When I reflect on my childhood, I suppose that many aspects of it were pretty normal. While I had individual interests and priorities, the adults in my life imposed a certain amount of structure for my well-being and development. However, a recurring period of time when I was permitted some “me time” was Saturday mornings. Back in those days there were no cable channels devoted entirely to kid centric programming, so Saturday mornings were a youngster’s “primetime” and the cartoons that were featured would become the fodder of deep playground discussions the following week.
Madison Avenue knew exactly who their target audience was during those hours, so we were “fed” a steady stream of cereal commercials. While all of us kids were focused on the glorious sugary aspects promised by those cereals, our parents were likely horrified by our behavior after being primed with hyperactive jet fuel. In order to assuage those parental fears, the ad campaigns frequently included the phrase “part of a complete breakfast.” That phrase (clearly recommended by the legal department) absolved the product from contributing any nutritional value whatsoever (because the other items visible in the background provided ALL of the nutrition for that breakfast).
While I don’t intend to comment on the nutritional value of the breakfasts that I’ve enjoyed at the Encinitas Cafe, I can assert that a breakfast here is “complete.” For me “a complete breakfast” within the “greasy spoon” genre must prominently and unabashedly feature unlimited coffee, eggs, bacon, hash browns (extra crispy), and pancakes. 😋
I salute the Encinitas Cafe for remaining faithful to the cause of proudly serving a simple breakfast, offered at a fair price, with friendly service included at no extra charge. 🫡
If you choose to visit you may find parking a challenge along South Coast Highway, but there is a parking lot directly behind the restaurant that offers convenient access to a back entrance.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
Encinitas Cafe
531 South Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, California
(760) 632-0919
www.encinitascafe.com
