They say it’s the most important meal of the day.
It’s breakfast, a time to get fueled up for what lays ahead. And while many times it’s a day where you have to grab-and-go with something easy and quick, there are other days where you can ease into the morning with a sit down breakfast that makes you stand and take notice.
September is National Breakfast Month, a great time to indulge a bit with the first meal. We love doing just that from time-to-time.
There’s a simplicity to breakfast that doesn’t always come at brunch, and that’s fine in our books. Are you looking for a new breakfast favorite? Here’s five dishes that stand out across Norfolk.
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The Tom Hanks Platter at Charlie’s Cafe
In June, 2012, Tom Hanks was in Norfolk filming the movie “Captain Phillips,” and while here he dined at several restaurants in the area, and, at the time, noted the Granby Platter, at the venerable Charlie’s Cafe. The dish was promptly renamed after the star.
That’s what I ordered on my visit, and I was rewarded with a huge plate of food. Center of the plate is country fried steak or country fried chicken — I chose the former — atop two big fluffy biscuits that have been split open to receive the meaty offering. Thick cream gravy full of sausage is ladled on, enrobing it like a warm, delicious blanket.
Two eggs are on the platter (like Hanks, I like mine over easy) and the option of a side, of which I picked breakfast potatoes. I also love grits, so I ordered an extra side of those.
Everything was Oscar worthy.
Charlie’s Cafe is at 1800 Granby St., Norfolk. Call 757-625-0824 or visit www.facebook.com/1800CharliesCafe.
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Hella Fitzgerald at Handsome Biscuit
Biscuits are the name of the game at Handsome Biscuit, including a favorite of mine, the Hella Fitzgerald. Presented was a very large, handcrafted biscuit split open and loaded with an oversized piece of fried chicken, slices of bacon, melting cheddar cheese and red eye pork sausage gravy.
The chicken is offered as classic fried, or Nashville hot, and I picked the latter. I enjoyed the chicken; it was crispy on the outside and had a juicy, tender exterior, but I would probably order it without the Nashville hot addition next time.
Alongside, I added an order of hash-tots.
Note that there is no indoor dining room, although there is picnic table seating for about 30 folks. It was a pleasant morning when I visited. I saw most folks grabbed their order to go.
Handsome Biscuit is at 2511 Colonial Ave., Norfolk. There is no phone; visit www.HandsomeBiscuit.com.
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Chicken and Waffle Beach House Bowl at Karla’s Beach House
Chicken and Waffles are a classic combination, and I love the riff at Karla’s Beach House.
Here the Chicken and Waffle Beach House Bowl is one of four breakfast bowl menu items and a large bowl is filled with a warm, fluffy waffle that has been cut into bite-sized pieces.
That’s the same with the fried, boneless chicken thigh, which is golden, brown, and delicious. Chopped applewood bacon is added, and the dish is topped with egg; I picked over easy. A honey-maple sauce pulls it all together.
This combined all the elements of the classic chicken and waffles, but in a more manageable serving.
Karla’s Beach House is at 3248 E. Ocean View Ave., Norfolk. Call 757-937-3844 or visit www.KarlasBeachHouse.com.
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Croque Madam at Oceanview Diner
The Croque Madam at Oceanview Diner elevates the breakfast sandwich to a whole new level.
Thick Texas toast is stuffed with grilled ham and cheese and grilled until the bread is golden brown, and the mixture inside gooey and melty.
On top, an egg prepared in any manner — I picked over easy — is added. Then the entire thing is enrobed in a rich béchamel sauce. Use a knife and fork to enjoy this offering.
With a side option of home fries or grits; I picked the latter and enjoyed the creamy, thick bowl of grain rich with flavor.
I also added a side of sliced tomatoes for something bright and fresh, as well as a bowl of beans. These aren’t any ordinary beans; a signature offering of the diner, they are simmers low and slow until tender, and in a decadent, rich sauce spiked with earthy curry.
Oceanview Diner is at 9619 Granby St., Norfolk Call 757-837-4287 or find them on Facebook.
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So Cal Sandwich at Yorgo’s Bageldashery
The So Cal sandwich at Yorgo’s Bageldashery is a delicious offering of smoked turkey, bacon, muenster cheese, tomato, sprouts, and avocado. The sandwich is served on a choice of, bread, roll, wrap or bagel; I chose the latter.
Of the bagel options available, I picked jalapeño. It’s full of flavor, but not a ton of heat. What is there is pleasant and complimentary to many would-be ingredients, or simply on its own.
The sandwich was piled high with ingredients, and the smoked turkey played wonderfully with the bacon. There was a good dichotomy of textures too, with some crunch from the bacon and sprout, and a rich creaminess from the avocado.
Yorgo’s Bageldashery is at 2123 Colonial Ave., Norfolk. Call 757-623-6609 or visit www.YorgosBageldashery.com.
Patrick Evans-Hylton, [email protected]
