Reader's Choice Awards - Reader's Choice Food

POSTED: Monday, Dec. 08, 2008

Best breakfast eatery: Old Town Cafe

FIRST PLACE

OLD TOWN CAFE

Location: 316 W. Holly St., 671-4431, hours: 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

From the boss: "We have a variety of tofu scrambles that I think are unique." Matthew Clauer, assistant manager

Reader rave: "I find any excuse to go (to the Old Town Café. I like) talking to the wait staff, the musicians playing in the background, the community tables, the private tables by the windows, the jam on the table, helping myself to water, the feeling of being part of Bellingham when I am there - everything!" Ruth Harper, Bellingham

Highlights: Old Town Café is a downtown Bellingham fixture, also winning Readers' Choice for breakfasts in 2007. Known for wholesome, satisfying dishes like the popular garden egg tortilla (a delectable scramble of eggs, fresh vegetables and a kick of chipotle pepper), it doesn't serve up sissy spa breakfasts. For example, another customer fave is the "Number Nine," two poached eggs on hot buttermilk biscuits, topped with a rich cheese sauce and fresh tomatoes.

Assistant Manager Matthew Clauer says his favorite dish is the huevos rancheros. "I like the tortillas we get" - from La Mexicana in Seattle - "and the spicy ranchero sauce." Old Town Café backs up its tofu scrambles with a mighty social conscience. For almost 30 years, it has spread holiday cheer, along with a delicious free meal for needy folk, with their annual, volunteer-organized community Thanksgiving dinner.