Wednesday: How to Start the Hump Day

Well, by now you know my favorite place for breakfast...isn't it yours too? Yesterday morning I had to run my Mom on some errands and she took me out to breakfast...early. At least for me it was pretty early to be out on the town doing breakfast during the week--we had coffee in our cups by 7:15--yikes!

Only thing missing--crispy home fries!

My Mom is so cute--she doesn't eat much. All she ordered was one scrambled egg and a biscuit. That's it. I, on the other hand, had eggs (egg substitutes actually) with an English muffin and crisp bacon. I really wanted the home fries too (love 'em cooked crispy) but trying to cut back a little on the starchy stuff. Btw, you'll never find grits on my plate. Is that a "Southern sin?" Hope not. Just never developed that taste. So here's my breakfast with my Mom's biscuit in the background--exciting, yes?

Usually, I go to Beach Hut on the weekend and I love the crowd. Mostly locals, either headed for the beach, recovering from the night before or just up and out early getting together with friends. But during the week, there's a somewhat different dynamic among the sausage, grits, biscuits and gravy. When I looked around, I noticed there seemed to be a lot of "business" going on from table to table. Not every table by any means, but at some.

A guy walks in with the paper, looks around for someone who he doesn't see, takes a table and reads the morning news while he waits. Then a big hello and a handshake as his breakfast partner finds him. I even saw a former Jaguar sitting with a couple of "business-looking types" (dare I call them suits?) deep in discussion. Is it different doing business at the beach?

And Beach Hut is a very comfortable place to have a "meeting." Our server paused at the table next to us, gently rested her hand on one of the diner's shoulders and asked, "Do y'all want to talk first? I know you usually like to talk for awhile..." flashing a smile at the group.

Just coffee--no cream, no sugar!

Even on the most crowded weekend mornings, I have never felt rushed. I do have compassion for the hungry folks waiting to get their Complete Country Breakfast (definitely what to order if you're hungry) so I don't dilly-dally too long after my last cup of coffee.

I'm gonna treat myself to weekday breakfasts more often. And it's definitely on my list of a relaxed place to meet with clients. Beach Hut Cafe...for me it's not just for weekends anymore!

Window Shopping

So my plan for Sunday morning was to get up early and treat myself to a fresh donut for breakfast. How disappointed was I to learn that Cinotti's is closed on Sunday. I guess it makes sense. They're not just a donut shop but more of a traditional bakery with commercial clients as well. They deserve a day off too! So I just had my regular ol' Sunday morning breakfast-in-bed of coffee (yes, with the espresso added!) and orange juice, a bagel with whipped cream cheese, and a sliced nectarine. I make an effort on weekend mornings to use extra pretty plates and set a "beautiful tray" (I have a wicker and steel tray I love) that I bring back to bed with me. Mmmmm...coffee and anything baked, my favorite breakfast!

So Monday morning rolls around and I'm still thinking about the donut for breakfast but the craving isn't quite as strong. Not strong enough to motivate me to go get one. Maybe it's just because it's not the weekend anymore and somehow I don't think I'll enjoy it enough? Today I do my uneventful bran flakes with berries, soy milk and coffee. TMI?

I was really excited when I thought about Cinotti's on Saturday because I had forgotten about them. When I first moved here they were legend. That was when they were still in the old corner location on 1st Avenue S. Now they've moved to Penman Road. Well, since apparently donuts are only a weekend treat to me, I plan on going "window shopping" to just look at all the pastries and find out about what the famous beaches bakery has been up to. I'll let you know.

Are there any Cinotti's regulars out there that want to share about a favorite cake or specialty? I heard something about their vanilla cakes?

Blog Creation Day

Here's my plan. Everyone who lives at the beach knows they live in paradise. I know the places I like to eat (like nothing beats Beach Hut for breakfast) but sometimes I just wanna do somethin' new or eat somewhere different. I KNOW I haven't done everything there is to do at the Beach.

But I had a really hard time finding what's out there. So, this is my plan. I'm REALLY gonna get to know the beach and I'm gonna write about it. I'm gonna include links to restaurants, galleries, bars, shops, studios, classes, services--every place I can think of at the beach to Go...Do...See...Eat...Drink...Chill.

Please add your own comments. Comments will only be open for a limited amount of time after a post, so get on there quickly. Rave about something if you love it, but please be kind if you don't. We all have our own likes & dislikes, and the best fish taco you ever tasted just might not be mine~

Oh, yeah. I'm gonna try to keep the random advertising to a minimum, but after all, it's what helps keep the word out there. If you see a link you like, please click on it. There will be a separate section for local ads if you're interested in getting on board. Eventually, I'd like to come up with a comprehensive list of the locals' favs.

Here's to "Going, Doing, Seeing, Eating, Drinking & Chilling!"