It’s Saturday morning and you have had a long week at work. You sleep in and wake up starving. You have worked hard enough all week so you’re definitely not in the mood to cook, and cereal just doesn’t sound satisfying. There is only one breakfast place in town that you know will satisfy your cravings, I’m talking about Penfold’s Café in Temecula, California. Forget about franchise restaurants like Denny’s and IHOP; Penfold’s is one of a kind and tops them all!
Penfold’s Café has been serving comfort food since 1984 and has truly become a favorite Temecula destination. It is located right before the entrance of historic Old Town Temecula that has been around since 1882 when the California Railroad came through the valley and local investors created the first bank. Penfold’s Café is conveniently located close to the 15 freeway so if you aren’t a local it’s still easy to find. Penfold’s is a very busy place which always is a great sign, but don’t worry you never have to wait too long and the customer service here is great. Even though this restaurant is a town hit, the parking lot is fairly large so parking never seems to be a problem.
When you walk in the door you instantly feel at home and you are reminded of your favorite childhood memories. Got to love the smell of bacon and home-style cooked breakfast! The restaurant’s décor is very original; it’s like a walk down memory lane. There are stuffed animals of everyone’s favorite Disney characters, there are toys and collectable items, and there is even a Bob’s Big Boy statue. The restaurant also has pictures and photographs dating back to the beginning of Temecula’s existence. It is this restaurant that gave me a little history lesson of the town I live in. The front entrance even has a gift shop with candy, toys, and souvenirs which keeps the kids preoccupied and entertained if you have to wait for a table. The waitresses here are part of the furniture at Penfold’s, they have been working there for years and the regulars look forward to seeing a familiar face. The staff at Penfold’s is like one big family and they treat the customers like family too.
The best part is yet to come! Your table is ready and it is time to relax in a comfy oversized booth and look over the fabulous menu. Choices, choices, you really can’t go wrong, but I know the menu is a little overwhelming. This place does breakfast like nobody’s business and let me give you a fair warning that the portion sizes are huge! Like the saying states “go big or go home.” Now that you have had a chance to glance at the menu, your friendly waitress greets you politely and takes your drink order. She quickly comes back with your drinks and asks if you are ready to place your order. You have a few questions about the menu and ask her for some suggestions or recommendations. Your waitress really takes the time to go over the menu with you and suggests a few of the favorites that keep the locals coming back and the visitors impressed. So what will it be? The “Cowboy Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs,” or “The Mess” which as the description states includes everything but the kitchen sink, this dish could feed a whole family! If you prefer an omelet you have from over 20 to choose from like the popular “Penfold’s Omelet” which is bacon, sausage, onions, tomatoes, jack and cheddar cheese smothered in homemade country gravy, can you say yummy! Even momma’s cooking can’t compete with that.
If you are feeling in the mood for something a little sweeter then feast your eyes on the Hot off the Griddle section of the menu. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! There is just about every type of pancake you can think of from classic buttermilk pancakes to the tasty banana nut pancakes. If you are in the mood for French toast, Penfold’s is the place to go. Their French toast is the best in town, complete perfection! My personal favorite is the original French toast but kids love the Cap’n Crunch French toast. The waffles are also amazing and there is quite a selection from the Belgian Waffle to the Patriot Waffle, which is topped with strawberries and blueberries and dusted in powdered sugar. You also can’t forget about the Pecan Waffle which is my dad’s personal favorite.
For all those health nuts and gym rats out there, pay attention to the High Protein and Low Carb section of the menu that was created just for you. Now you don’t have to turn down an invite to breakfast with friends because the menu at Penfold’s is accommodating for everyone. For all of you that are early risers the early bird definitely catches the worm. Penfold’s daily breakfast specials are offered from 5:30 am to 10:00 am and are priced to please. If you slept in a little later than expected you are in luck because Penfolds serves breakfast all day long. If you are more in the mood for lunch then no problem, their lunch menu is just as delicious. Whether it be their scrumptious salads, juicy burgers, wraps, or classic sandwiches you are sure to leave full and satisfied. They also have the best chicken noodle soup around that has been quite the crowd pleaser anytime I have a sick family member or friend; nothing sounds better when you have the dreadful flu.
Now that you have had an incredible meal its time for dessert. The triple layered chocolate cake and Melissa's mile high hot fudge cake is every chocolate lover's dream. You also have your choice of thick and frosty shakes, sundaes, banana boat split, pie, bread pudding, and Nicholas' old-fashioned float. Melissa and Nicholas happen to be the owner's children and he named their favorite desserts after them. If you didn't save room for dessert make sure you take a look at the bakery on your way out so you can take a tasty treat to go. All of the treats and pastries are homemade and extremely delightful. Hopefully you have just as great as an experience at Penfold's Cafe as I have every time I go. Penfold's Cafe truly is the ultimate dining experience!
Works Cited
Penfold's Cafe - Old Town Temecula - Open 5:30am Daily. Penfold's Cafe, 2010. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. <http://www.penfoldscafe.com/>.
Works Cited
Penfold's Cafe - Old Town Temecula - Open 5:30am Daily. Penfold's Cafe, 2010. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. <http://www.penfoldscafe.com/>.
