.

(On the corner of Sunset and Fairfax)

Hollywood, CA 90046

(312)874-0377

thegriddlecafe.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

 

Cafe Buna - Marina Del Ray, CA

Are you a bacon lover? How about jalapeño bacon?! Then you must try Cafe Buna in Marina Del Rey, CA! Back in January, my daughter & I took a little jaunt to LA with an early morning arrival. Of course, the first stop is breakfast. With the help of Yelp, we found this little jewel of a breakfast spot. They had so many virgin culinary items, my taste buds had a hard time choosing from the menu. I decided to try the jalapeño bacon, sweet potato tater tots and organic eggs. The jalapeño bacon was just the "kick" I needed to get the day started. At first I didn't taste the jalapeño, but moments later...wham! Hot heaven! Their menu speaks the truth. Cafe Buna IS "the best kept secret in Marina Del Rey"!

The menu is extensive, the seating limited (about 12+ tables) and the potions generous. Service was fast and friendly. Metered parking. Casual dress. They say that on weekends, the lines are out the door. I can believe that!

4 Valcooks Aprons

Cafe Buna

3105 Washington Blvd.

Marina Del Rey, CA

(310)823-2430 

cafebuna.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

Pinky's - Tampa, FL

Pinky's Diner, a very popular breakfast and lunch cafe in South Tampa, is known for their tasty breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal pancakes, and unique breakfast specials. 

The day my friend and I went, we had the tradition breakfast: eggs, bacon, cheese grits and Cuban bread toast. Just  be prepared - scrambled eggs are more like a plain omlette - not the fluffy kind you might expect. The cafe con leche (espresso with warm milk) was smooth and delightful. 

Be prepared to stand in line to get one of the limited number of tables or counter space. Worth the waiting list. Very limited parking; some additional parking across the street.

3 Valcooks Aprons

Pinky's Diner

3203 Bay to Bay Blvd.

Tampa, Florida 33629

(813)831-9339

pinkysdiner.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"