Breakfasts of Champions

The last time I was at the edge of Skid Row was about 1968 when my dad piled all four of us kids in the woody station wagon and drove us to the Watts Towers, Skid Row, and Mc Arthur Park in order to make us appreciate our comfy, cozy life in Tarzana. He also told us his sob story about the way his mother made him eat the peels from oranges and walk through the snow to school during the winter. First off, I didn't think that either Skid Row, the Watts Towers, or Mc Arthur Park were all that bad. Secondly, my dad grew up south of Beverly Hills, so I think he might have been lying about the snow (and the orange peels too). Anyhow, I don't have issues with Skid Row or any place else that makes a Maple Bacon Donut ($2.75)!  Guy Fieri digs Nickel Diner and so do I! Get there early or you will definitely wait, but it will be worth it. Get the donut while you are waiting. A moist, thick cake donut is topped with a thin maple glaze, coated with lots of bacon chunks. The donut is both sweet and savory. Order a cup of delicious steaming hot coffee ($2.50) to go with it. This is the most unusual, yet scary good donut. For breakfast, I had the special house-made corned beef hash ($14). I am a corned beef hash lover from way back when (maybe even 1968), and have not had hash this good. It is delicately charred and crispy on the outside and meaty and tender on the inside. Served with two buttery fried eggs, spinach, two homemade biscuits, hollandaise (on the side) and homemade strawberry-plum-vanilla jam; this was truly a breakfast worth talking about! On the tamer side, my husband had two eggs scrambled, with crisp bacon ($9.25) and house potatoes. For $.50, he added toast and homemade jam. There's plenty of free street parking on Sunday in  the now-called "Gallery District." Service is excellent and friendly too. Tomorrow I should fast, really, I should. Nickel Diner 524 South Main Street Los Angeles Street (213) 623-8301. Closed Monday. Tuesday-Saturday 8am-3:30pm and Dinner 6pm-10pm.

Recommended Dishes: Corned Beef Hash, Biscuits, Homemade jam, Maple Bacon Donuts.

Feel like taking a drive to Valencia or Pasadena? If so, you won't want to miss this Los Angeles magazine-named top breakfast place! Known in Los Angeles as a fantastic breakfast restaurant since 1987, Marston's makes you feel cozy and at home. The food is high quality, service is excellent, and the patio is gorgeous! Breakfast is served until 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. I am admitting right now that we ordered more than two dishes, even though there were just two of us. The Breakfast Specialties are just that-special. The French Toast ($8.95) is two thick slices of sourdough bread dipped in egg batter and rolled in corn flakes. This is quite possibly the best French Toast I have ever eaten. With powdered sugar sprinkled on top and a side of syrup, this was my favorite! We also tried the Eggs Benedict ($11.25). Two poached eggs and Canadian bacon are served on a toasted English muffin and topped with hollandaise sauce. Special house potatoes (potatoes, red pepper and onions) come on the side. For more adventurous eaters, the Pulled Pork Benedict ($11.95) is served the same way but with spicy hollandaise. We also love the Just Eggs ($6.50) served with special potatoes and toast. Add bacon, sausage links, chicken cilantro sausage, Andouille sausage, Canadian bacon or a hamburger patty for $1.75. Omelets are made with three eggs and range in price from $9.75 to $11.95. All omelets are served with special potatoes and choice of toast. Try the San Pasqal ($10.25) bacon, cheddar, avocado and sour cream or The Vegetarian ($10.25) mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomato, and spinach topped with cheddar cheese and herbs. You'll leave stuffed and happy. The drive is worth it! Marston's 24011 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia (661) 253-9910 or 151 East Walnut Pasadena (626) 796-2459.

Recommended Dishes: French Toast, Pulled Pork Benedict, Eggs Benedict, Just Eggs, San Pasqual Omelet.