Wed 29 Nov 2006
Bread & Porridge: The Secret to a Mellow Morning
Posted by Caroline on Crack under Los Angeles, Dining -
I wish there were more hours in the morning. I don’t get to do this often if at all since I don’t wake up early enough, but I’d love to just go to Starbucks, grab a caramel macchiato and surf the Web on my laptop to ease into the day. Unfortunately, the Starbucks near my place is usually packed with morning commuters during the weekdays AND the chain charges for WiFi use.
So I was thrilled when I discovered that one of my fave breakfast spots, Bread & Porridge in Santa Monica (fantastic Shepherd’s Scramble btw), has an apparently secret cafe filled with plush chocolate leather couches and ottomans.
I say “secret” because when I went one weekday morning a little after 9, the room was completely empty. Strange considering that B&P is a popular breakfast spot and the adjacent dining room was buzzing with diners. But maybe that was the thing. People usually go here for the breakfast with no clue that this lovely other room is actually a cafe where you can grab a latte, plop on the leather couch and surf the Web on your laptop for free to your heart’s content. Yes, complimentary WiFi for customers.
With plenty of comfortable seating, attentive waiters, morning sunshine filling the room and palm fronds abound, it almost feels like you’re in someone’s beautiful living room. The only thing is that they don’t make caramel macchiatos, and they don’t serve breakfast in the cafe. If you want strawberry pancakes and French-pressed coffee, wait for a seat in the dining room. Sure, it might be awhile but if you want a large yummy breakfast it’s worth it. In the cafe, you only have a choice of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and banana nut bread as well as standard espresso drinks. Nothing fancy.
But for a meditative morning without a steady stream of undercaffeinated commuters and bellowing baristas, I think I’m willing to make the tradeoff.
2315 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 90403
(310) 453-4941
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm; Sat-Sun 7am-3pm
November 29th, 2006 at 9:55 am
I’ve eaten at B&P many times, but I always thought that area was just a waiting room for people on the list for a breakfast table. I didn’t realize they let you just plop down on a couch with your laptop and hang out (are there electrical plugs next to the couches??). On weekends, that side room is jammed-packed with people waiting for tables, so they’d probably frown on you hanging out then. But it sounds like weekdays are perfect. Thanks for the tip!
November 29th, 2006 at 10:21 am
This is great to know. I love this place. Any idea what the hours are? I know they open at 7AM and their kitchen closes at 2pm on weekdays, but I wonder if they keep this little area open later.
Btw, they have amazing blueberry pancakes.
November 29th, 2006 at 10:27 am
Damn, I didn’t check if there were outlets but I assume there are since they have a big sign advertising the fact that they have complimentary WiFi. Otherwise that would just be mean.
Their hours are: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-3pm. I guess I’ll put that on the post, too. :)
November 29th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
ooooohhh B&P. I miss it - I used to work just up the street and it was a staple. Have you tried Snug Harbor, It’s right there as well? Really yummy breakfast/diner food - cute little patio in back too…
Why oh why am I too lazy to drive into Santa Monica?
November 29th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
I love Snug Harbor. It’s a lot more low-key than B&P but that’s OK. Oooh! didn’t know there was a back patio.
December 1st, 2006 at 6:54 pm
Breakfast is yummy, salads are delish,pasta is overcooked,stew is tasteless…the owner is a TRIP! he dresses up and wanders around like he has the coolest disco!!! WEIRD!