Transmission trouble leads to gravy for breakfast

My transmission was on the blink. After I checked in with the mechanic and sat down in the lobby, I realized I was hungry. So, I got up, walked out the door and headed down the sidewalk for breakfast in Oceanside.

Jennie’s Cafe used to be across the street from where it is now. The new space is more open and bright, with big screen TVs on the walls and funny quotations on chalkboards. It's run by Jennie and her family and best friends.

Jennie’s is usually crowded with families on the weekends, but on a Tuesday, not so much. I grabbed a booth and looked the menu over. Lots of omelets, Benedicts and fancy bloody marys. I decided to keep it simple and ordered the sausage and eggs. And gravy. I do love gravy for breakfast.

My server was friendly and talked to me for a bit and the other customers. I’ve been to this cafe before on a weekend, and the servers literally run through the place to keep up with the clientele. Sometimes the service can be slow, but not because the servers are standing around, ignoring the customers, but because the large room and benches outside are filled with people. I liked this slower pace and read a paper I had found while I waited, looking out the window, wondering how much my transmission repair was going to cost.

My plate came, and it was huge. The hash browns were crispy on top and moist inside, and there was plenty of sausage. Not everyone gets poached eggs right, but with plenty of Benedicts on the menu, I figured this cook would. And he did. Runny on the inside and perfect with the peppery gravy I had ordered. I only ate half a piece of toast so I could maintain my girlish figure.

And eat more gravy.