Breakfast in Cambridge

There is no greater tragedy than wanting eggs overeasy and knowing that there are eggs in the kitchen, but for mysterious reasons, the chef cannot prepare them even though the menu features many other, more complicated dishes which require eggs as part of the ingredients. Oh IHOP, I sing of your glory and beckon you to come to Cambridge or a location near public transportation! IHOP with your fluffy yet not digustingly filling pancakes and copious side dishes!

Well, I suppose it is better to support local restaurants, and there are plenty of wonderful places to choose from. My favorite breakfast spot is S&S Restaurant, which has been serving great food since 1919. The servings are plentiful, and the food quality is perfect. For the longest time, they did not take credit cards so I was reluctant to go there. How can I know ahead of time how much cash I needed to bring when the menu beckoned me with so many tasty delights?

It was entirely too limiting, but I am happy to say that once this barrier was removed, I could finally indulge in three eggs, either scrambled or overeasy, bacon, sausage, a small fruit salad, two slices of buttered toast and a side of steak (you read that correctly--a side of steak is a delightful way to finish a meal). If you would prefer one of their specialized omelettes, pancake specials or bagels with different sides, then S&S will be happy to oblige. Do not be discouraged by the long lines and the wait. You are just lucky to be in the same room as such exquisite food--homemade favorites served with restaurant perfection and precision.

If you would prefer a diner with less foot traffic, then go to Andy's Diner, which has been open since 1958. Andy's Diner is like your average diner with above average taste. Sure you have to seat yourself, and you must carry cash because they do not take traveller's checks or credit cards, but those are the only downsides. Andy's Diner offers immense portions. My favorite dish is the Lumber Jack Special, which offers three eggs, ham, homefries and toast, but I still order an extra side of sausages so I can refrigerate and snack on them later. I like to have my eggs overeasy because the eggs provide the perfect seasoning to the fresh homefries. If you order pancakes, then be prepared to put some real butter and syrup on them because you should not disgrace these lovely delights with anything other than the best.

Finally, if you put a premium on a restaurant's atmosphere, then you need to go to the Rosebud Diner immediately. Technically, it is not in Cambridge, but it is only a few blocks away from its border, and I am not one to quibble over something as important as food. It is not only the last word of one of Orson Welles' major masterpieces, but Rosebud is the last word in kitschy restaurant decor. This refurbished streetcar not only offers breakfast, but mimosas and other beverages for those looking for something more than coffee or tea.

Last year, I had a couple of painful dental procedures, and I prepared by bringing a Bible to the Rosebud counter. I happily ate as many eggs and slices of toast as I could, but I would stay away from the meat, which varies in quality. The waitresses are the friendliest around, and at one time, a waitress offered a kitten to patrons who cooed over it almost as much as they adored the food. (Another friend did not react well to the concept of food servers handling kittens and food, but I say that kittens should be in public at all times- in restaurants, offices, department stores...okay, maybe not department stores because then there would be fur on all the black clothes, but department stores would be the exception.)

Whether you are looking for perfect food, food without the wait or food with ambience, Cambridge has plenty to offer, so start eating.