What’s For Breakfast?

bakery at Gelson’s serves freshly brewed coffee and dozens of pastries hot out of the oven. The variety is quite wonderful. There are muffins flavored with apple, banana nut, blueberry, bran, carrot, chocolate, corn, honey, pumpkin or lemon poppy seeds, as well as Danish cheese pockets, pecan topped schnecken, cinnamon pull aparts, croissants (plain and flavored), a variety of scones and--my own favorite--bear claws topped with thin slices of almonds.

on Sunset may not have the variety and quality of pastries, but the options for a beverage are far greater. Depending on your mood or the weather, hot espressos, cappuccinos, macchiatos, mochas and lattes or iced Frappuccinos are available in small (Tall), medium (Grande), large (Venti) and a new supersize (Trenta).

Cattycorner from Starbucks on Antioch, locals in search of a snack and a beverage stop at , the and .  , next door to Chase, caters to those who want freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and healthy sandwiches and salads.

For those who have time in the morning, the Village has no shortage of breakfast places where Palisadians can hang out with friends, enjoy a leisurely meal, work on their laptops or read the morning newspaper.

, with its sidewalk tables and cozy interior, is especially popular on the weekends when a 15-20 minute wait is not uncommon.  For breakfast some order traditional favorites like pancakes, eggs with bacon, omelets and French toast while others prefer lunchtime dishes at breakfast, like quesadillas or cheeseburgers served with sweet potato fries or salad, my own personal choice.

Tucked away in an intimate courtyard, on Swarthmore is designed for a quiet breakfast when you have time to read a book and enjoy a cup or two of coffee (although be warned that there are no free refills).

On Swarthmore, is the Village’s country kitchen, serving large portions with a smile. When the weather is warm, sitting on the sidewalk under the umbrellas is the way to go.

Just across the street, Lenny’s Deli opened this week in the space originally occupied by Mort’s and, more recently, the Village Pantry. It was reported that upwards of visited the restaurant on opening day when prices were cut by 50%.

Besides an extensive menu and moderate prices, the deli is appealing because of the friendly and attentive staff, like general manager, Alby Fuentes and many of the wait staff who worked in the restaurant when it was Mort’s and the Village Pantry.

With the largest dining room in town and sidewalk seating shaded by large umbrellas, Lenny’s is a natural gathering spot for locals.  As long-time resident, Steve Cron said on opening day, “We’ve missed this.”

Follow David's Palisades Food Adventures every Thursday. David Latt's blog, Men Who Like to Cook, can be found here.