The Breakfast Club'

by Debbie Francis and Tracey Rolandelli'

Tracey and I were strolling around the neighborhood and found some real treasures as far as breakfast restaurants go. Some of them have been well-kept secrets, but not anymore.

'' We went to the recently opened Nusta's Peruvian Restaurant at 4415 Foothill Blvd. Hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, and closed Monday.

'' Javier, who runs the front, served us an amazing pork sandwich with grilled sweet red onions, lime, lettuce, mayo, and mustard. We also tried the blood sausage sandwich, which was delicious. There is a specialty drink made with purple corn, cinnamon, pineapple, and a secret ingredient that is reminiscent of pomegranate.

'' They make a Peruvian ice cream, helado, which is similar to Italian gelato. It is made with either mango or lacuma, both of which are local Peruvian fruits. Just ask for a free sample before you decide which flavor to buy, or better yet, get both!

' Next we went to Café by the Bay at 4011 MacArthur Blvd. Their hours are 7 a.m. till 3 p.m. every day. My favorite waitress, Lucy, introduced us to a new menu item: Blast energy drink. It is sugar-free and tastes like Kool-Aid. They also serve Italian soda, specialty coffees, and tea, all made with filtered water.

' I had a "create your own omelet" with cheese, meat, and veggies. Tracey had a waffle deluxe with eggs, links, and whipped cream on top. The menu includes some Mexican dishes like huevos rancheros, quesadillas, lemon garlic shrimp with rice, and a breakfast burrito. There are always plenty of places to sit in this restaurant, with two rooms of tables and a counter, all with full service.

' Then we moseyed over to Los Comales Taqueria at 2105 MacArthur Blvd. It's open from 9 a.m. till 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. Los Comales serves breakfast until 11 a.m. and has four items on the menu: chorizo with eggs, eggs with pico de gallo, eggs with chile relleno, and a breakfast burrito. These items are served with rice and beans and your choice of corn or flour tortilla. Here is the best part: every item is only $3.99. They serve Mexican bottled Coke made with real sugar, and you can taste the difference.

'' Finally, we ended up at The Full House Café at 3719 MacArthur Blvd. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. till 2:30 p.m., and closed Monday. This restaurant is always a special treat. Tracey had the red flannel hash with bacon, beets, potato, and onion. I ordered the LEO, which is scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and a bagel.'

'' There are some original menu items here like the portabella mushroom hash and smoked chicken hash. If you like frittatas, this is your place. Or if you like a more traditional dish, you can get omelets, pancakes, and eggs Benedict.