Last weekend before hiking in the Malibu mountains, Hubs and I decided to fuel up at Jinky’s. I couldn’t decide if I wanted savory or sweet for brunch but luckily the menu offered something that could satiate my wavering appetite. I ordered the Sierra Mountain breakfast which contains 2 eggs, 2 french toast (or buttermilk pancakes)+ choice of gourmet sausage or ham steak. I got the french toast and asked the server to make it flaky (their specialty which adds a nice crunch to the toast) with fresh strawberries and walnuts sprinkled on top. I am not a fan of french toast but at Jinky’s I make an exception for the flaky version because it is delicious and I can’t even taste any egg on the batter which is how I liked it.

Hubs had a had to kill the breakfast burrito craving he’s had for the past couple of days so he ordered the Desperado which is  quoting from Jinky’s awesome menu “a hardy blend of scrambled eggs, red onions, diced tomatoes and ortega chilies, cheddar cheese, chopped potatoes and Jody Maroni’s Turkey-Chicken Chorizo *(or vegetarian chorizo) – served with pea guacamole, salsa fresca & sour cream (substitute chorizo with choice of gourmet chili)

Just a short FYI: I use to keep a copy of Jinky’s menu (the paper kind, not the actual menu, I’m no klepto!) by my bed and peruse it before I fall asleep. It’s a great read.

Hubs and I usually also get a side of gourmet chili (selection changes everyday) but didn’t want the extra weight to hold us down as we conquered the Mishe Mokwa Trail in Malibu where I almost got attacked by a snake and survived it like good ole Indiana Jones.

Hubs and I have been venturing out of our comfort zone of SGV,  Silver Lake, and Santa Monica for our breakfast/brunch ventures. So after a nice long run at the Rose Bowl one sunny Saturday, we decided to try the breakfast/brunch at Auntie Em’s in Eagle Rock.

For some reason, I was really hankering for a sandwich all week so I decided to order the black forest ham and eggs with mustard see gouda on grilled pretzel bread. I thought the pretzel bread was going to be hard like well, a pretzel but the texture was a cross between sourdough and white bread. The black forest ham was not overly salted and the gouda added a nice fragrant touch to the sandwich. Although the sandwich looked like a monster overfilling with eggs and schtuff, it was actually not too heavy or too much. I finished the entire thing.yes I did.

Hubs opted for the very innocent looking scrambled eggs and Cajun turkey sausage & toast. It was good but nothing write home about.

I have eaten cupcakes from Auntie Em’s before but never had their red velvet ones (my favorite kind of cupcakes evers!) I loved that there Auntie Em’s offers 3 sizes, mini, small and large. I was pretty stuffed from my monster of a sandwich so I just ordered a mini red velvet cupcake for taste. When the cupcake was brought to me, our very friendly server Jody brought me two cupcakes! “I couldn’t just bring you one honey!” Love her!!!

Although I prefer more sour cream cheesy frosting on my red velvets like the ones from Lark Cakeshop in Silver Lake, Auntie’s Em’s red velvet cupcakes were moist and the frosting was nice and sweet. The chocolate cupcake was also tasty but I’m not really a chocolate person so I can only vouch for the nice cakey texture and not for the taste. The best part was when the bill came, we were not charged for the cupcakes or our drinks. Did I mention that I love Jody! By the way, it was my first time having Intelligentsia coffee which is self serve here. I am hooked! Love the dark roasty and smooth flavor of their coffee.

Okay, I admit that I actually went to Auntie Em’s again the following week. This time I was craving waffles or pancakes, one of the daily specials was pancakes with fresh berries with shaved coconut and real maple syrup. However, I was informed that they were out of pancakes. I was BUMMMMMED. The server (not Jody this time) suggested their french toast which was comparable to the pancakes. Being a french toast disliker but craving something carby, I succumbed to the suggestion but was later disappointed.

I have never been a fan of french toast so again, I probably can’t really accurately asses this dish. I just thought it was bland and had a crunchy shell. Looks pretty though no?

Hubs lucked out on the biscuit with eggs and turkey sausage gravy. We were pleasantly surprised and delighted at the sight of this dish! Look at it! Isn’t she a beauty?! Yes, those are Auntie Em’s homemade biscuits that was almost as big as my face! Hubs and I thought it was just going to be a regular biscuit with regular gravy and side of eggs. The biscuit was fluffy and the gravy was not over the top heavy.

Although I was disappointed with the French toast, the biscuits and gravy redeemed it.

Auntie Em’s “cooks by the season” so although they have a regular menu, their specials are what sets them apart because they take advantage of the items in season and cook accordingly. I am curious about their veggie and salad items and abundance of pastry items so I will be back soon.