Sunday, October 31, 2010

Jongewaard's Bake N' Broil


Down in the charming city of Bixby Knolls there is a wonderful place to indulge in what I consider the best meal of the day, breakfast! From the moment you walk in the front door you're aware that something special is happening here. Directly in front of you are homemade cakes and pies and the fresh coffee and other enticing smells tell you that there is more to discover. You've just stepped into Jongewaard's Bake N' Broil and I hope you're hungry.

Bake N' Broil, family owned and operated, opened its doors in 1965 and ever since has been feeding and delighting a broad range of clientele around Long Beach and beyond. You can see the popularity in the clipboard that's full of names waiting for a table. Surprisingly, it doesn't seem that you have to wait that long. There are booths in front and back and counter seating as well. The service is efficient and friendly. The many conversations and laughter tell you that someone here is eating some good food. In fact, that's the motto for the Bake N' Broil, "Simply Good Food."


So how good is this "good food?" The optimum word here is: homemade. Old fashioned in the best way. Pancakes made from their own mix. Soft, fluffy and delicious. I asked for salsa, "Not a problem," our waitress Alex told us. She brought back the chunky, fragrant salsa that is obviously freshly made with just enough heat to make it interesting. They roast several turkeys and a good size ham regularly. I ordered the ever classic, "Ham and Eggs" and the thick slice of grilled ham seemed to take over half of the plate. You will not leave Bake N' Broil hungry. Their portion sizes are generous. The over easy eggs were done just right and the breakfast potatoes come in either regular or  gussied up with onion and bell pepper. Whatever toast you prefer comes accessorized with homemade jam, either strawberry or apricot, quite enjoyable. Yes, I tried them both! The coffee is always hot and fresh and there is never a problem with refills. 

You'll find that Bake N' Broil is good at meeting and anticipating your needs as you dine. The waiters and waitresses are attentive but not too much. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask. They are happy to oblige. You will be well taken care of. The menu selection is abundant and you may need to ask the waitress to give you a minute as you peruse the many options. Of course they serve more than breakfast but that is the focus of this review. I believe that the only thing that will surprise you is the check. Not as much as you would think for such good food and personal service.
 
Bake N' Broil is easy to get to either from the Atlantic exit on the 405 freeway or passed the 91 freeway right down Atlantic Avenue in the quaint Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach. Worth the drive and come early for a great way to begin your day with breakfast at Jongewaard's Bake N' Broil.

I give Jongewaard's 4 fried eggs. Outstanding.

Jongewaard's Bake N' Broil3697 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
562-595-0396

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Welcome to the Blessing of Breakfast!

My name is Joel Capps and I love a great breakfast. I bet some of you do too! The puspose of this blog is to follow my adventures as I visit different eateries around the Los Angeles area. I want you to know about the many little, unique places where you can find an amazing if not interesting spot to start your day. Many of the places are institutions and some are little Mom and Pop diners that have been on the LA scene for many years.

I enjoy supporting the smaller food establishments and some of them really throw down some excellent food. I'll render my opinion and you can decide for yourself. Good eating is an adventure and I will point out some places you may have never heard of. So give them a try, you just might discover your new "spot" that you'll visit again and again.

Come aboard and discover with me all that Los Angeles has to offer for the morning meal.  I will use an "fried egg" rating system with 4 eggs being the best down to 1 egg, which is a place that needs to work on their craft and their cooking. The rating includes the quality of food, ambiance and atmosphere and the level of service. I'll let you know what I am eating and what the specials are at a particular place along with address and phone info and a web address if they have one.

Come ready, come hungry and get prepared to receive the "Blessing of Breakfast!"

The beautiful gebakkenei or fried egg painted by Tjalf Sparnaay.