Hole in One
There’s no mistaking the fact that Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee in Costa Mesa is no sideshow when it comes to everyone’s favorite morning treat. Although they’ve only been open to the general public since 2013, their doughnuts have become legend in these parts, due mainly to perfectly fresh execution, and flavors like butter and salt (swoon!). But it’s their green eggs and ham – a masterpiece consisting of a poached egg, Niman Ranch ham and housemade basil hollandaise sauce all housed inside of a savory raised doughnut – that convinces even non-early risers to get up and at ‘em. 270 E. 17th St. Ste. 18, Costa Mesa
:: sidecardoughnuts.com
Red Alert!
Encouraging guests to relax, eat and drink (hence the “R.E.D.” monicker) since its opening in 2011, Red Table is the ideal place to experiment with adventurous takes on classics. The deviled eggs, proudly advertised on the menu as “not your mom’s,” are filled with the traditional seasoned egg yolks, but that’s where the similarities end. Chef/owner Louie Jocson tops off the egg halves with his signature spicy tomato sauce, bacon bits and cracked pepper – touches that might horrify mom, but delight flavor-seekers. 16821 Algonquin St., Huntington Beach
714.846.4700 :: redtablerestaurants.com
As the Crow Flies
Crow Burger Kitchen may be known for its unparalleled selection of mouthwatering burgers and craft beers (a match made in heaven, we’ll add), but the Balboa Peninsula restaurant’s appeal doesn’t stop there. For the sunup-minded, there’s the breakfast burrito, a flour tortilla filled with organic eggs, avocado, smoked bacon, tomato, onions, and the proprietary Crow cheese blend. Keep in mind, however, that “breakfast” at Crow Burger Kitchen is an affair that begins at 11 a.m., when the restaurant opens. 3107 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach
949.673.2747 :: crowburgerkitchen.com
RISE AND SHINE
Eggs don’t always equal breakfast, and their versatility means they can be matched with a huge variety of flavors, making beverage-pairing an exercise limited only by the imagination.
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee Sidecar is no one-trick pony, evidenced by the doughnut shop’s dedication to coffee. Serving the much sought-after Stumptown Coffee, with roasts changed monthly to match the doughnut flavors, the shop offers a plethora of choices to the caffeine-seeker, including standard drip and espresso drinks.
Red Table The spicy tomato sauce on Red Table’s deviled eggs calls for something that will bite back. Stone Brewing Co.’s Ruination IPA fills the role nicely with a massive dose of hops and citrusy bitterness. Or go the robust route with Great Divide Brewing Company’s Yeti Imperial Stout, with coffee, milk chocolate and nutty aromas.
Crow Burger Kitchen While the obvious choice at this burger-and-brew spot is a cold craft beer, we suggest going the route less travelled with the banana and Manuka honey milkshake. Reminiscent of breakfast but substantial enough to satisfy lunch’s sweet tooth, it’s a beverage that has the added benefit of avoiding the day-drinker’s hangover.
