Rate-A-Restaurant #190: Butter Tart

Restaurant: Butter Tart

Location: 4126 Verdugo Road (Glassell Park)

Type of restaurant: Coffee and baked goods

We stipulated: A few months ago, Maria and I finally took in our dusty, decrepit bikes to get tuned up. It was an ambitious move: Neither of us had ridden bikes in years; hell, since the birth of Evan, neither of us do much exercise, period. We bought a bike trailer from Target for the Blogger Preschooler to ride along… and a few Saturdays ago, we took our maiden voyage — to a Coffee Bean in north Glendale. Since then, we’ve been on the lookout for other Saturday morning destinations. When we heard that a new boutique coffee shop had opened up nearby, it seemed like a perfect time to head on over.

What we ordered: “Colossal Coffee Cake,” $2.95; Bacon Butter Tart, $2; Large Coffee, $2; medium coffee, $1.45

High point: They don’t lie, that slice of coffee cake was indeed colossal — plenty for me to share with Evan, and even Maria (who found herself having to share the Bacon Butter Tart with our 3 1/2 year-old bacon fiend). Both were buttery good, and went well with the Groundworks coffee.

Low point: Strangely, the large coffee and medium coffee mugs seemed to be nearly the same size. I’m wondering if I should order my coffee “to go” next time. Also, it’s too bad the hours are so limited (Butter Tart is closed by 11 a.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends), although I get why they want to wait and test demand before being open longer.

Overall impression: What a needed and perfect addition to this part of the South Glendale/Adams Hill/South Eagle Rock/North Glassell Park region. The well-designed spot (love the cardboard moose heads) is bright and inviting, and the music was right on, a cool mix of indie, chill out and more. Then, of course, are the baked goods: All homemade, and all worth the bike ride over. (Hey, we earned those treats. It’s all a wash, right?) Some of the items may be a tad too buttery, but that’s quibbling. We’re so psyched to have Butter Tart nearby that we’ll be spreading the word.

Chance we’ll go back: You may see us there almost every weekend. Butter Tart’s Karena told us that bike racks are coming, which will help us concentrate on what’s on our plate, instead of keeping an eye on our bikes outside.

For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Maria’s Thursday Three: Breakfast, the Olympics and Decals

1. Perfect Breakfast: Lately, we’ve been into this yogurt and granola mix for breakfast. It’s a Trader Joe’s combo: The market’s French Village Vanilla Nonfat Yogurt, with its “Granola & the 3 Berries” mix (honey sweetend whole grain oats and whole grain wheat, wih freeze-dried raspberries, blueberrys and strawberries). It’s so easy to prepare and best of all, Evan loves it.

2. Olympic Fever: Yes, we have it and as the Summer Games end, I’d like to direct you to Jenny’s site, ljcfyi.com. Jenny’s currently in Beijing and blogging all about it. I’ve read her blog for years and got excited when the company she works for sent her there to write all about it. (Pic by ljcfyi.)

3. Wall Decals: We’re thinking of re-doing Evan’s room and I ambitiously told Mike that I would paint some wall graphics on the wall. He correctly doubted me, ’cause I never have time for anything like that, but then I was trolling Design Sponge the other night (I make time for trolling) and saw these wall decals, my problems were solved. Trains or cars would be perfect for the room but since they have none, Evan may have to settle for the airplane.

Father’s Day at Philippe’s

I’ve been hungry for a Philippes dip sandwich for what feels like months, but it’s been a while since we’ve made our way to the legendary downtown eatery.

Then came Father’s Day. Said Maria: “I know where you want to go!”

I was torn: Hungry for a dip, but I’ve never tried the almost-as-famous Philippe’s breakfast. I decided I could still grab a sandwich, and decided to try the breakfast combo special.

Philippe’s for breakfast

Two slices of french toast, dipped in their cinnamon egg batter. Eggs any way (for me, scrambled). Bacon or sausage (went with the sausage). Fresh squeezed OJ. And for five cents more, coffee.

Maria, meanwhile, was hungry for corned beef hash (plus eggs and biscuits), while Kid Formerly Known As Blogger Toddler was happy with a short stack of pancakes.

Our plates

The french toast was fantastic. Eggs and sausage, pretty pedestrian. Pancakes? Nice and fluffy. And Maria enjoyed her hash. On balance, decent.

Coffee and biscuits

What wasn’t decent, of course, was the wait. As you know, Philippe’s is counter service only — and when the lines are long, you can wait and wait. And that’s when they’re making sandwiches. Imagine them filling hundreds of breakfast orders — the wait was crazy. We stood in line for an hour. An hour. Very few things are worth an hour in line — nope, not Pink’s. And not Philippe’s breakfast.

But to be fair, it was Father’s Day. And I overheard one of the workers tell a customer, “Yeah, Father’s Day is our busiest breakfast of the year. Mother’s Day, this place is empty. Guess people like their fathers better!”

Hmm. I’m guessing people are spending a bit more than $6 — plus a nickel for coffee — on their moms.

That all said, I’ll definitely be back for more french toast — and those oh-so-fluffy pancakes. But next time, we’ll get there early.

The crowd

Father’s Day at Philippe’s

I’ve been hungry for a Philippes dip sandwich for what feels like months, but it’s been a while since we’ve made our way to the legendary downtown eatery.

Then came Father’s Day. Said Maria: “I know where you want to go!”

I was torn: Hungry for a dip, but I’ve never tried the almost-as-famous Philippe’s breakfast. I decided I could still grab a sandwich, and decided to try the breakfast combo special.

Philippe’s for breakfast

Two slices of french toast, dipped in their cinnamon egg batter. Eggs any way (for me, scrambled). Bacon or sausage (went with the sausage). Fresh squeezed OJ. And for five cents more, coffee.

Maria, meanwhile, was hungry for corned beef hash (plus eggs and biscuits), while Kid Formerly Known As Blogger Toddler was happy with a short stack of pancakes.

Our plates

The french toast was fantastic. Eggs and sausage, pretty pedestrian. Pancakes? Nice and fluffy. And Maria enjoyed her hash. On balance, decent.

Coffee and biscuits

What wasn’t decent, of course, was the wait. As you know, Philippe’s is counter service only — and when the lines are long, you can wait and wait. And that’s when they’re making sandwiches. Imagine them filling hundreds of breakfast orders — the wait was crazy. We stood in line for an hour. An hour. Very few things are worth an hour in line — nope, not Pink’s. And not Philippe’s breakfast.

But to be fair, it was Father’s Day. And I overheard one of the workers tell a customer, “Yeah, Father’s Day is our busiest breakfast of the year. Mother’s Day, this place is empty. Guess people like their fathers better!”

Hmm. I’m guessing people are spending a bit more than $6 — plus a nickel for coffee — on their moms.

That all said, I’ll definitely be back for more french toast — and those oh-so-fluffy pancakes. But next time, we’ll get there early.

The crowd

Rate-A-Restaurant, #165 in a series

Restaurant: The Waffle

Location: 6255 W. Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Breakfast

They stipulated: It’s called “The Waffle” for a reason. Sweet waffles. Savory waffles. All kinds of waffles. But if you’re not in a waffle mood, there’s plenty more on the menu — even pancakes, the blood enemy of waffles everywhere.

We stipulated: For a weekend breakfast outing, we decided to try something new. We liked chef Scooter Kanfer-Cartmill’s (above, we sneak a shot of her back at the restaurant) old Melrose spot, House, and decided it was time to trek down Sunset for a few waffles.

What we ordered: Maria got the baked-in smoked Applewood bacon waffle ($8, above), I got the Cornmeal jalapeno waffles with fried chicken/sawmill gravy and collard greens ($10, below).

High point: There was something comforting about the hipper-Waffle-House vibe of the place, and the friendly staff. We hit the Waffle when things weren’t too busy, and received plenty of attention. (This is quite in contrast to some of the reviews on Chowhound.) Plus, I just love the idea of a menu with such a wild list of waffles.

Low point: I’m just not sure I’m in the mood to eat collard greens at 9 in the morning. Also, parking really is terrible; we lucked out and found street parking — but the meters in the area are only for an hour. Keep an eye on your watch, or risk the wrath of parking officers.

Overall impression: Not for diet-minded, you gotta love waffles with bacon built in, or jalapeno waffles with chicken on top. (Quite a change from Roscoe’s, although Roscoe’s shouldn’t be running scared just yet. And by the way, Honey Kettle’s chicken-and-pancakes still has every one beat.) Maria also liked the “L” shape of the restaurant, which made the place feel a little less crowded. And again, despite (or perhaps because of) what you’ve read, the service is decent.

Chance we will go back: Very likely. There’s plenty more to try — starting with the sticky bun waffle.

For a complete list of our over 166 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #165 in a series

Restaurant: The Waffle

Location: 6255 W. Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Breakfast

They stipulated: It’s called “The Waffle” for a reason. Sweet waffles. Savory waffles. All kinds of waffles. But if you’re not in a waffle mood, there’s plenty more on the menu — even pancakes, the blood enemy of waffles everywhere.

We stipulated: For a weekend breakfast outing, we decided to try something new. We liked chef Scooter Kanfer-Cartmill’s (above, we sneak a shot of her back at the restaurant) old Melrose spot, House, and decided it was time to trek down Sunset for a few waffles.

What we ordered: Maria got the baked-in smoked Applewood bacon waffle ($8, above), I got the Cornmeal jalapeno waffles with fried chicken/sawmill gravy and collard greens ($10, below).

High point: There was something comforting about the hipper-Waffle-House vibe of the place, and the friendly staff. We hit the Waffle when things weren’t too busy, and received plenty of attention. (This is quite in contrast to some of the reviews on Chowhound.) Plus, I just love the idea of a menu with such a wild list of waffles.

Low point: I’m just not sure I’m in the mood to eat collard greens at 9 in the morning. Also, parking really is terrible; we lucked out and found street parking — but the meters in the area are only for an hour. Keep an eye on your watch, or risk the wrath of parking officers.

Overall impression: Not for diet-minded, you gotta love waffles with bacon built in, or jalapeno waffles with chicken on top. (Quite a change from Roscoe’s, although Roscoe’s shouldn’t be running scared just yet. And by the way, Honey Kettle’s chicken-and-pancakes still has every one beat.) Maria also liked the “L” shape of the restaurant, which made the place feel a little less crowded. And again, despite (or perhaps because of) what you’ve read, the service is decent.

Chance we will go back: Very likely. There’s plenty more to try — starting with the sticky bun waffle.

For a complete list of our over 166 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #161 in a series

Restaurant: Dish

Location: 734 Foothill Blvd (La Canada Flintridge)

Type of restaurant: American/Brunch

We stipulated: My parents were in town, and we were thinking it was time to take them some place new (we usually take them to Montrose on Sunday morning, and brunch it at Zeke’s, but wanted to do something different this time). I’d read good things about Dish, and I’d never taken them up to Foothill Blvd., so it was decided.

johnnycakes, with egg whites and ham

What we ordered: Mike: Jonnycake Combo (made with cornmeal and corn kernels): short stack of Jonnycakes with 2 eggs to order and choice of applewood smoked bacon, Schreiner’s sausage or brown sugar-glazed ham ($8.95); Maria: The Awesome DISH Breakfast Sandwich: Applewood smoked bacon, fried egg, sliced ham & cheddar cheese
on grilled sourdough; choice of breakfast potatoes, sliced tomatoes or fruit ($8.95); My parents both got: Dish Breakfast Combo: Short stack of buttermilk cakes with 2 eggs to order and choice of applewood smoked bacon, Schreiner’s sausage or brown sugar-glazed ham ($7.95)

egg, bacon and ham sandwich

High point: Once you get seated, the environment is casual, lazy Sunday — perfect for a rainy, casual, lazy Sunday. Food is comforting, plentiful and pretty good. Ham is slow cooked on premises and delicious; johnnycakes were good but filling. (I loves me cornmeal pancakes.)

Low point: Ahh, the wait. We got there at 11 on a Sunday morning and were told it would be a 25 to 30 minute wait; that turned into just under an hour. Later we learned Dish does indeed take reservations; I didn’t think they did. Also, once we finally did get a table, it took quite a long time for the overwhelmed kitchen to bring us out the food. Thankfully, it was the kind of overcast, mellow day where we weren’t feeling like being rushed anyway.

Overall impression: Pretty much everything you’d expect from a comforting brunch. Coffee kept flowing, food was rich and artery-hardening (not to mention comforting) and service — even if it was slow — was friendly. I love the environs up there in La Canada Flintridge as well.

Chance we will go back: Probably, but ONLY if we make a reservation ahead of time.

For a complete list of our over 150 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #161 in a series

Restaurant: Dish

Location: 734 Foothill Blvd (La Canada Flintridge)

Type of restaurant: American/Brunch

We stipulated: My parents were in town, and we were thinking it was time to take them some place new (we usually take them to Montrose on Sunday morning, and brunch it at Zeke’s, but wanted to do something different this time). I’d read good things about Dish, and I’d never taken them up to Foothill Blvd., so it was decided.

johnnycakes, with egg whites and ham

What we ordered: Mike: Jonnycake Combo (made with cornmeal and corn kernels): short stack of Jonnycakes with 2 eggs to order and choice of applewood smoked bacon, Schreiner’s sausage or brown sugar-glazed ham ($8.95); Maria: The Awesome DISH Breakfast Sandwich: Applewood smoked bacon, fried egg, sliced ham & cheddar cheese
on grilled sourdough; choice of breakfast potatoes, sliced tomatoes or fruit ($8.95); My parents both got: Dish Breakfast Combo: Short stack of buttermilk cakes with 2 eggs to order and choice of applewood smoked bacon, Schreiner’s sausage or brown sugar-glazed ham ($7.95)

egg, bacon and ham sandwich

High point: Once you get seated, the environment is casual, lazy Sunday — perfect for a rainy, casual, lazy Sunday. Food is comforting, plentiful and pretty good. Ham is slow cooked on premises and delicious; johnnycakes were good but filling. (I loves me cornmeal pancakes.)

Low point: Ahh, the wait. We got there at 11 on a Sunday morning and were told it would be a 25 to 30 minute wait; that turned into just under an hour. Later we learned Dish does indeed take reservations; I didn’t think they did. Also, once we finally did get a table, it took quite a long time for the overwhelmed kitchen to bring us out the food. Thankfully, it was the kind of overcast, mellow day where we weren’t feeling like being rushed anyway.

Overall impression: Pretty much everything you’d expect from a comforting brunch. Coffee kept flowing, food was rich and artery-hardening (not to mention comforting) and service — even if it was slow — was friendly. I love the environs up there in La Canada Flintridge as well.

Chance we will go back: Probably, but ONLY if we make a reservation ahead of time.

For a complete list of our over 150 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #142 in a series

(Flickr photo by Ajepst.)

Restaurant: Dottie’s True Blue Cafe

Location: 522 Jones St. (San Francisco)

Type of restaurant: Coffee Shop

(Flickr pic by PMeidinger.)

They stipulated: No reservations, stand in line (and there is always a line) and wait for a table.

We stipulated: For our last morning in San Francisco, we were looking for a good breakfast spot near our hotel. We decided to consult a travel guide — always a crap shoot — but thankfully, this one steered us right.

(Flickr pic by Hear the Wind Sing.)

What we ordered: Sweet potato, caramelized red onion and gruyere tart with eggs any style and grilled cornbread plus potatoes for Maria ($8.95) and Zucchini Bread French Toast with toasted pecans and maple syrup for Mike ($9.95)

(Flickr pic by Antimega.)

High point: The servings are hefty and even as I shared with Mike and the BT we still left the grilled cornbread untouched. We later ate it on the plane ride back to L.A. and loved it.

Low point: Waiting in line silently begging the customers to hurry up and finish already.

(Flickr pic by BrasilPop.)

Overall impression: You expect this place to be just another greasy spoon but don’t be fooled by appearances. The food is stellar with an unexpected array of selections with fresh ingredients. The space is tight but feels homey.

(Flickr pic by Itinerant.)

Chance we will go back:: This is going on our must list the next time we are in the Bay area. And next time, we will be taking home some of their baked goods to go with us.

(For our complete list of over 140 restaurant reviews, visit our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.)

Rate-A-Restaurant, #142 in a series

(Flickr photo by Ajepst.)

Restaurant: Dottie’s True Blue Cafe

Location: 522 Jones St. (San Francisco)

Type of restaurant: Coffee Shop

(Flickr pic by PMeidinger.)

They stipulated: No reservations, stand in line (and there is always a line) and wait for a table.

We stipulated: For our last morning in San Francisco, we were looking for a good breakfast spot near our hotel. We decided to consult a travel guide — always a crap shoot — but thankfully, this one steered us right.

(Flickr pic by Hear the Wind Sing.)

What we ordered: Sweet potato, caramelized red onion and gruyere tart with eggs any style and grilled cornbread plus potatoes for Maria ($8.95) and Zucchini Bread French Toast with toasted pecans and maple syrup for Mike ($9.95)

(Flickr pic by Antimega.)

High point: The servings are hefty and even as I shared with Mike and the BT we still left the grilled cornbread untouched. We later ate it on the plane ride back to L.A. and loved it.

Low point: Waiting in line silently begging the customers to hurry up and finish already.

(Flickr pic by BrasilPop.)

Overall impression: You expect this place to be just another greasy spoon but don’t be fooled by appearances. The food is stellar with an unexpected array of selections with fresh ingredients. The space is tight but feels homey.

(Flickr pic by Itinerant.)

Chance we will go back:: This is going on our must list the next time we are in the Bay area. And next time, we will be taking home some of their baked goods to go with us.

(For our complete list of over 140 restaurant reviews, visit our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.)