Creekside Cafe

Everything about this place is simple and good. So I'll tip my hat to it in much the same way. The space is bright, lots of windows, cheery colors, and quirky kitsch in just the right amount. Small tables and a small counter, a white board listing the numerous daily specials. Also, a patio area for al fresco dining (seemed to be too cold for the locals this week).

Eggs Benedict served with breakfast potatoes at Creekside Cafe

Round 1: Mike is the owner. He didn't blink when I asked if I could have something fast to carry out just minutes before my wine tour Friday morning. "We can make you a breakfast sandwich," he said. I looked at the menu. No such thing. "Whatever you want, eggs, sausage..." Excellent. Sausage, fried egg over-medium, cheddar cheese, on sourdough. And while it didn't top Tasty 'n' Sons, it was hearty and served quickly, and affordable - exactly what I was looking for.

Round 2: Saturday brunch, as recommended by a woman in the Sonoma Creek Inn office. "They only make their Hollandaise sauce on the weekends, and it's so good." I love Eggs Benedict, and I'm fussy about Hollandaise. This rendition was spot-on. Light and lemony, it tasted like it needed salt when I sampled it on its own. And then I took a complete bite with the salty Canadian bacon, and it was exactly what it was supposed to be. For a split second, I wondered whether I should have walked up the street to the Fairmont Big 3 to get their famed lemon-ricotta pancakes. And then I got over it.

The cafe as a collection of cute and kitschy salt and pepper sets

One of the tables is decorated with decoupage. Just one.

Above the back counter, some more odd antiques and tchotchkes

View of the back counter from my seat at the dining counter.
More tchotchkes.

P.S. - And for those lodging at the Sonoma Creek Inn - it's in the same building. As if it were the hotel's own restaurant. Just steps away from the parking lot. You can't get more convenient than that. Well, maybe if they offered room service...