All-day breakfasts are a good thing, and everyone needs a joint where they can roll up with baseball-capped unwashed hair, or bring out-of-town relatives for a guaranteed lovely (and tasty!) Sunday brunch. Dual-function is a must, and California Kitchen is just the place. The lovely old building—located on Main Street in the former home of Torino’s Italian Restaurant—has a classic style that makes the eatery feel warm and inviting. Seven days a week until 3 p.m., they serve breakfast as well as lunch in their sun-streamed dining room.

We dropped by on a Saturday morning and the restaurant was well on its way to being full, with more folks coming in as time ticked on—clearly word is getting out that they serve a mean breakfast here!

I ordered the “California Kitchen” Benedict, and my husband ordered the Cajun breakfast, along with the regulation glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee for each of us. What do we look like, animals? One thing I will say in favor of the coffee is, it never got low enough for me to look around for a server…refills aplenty here!

My Benedict featured the classic poached egg and hollandaise sauce, but was served on a potato pancake with tomatoes, onions and avocado, with a side of fresh fruit. The eggs were cooked perfectly (there’s nothing better than cutting into delicious egg pillows and discovering yolky goodness), and the fruit was fresh and juicy—the perfect palate cleanser for a seriously filling morning meal. My husband’s Cajun plate was a spicy concoction of andouille sausage, chicken, peppers, onions, mushrooms and asparagus, served with two eggs (over easy, of course) and sourdough toast. 

In addition to the classic California diner fare, they have a section of the menu devoted to Mexican breakfasts (hola, molé huevos rancheros!), which is definitely on our list to try next time we’re craving full bellies on a weekend morning. You may come for the food, but you’ll stay for the sunshine and friendly service!

California Kitchen, 251 Main Street, Placerville, 530-622-7500.