Breakfasts of Champions

Okay, so it's one of the Marina's best kept secrets. Since I'm approaching 30,000 readers, I feel it's my duty as a blogger and a foodie to let you in on this hidden gem. We were looking for a new place to eat in our soon-to-be new hood and one of my friends told me she loves Cafe Buna. We got there around 11 a.m. and had about a 20 minute wait, but that was okay because we took that time to check out all of the initials carved in an old tree. Since my husband is all about not messsing with nature, we used a water-soluable pen to add our initials to the existing ones. When we got seated servers and food runners were exceptionally prompt and friendly. The menu is extensive and portions are pretty big, so be prepared! If pancakes are your thing try the Red Velvet with Chocolate Chips ($10.25) The white chocolate chips are a dandy surprise!  Neal's Cornflake French Toast ($8.25) with fresh strawberries and bananas is the best on the planet. The cornflakes lend the perfect crunch to thick, moist, perfect French toast. Try the real Vermont maple syrup for $1 more. Hash browns ($4) are a thick square of crunchy goodness fried to crispy goodness. For $5, a side of Applewood Smoked Bacon completes any breakfast entree. For a terrific breakfast you won't soon forget, Cafe Buna is where it's at! Cafe Buna 3105 Washington Blvd. Marina del Rey (310) 823-2430. Hours: 6 a.m.- 4 p.m. seven days a week.

Recommended Dishes: Cornflake French Toast, Applewoood Smoked Bacon, Hash Browns, Pancakes, Egg Dishes, coffee, hot chocolate.

If you're a fan of old school diners, you'll love Bobby's Coffee Shop! It's been there forever serving breakfast and lunch. During the week don't be surprised to see booths overflowing with kids from Calabasas High ditching first and second periods to eat pancakes! If you come on a weekend be prepared to wait at least 20 minutes for a table, maybe less for one of the few counter seats. Once you get seated, order some freshly brewed coffee ($2.25) or some orange juice ($1.99-$2.99). We like so many things on the menu but usually go with the Ranch Breakfast ($9.19). Two eggs, any style, three strips of bacon, hash browns, toast, and coffee. The Pancakes and Meat ($7.99-$8.99) is another tasty dish. Choose from sausage, bacon, or ham. Pancakes are light and fluffy. French Toast is also wonderful and served a la carte ($5.99 for two pieces) or with eggs and bacon ($8.99). For meat lovers, like me the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs ($10.99) is delicious!  So if you want to ditch school or work, or just enjoy a weekend breakfast, check out Bobby's in Woodland Hills. Bobby's Coffee Shop 22821 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills. (818) 225-1324. Hours: M-Sat: 6:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Sun. 7:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.

 Recommended Dishes: Ranch Breakfast, Corned Beef Hash, French Toast, Pancakes.

We love the original Nat's in Sherman Oaks so when we found one in the depths of Canoga Park, while in search of Lowe's, we just had to stop in. Here's where I take a detour. No my husband is not Mr. Fix-it; quite the contrary. We were at Lowe's to buy air conditioning flashing. Do you know how many crafts you can do with air conditioning flashing? A lot! Nat's West, as it turns out, is almost as good as Nat's. Service is prompt and you'll be hard-pressed to find a good coffee shop in this part of the valley. There's a big crowd at the door, so sign yourself in on the list and expect a 15-20 minute wait. The French Toast ($8.95) is thick and fluffy and comes with a side of butter and real maple syrup. Included is 4 strips of bacon, or 4 sausages and 2 eggs any way you like 'em! I like the Salami and Eggs ($8.50) served with hot, crispy hash browns, and a side of wheat toast. Try some of Nat's special sausages ($8.50) with 2 eggs, potatoes and toast. They range from Home style spicy turkey to Chicken Artichoke. Nat's West Coffee Shop 8336 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Canoga Park. (818) 340-4500. Hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m Sat-Sun: 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Recommended Dishes: Salami and Eggs, French Toast, Sausages.

I've really come to appreciate DTLA and Grand Central Market is one of my new favorite places! I've lived in this great city all of my life, yet never ventured into this international market place more than a couple of times. I'm glad to say that has changed! With validated parking in the building it's a breeze to pick up your favorite produce, meats, or baked goods, and enjoy some of the city's great eats while you're at it! If you've ever eaten at the Eggslut food truck then you are in for a true innovative experience eating at the counter or at one of Grand Central's tables. Founded in 2011, by Chef Alvin Cailan, Eggslut is an egg lover's paradise! At this hipster/comfort food joint located right at the entrance to GCM, grab a stool or place an order for take out then sit down and watch the colorful patrons around you. It's a show in itself. For $6, a Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich includes hardwood smoked bacon, an over medium egg, cheddar, and chipotle ketchup on a Portugese bun. The Egg Salad Sandwich ($6) is stellar! Hard cooked eggs, chives, and honey mustard aioli are topped with dressed arugula in a warm Portugese bun. This was so good I had to get one to go! For a great burger the Eggslut Cheeseburger ($8/$11) hits the spot! Get a single or double Wagyu beef burger, caramelized onions, bread and butter pickles, cheddar, dijonnaise, and an over medium egg on a Portugese bun. Yum or yum yum depending on your order. Sandwiches are made to order so be prepared for a short wait. If you're in the mood for something more substantial try the specialty of the house, The Slut ($9). A coddled egg served atop a potato puree poched in a glass jar with crostini on the side. Egg lovers unite! This place rocks! Eggslut @ Grand Central Market 317 South Broadway, Los Angeles Hours: Open Daily 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Recommended Dishes: Egg Salad Sandwich, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich, The Slut, Cheeseburger.

They call it Post Bangin' Brunch, we call it Best Brunch in Manhattan Beach. So every now and then, we like to take ourselves out of the big,  city and get some fresh air down south. (Plus there's a great Old Navy in El Segundo where I'm allowed 20 minutes to stuff a bag with great vintage soft tee shirts for summer). Make a reservation at MBP because this place is a mob scene and rightfully so. Snag street parking at a meter for 2 hours so you can enjoy a nice 3 oz. pour of different whites by the glass like Stonestreet Broken Road ($11.50) or Chateau Revelette ($5.50). Red wine drinkers will love a glass of Mad Hatter cab blend ($13) or a glass of Mocali '07 ($14.50). If you're not in the mood for wine try the fresh juices ($3.50) orange, apple, grapefruit, cranberry, tomato, pineapple, or lemonade or a specialty cocktail. Illy Coffee ($4.50) is, as always, delicious and Intelligentsia Tea ($4) is available in Chamomile, English Breakfast, and Green). Onto the food! You must, and I repeat, must start with the Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits ($5) served with maple butter. They are big cheesy biscuits, and I promise, you will savor every bite. I don't think this recipe could ever be duplicated and the drive to Manhattan Beach is worth it for the biscuits alone. I was hesitant to try the maple butter, but it is beyond my comprehension that two things can go together so well! If I see Nueske's Bacon ($8) on the menu anywhere...I'm having it. This was fantastic! Coated with rosemary, brown sugar, and chili (not the kind with beans!) this is akin to someone taking a Snicker's Bar and putting more chocolate on it! We also enjoyed the gorgeous Truffle Honey Laced Fried Chicken ($15) served with kholrabi slaw. The chicken has a slight sweet Asian flavor to it and is made to order. Be prepared to wait for it. And wait, you will, for crunchy, moist tender white meat chicken that you can't get enough of. Don't share because you will want to eat this entire dish. It's honestly one of the most creative, enticingly delicious chicken dishes I've ever eaten! Of course we had to try the Benedict ($14) too. Served beautifully in a cast iron skillet, on top of bacon cheddar biscuits, arugula, La Quercia artisan tamworth proscuitto, and hollandaise, this was also a memorable dish. Service from Paul was top-notch and surroundings are lovely. We can't wait for out next visit!  Manhattan Beach Post 1142 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach (310) 545-5405. Hours: Mon-Thur: 5pm-10pm, Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 10am-10:30pm, Sun 10am-10pm.

Recommended Dishes: Benedict, Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits, Bacon, Truffle Honey Laced Fried Chicken.