Parkside Cafe #4 - 2006.06.10 -- *****

I wanted to share this, for lack of a better word, north-bay-coast tradition with my cousin, since we were in that neck of woods. And for once, I could say a place did live up to all its past accolades. Located in the seaside town of Stinson Beach, Parkside has all the small town coziness and laid back charm; friendly people, homey foods, and that certain unqualifiable sunday-ness.

I love their smoked-apple and chicken sasuage, so I went overboard and got it in a scramble with mushrooms and as a side. My cuz got a surprisingly wonderful bacon-salsa-chili-jack omelette where the spicy and tangy mingled deliciously with the fluffy and savory and cheesy. Very omg yum. Rounding out the set was some walnut raisin toast, always a pleaser, and a mimosa. Oh and I got my fresh squeezed OJ as usual.

It was when we were thoroughly enjoying both our meals and chatting animatedly that I suddenly looked up and saw the specials on the little blackboard, hanging over the entrance hallway. I read the ingredients of a wild mushroom om with tomato, basil, onion and goat cheese to my cousin and we both screamed (a little bit, inside), wishing we weren't almost done with our respective breakfast. I shall never forget to read the specials menu again.

Afterwards, we wandered barefoot the foggy beach and peeked into the gardens of local homes. There's nothing like a deeply satisfying brunch to start the day and make everything seem that much nicer.

$38 for two, all incl.