Breakfast in the Northwest

We who live in the Great Northwest welcome sunshine even though it means
a 20 degree drop in temperature! Finding interesting and different
breakfasts has become an obsession to ease off both the dark mornings and
chilling temperatures, sun or not.

When dining at home, eggs are enduringly popular, as are waffles, bacon, sausage, crepes, french toast and the like. But once in awhile we like to reach out for something a bit different but easy to do too.

I have a tasty recipe to share that is quick and will add some variety to the
traditional breakfast fare.

It's called Hangtown Fry:

Prep time is about 5 minutes and cooking takes about 10 minutes.

For two people in love: Start with 4 oysters well drained; 1 beaten egg;
cracker crumbs; butter; 3 eggs; 2 tbsp water; salt and pepper; crisp bacon, lemon and
orange slices.

(For four people simply double the ingredients with the exception of the egg.)

Dip the oysters in the beaten egg, then in the cracker crumbs. Fry in
butter until golden. Beat the eggs well with the water, add salt and
pepper to taste. Pour the eggs over the oysters and cook as for an
omelet. Roll the omelet onto a hot platter and garnish with strips
of bacon and some sunny lemon and orange slices.
Enjoy!

One thing about living in the northwest, there is an espresso
stand on every corner - we just need to find one that delivers!


Portland, Oregon,
If you are in Portland and looking for a good place to have breakfast, here's a couple of great breakfast places we'd like to tell you about. The first is a little restaurant on the southeast side called Zell's an American Cafe. Great atmosphere, very interesting menu for both vegetarians and meat eaters. Good prices. You'll find them at 1300 SE Morrison.

The second restaurant is Hawthorne Street Cafe, 3354 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Nice variety, sunny windows, friendly staff. Everything we tried was fresh, great looking and delivered promptly.

If you are going to Naples, Florida for a little sun, stop in the Cove Inn Coffee Shop for a great breakfast; try their famous pancakes. You'll find them at 900 Broad Avenue South.

Etiquette tip of the day:
'When to begin dining': At a small dinner party guests should wait until the host or hostess has been served and begins to pick up her utensils. At larger dinner parties guests should feel free to eat as they are served, as the food is better hot. Children should wait for their parents to begin. For more etiquette information check out our etiquette references here.

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