Los Angeles Metro - PlanJam.com

Patrick's Cafe, Not Just Another Diner

Patricia Lamkin — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:40:08 +0000

Patrick's Cafe is what I would call a “healthy” California diner – it has everything a diner has, in generous portions, but without the “greasy spoon” reputation. And they have those reasonable diner prices everyone likes, with entrees averaging about $8.95. They serve breakfast, lunch and brunch.

I have been to Patrick’s a few times, and I have never had a bad experience. It’s a good place to go if you want to get out of the madness of city traffic and settle down to a relaxing meal. Getting there is easy – it’s just off the 5 on San Fernando Road in Glendale; parking is easy – they have an ample lot; and ordering is easy – rather than ordering from the table, you make your order at the counter deli-style, and pay up front. They give you a number, you sit down, and then a server brings your beverages and order. Easy.

I haven’t tried everything on the menu, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that breakfast is what Patrick’s does best. They don’t serve breakfast all day, but from 11-3 Saturdays, this has become one of my favorite places to “do” brunch. All of your breakfast basics are covered, such as three egg omelettes, steak and eggs, and pancakes, plus they offer healthy side alternatives of fresh fruit, roasted potatoes or salad if you want to lay off the hash browns or sausage. They have what my boyfriend likes to call “clean” food, i.e., not dripping with grease and making you feel like you’re sacrificing artery health just by looking at it. My personal favorite is of course the Scrumptious French Toast, which comes with real maple syrup, fruit, hash browns, and a choice of bacon, ham or link sausages. Yum! Which leads me to my disclaimer - while this place has delicious healthy options, you have to select those options to get their benefits. And the food generally comes in large portions. So if you eat a lot of the wrong things and get fat don’t blame me!

Patrick’s is also vegetarian friendly, with several options in each menu category. For breakfast, Veggie-vores might try the Tofu Scramble, or the Veggie Breakfast Wrap made with tofu scrambled into a flour tortilla and served with potatoes or fruit. See something verboten in that omelette or sandwich? No worries - they don’t flip out if you make substitutions.

Patrick’s also features a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers and pasta. They even have a weekly lunch special. Sandwich highlights include the BLT w/ Avocado, Pastrami on a Toasted Baguette, and the “Veggie but-Goodie” made up of red onion, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, cucumbers, and sprouts w/ boursin cheese on multigrain bread. Sounds good enough to sway an avowed meat eater. But even if it isn’t, there’s always the “Carnivore” version of the same thing, which adds stacks of juicy roast beef, and nixes the sprouts, cuke and avocado. Other sandwiches include the Prosciutto Caprese, Grilled Chicken Breast, and Tuna on Whole Wheat. But if you’re tastes are pickier, never fear, for Patrick’s also offers deli-style designer sandwiches with your choice of a green salad, veggie chips or fruit.

Unlike most diners, Patrick’s has a hip California coolness that does not fail to forget our southland obsession with good gourmet coffee. Yes! They’ve got your Espresso, your Cappuccino, your Americano, and let’s not forget my favorite, the Chai Tea Latte. Too hot for summer? Consider iced coffees and lattes, or their ice-blended offerings, including Blended Mocha, Chai or Vanilla. Want something sweet with that coffee? They have a wide variety of cakes, tarts and pastries. And there is also optional patio seating if you prefer to sit outside to take in the rays, or sit under an umbrella.

Patrick’s Cafe is located on San Fernando Road in Glendale off the Golden State Freeway. Breakfast is served 7-11 weekdays and 8-3 Saturdays, Lunch is11-3 weekdays and 8-3 Saturdays; Brunch is 8-3 Saturdays. If you’re looking for or a delicious breakfast place that won’t bust your budget or your belt, you might want to try Patrick’s Cafe in Glendale.

Belmont Shore: Long Beach

Ron — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:22:50 +0000

Along the shore, Belmont Shore's 2nd street is a place to enjoy an upscale shopping environment in proximity to the ocean. It is a host to night life in Long Beach, as well as seasonally appropriate festivals and events.

The Pike & Pine Avenue in Long Beach

Ron — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:00:50 +0000

A waterfront entertainment district, The Pike is most popular for its nightlife and waterfront dining. At Rainbow Harbor, guest mooring is welcomed so guests can come by land or by sea. Both the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary are located near The Pike, making this district a unique destination in Long Beach.

Pine Ave, Long Beach's main street, shops, art galleries, restaurants, and night clubs can all be found in Pine Ave's historic buildings.

Westwood Village

Ron — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:56:07 +0000

Right off Wilshire Blvd, Westwood Village has been around since the 1920s. Throughout the years it has offered a pedestrian-friendly environment with Mediterranean revival architecture for the upscale crowd. It is now home to several large retail stores, some boutique stores, restaurants, and theaters.

Hollywood Blvd: Hollywood

Ron — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:54:35 +0000

Bustling with tourists in the summer, the boulevard is famous for its star walk and the Chinese Theater, but is also home to alternative retail and tattoo shops. There is also a plethora of shops that sell Hollywood and Los Angeles inspired souvenirs.

Washington Blvd: Culver City

Ron — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:49:29 +0000

Popular for its slew of art galleries, Washington Blvd in Culver City also has much to offer in shopping and dining. Attracting a population of hipsters and artists. And to add to Culver City's flavor, Jeopardy! Is also taped in Culver City at Sony Studios.

Old Town Pasadena

Ron — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:37:27 +0000

Just east of Los Angeles, suburban Pasadena boasts its cultural history proudly through their Old Town district. It is a mix of retail shops, art galleries, and boutique shops, as well as restaurants. The most memorable aspect of Old Town being in what it has to offer in terms of its picturesque ambiance and quaint architecture.

Melrose Avenue

Ron — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:23:13 +0000

A trendy and quirky shopping experience between Fairfax and Highland, Melrose Ave is truly part of the LA experience. Here you'll find shops you won't find anywhere else. Also, part of the fun of Melrose is people-watching, as it draws an eclectic crowd of tourists and locals. Melrose is also home to comedy clubs and popular Los Angeles restaurants.

Little Tokyo

Ron — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:02:52 +0000

A Japanese shopping district, Little Tokyo is also an ethnic community in downtown Los Angeles where Japanese food and trinkets can be found. There are also several Buddhist temples for extra cultural spice. Probably the most popular event in Little Tokyo is their Tofu Festival, usually held in the summer, where tofu prepared in every way possible can be sampled.

Rodeo Drive

Ron — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 13:06:08 +0000

Located in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is probably the most famous shopping district for spotting stars. Designed to re-create a romantic European avenue, Rodeo Drive is one of the most expensive shopping streets in America. Designers such as Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Valentino, and Tiffany's have all found a home along this famous shopping street.