Bread and Porridge – Great Santa Monica Breakfast Staycation

Growing up, I’ve always enjoyed eating a good breakfast. For me, starting in a delicious way, helps set the tone for the remainder of the day. My wife and I were recently dined at Bread and Porridge in Santa Monica to see what their breakfast was all about.

Inside Bread and Porridge

Bread and Porridge obtained its name because owner Mark Rothschild first intended on having soup as the main focus. He experimented with breakfast and found that this had more interest within the local community. He decided to specialize in featuring freshly made breakfasts using local and natural ingredients. For example, they only use organic eggs that are locally sourced.

I planned on ordering an omelette and our server volunteered that any omelette could be prepared as a scramble instead. Based on his recommendation, I opted for the Shepherd’s Omelette made as an egg scramble. We also ordered the Nutella Waffle, a half stack of banana pancakes and some sausage along with a couple of extra plates so that we could share everything. 

Belgian Waffle drizzled with Nutella and dusted with powdered sugar

Shepherd Scramble with fresh spinach, onions, mushrooms and goat cheese

The Nutella Waffle is a freshly made Belgian waffle. It is served with a healthy drizzle of Nutella and dusted with powdered sugar. The waffle was light and fluffy in nature. Eating Nutella reminded me of our breakfasts in France. The scramble was our favorite. Fresh spinach, onions and mushrooms really made the difference. It was also mixed with low fat goat cheese and served with roasted potatoes.

The half stack consisted of two banana pancakes. Since these were large in size, I assumed that they were heavy and filling. On the contrary, these were light and fluffy. Best of all, there was fresh banana mixed with the batter as well as sliced on top of the pancakes. Mixed with real maple syrup and butter, each bite was delicious. Buttermilk, blueberry, strawberry and pecan pancakes are also available. 

Banana Pancakes – half stack

Chicken Andouille Sausages

Bread and Porridge serves orange juice the old-fashioned way; fresh squeezed. They used oranges that had the right mix of sweet vs. tart balance for orange juice. We tried both the maple and the andouille sausages. Between the two, we favored the andouille sausage and we learned that it was from Jody Maroni in nearby Venice.

The service is excellent. Unlike having a single server, each person on the staff keeps their eyes on tables that need attention. Diners don’t have to flag down their server to get a refill of coffee or water.

If you don’t live in or near Santa Monica, I encourage you to consider them a staycation destination. Add another popular destination to your day like the Santa Monica Farmers Market, the Third Street Promenade or Palisades Park.

Bread and Porridge, 2315 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA
http://breadandporridge.com/
Hours: Everyday from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.