Owned by the Winchester, I found What the Truck on a sunny Saturday morning, parked just outside the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market. Bright fold-up chairs line the sidewalk, Spanish music pulses from the speakers, and a chalk sign lets the eater know just what is on special.

This isn’t your reconstituted egg biscuit sort of fast food. This is fast food for the gourmet-inclined, with rustic Corn Griddle Cakes topped with black beans and an avacado coulis ($6), Breakfast Taco stuffed with fluffy eggs, spicy chorizo and salsa verde ($3) or the star of the morning, a decadent Braised Beef Hash ($6).

I ordered the Corn Cakes and Breakfast Taco. Both were tasty, but the Corn Griddle Cakes wiggled its way into my heart, and onto my waistline. Two thin medallions of whole kernel corn mixed in with flour and cornmeal form the cakes — it’s topped with black beans that still have a little crunch to them. I liked the acidity of the coulis, and though the center of my corncake was a little gummy, I’m okay with that.

You’d expect there’d be a lot of spice to these two dishes, but they’re more flavorful than hot-spicy. Perfect brain food for a Sunday morning. (Possibly good post-hangover food too. Just saying.)

My fiancé had the the Braised Beef Hash. I kept stealing it from him — it features a medley of tastes and textures including soft (yet crispy) potatoes, tender beef with that wonderful beefy-ness and caramelized onions and peppers, all topped with a fried egg that when you slice into it flows with a creamy golden ribbon over the dish. The dish is rich, salty, crisp, tender and chewy all at once.

Fair warning — since the dish is made fresh to order, it’s super hot. Take advantage of sitting in a chair. Your lap can hold the dish and keep your hands from burning. Expect to wait about five minutes for your food.

This is how breakfast should be. Out in the sunshine, on the side of a street, hanging out with your friends and family. It’s spontaneous eating at its best, but warrants the research on just where and when you can find the truck. It doesn’t change the fun of the search any — it just makes finding that pot of gold (or in this case a Breakfast Burrito) a little bit easier.

The waiter, a familiar face named Brian, craftily flips up our brightly hued coffee mugs with a thumb in each ring holder and sets them right-side up on the table as he welcomes us in for brunch. It’s time.

Morning Star Café is conveniently located downtown in Grand Haven — a beautiful beach town with a strong local flavor and many fun attractions. On top of the selection of must-see, must-do, must-eat is this beloved joint on Washington Street.

The café is full of life and color. It embraces a southwestern Arizonian ambiance. The color palette features bright purples and darker peach and vivid blue walls. Cactus plants make multiple appearances. The walls have happy cartoon photos of tea sets and beach themes, but the star of the show is the pottery mosaic wall.

The left side back wall is artistically covered with broken pottery — plates and mugs of all colors fashion a rainbow of kitchenware that you just want to touch. Just behind the mosaic is a bar for patrons to eat at with a prime view of the chefs at work — probably the best seat in the house!

Saturday morning here equals fresh, scrumptious breakfast fare for a crowded collection of hungry and dedicated customers. And this time there was no line and no wait; rare but much appreciated. And I never mind the usual wait because I know what is to come. For those who have not yet tasted their delicious food, don’t despair. Once your name is called and you take your first bite, you may forget you waited at all.

I flipped through the three-fold menu and settled on China Mist Iced Tea ($1.75) while my boyfriend ordered a Mocha Java ($3.95). The iced tea was standard and refreshing, but I have had better. The mocha java which combines dark star coffee, chocolate, and whipped cream hit the spot for him, though.

My order consisted of oatmeal cakes with dried cranberry and brown sugar ($6.75) off of the Gourmet Griddle. My boyfriend decided on the Denver Omelet: ham, green pepper, onions and cheddar cheese with a side of breakfast potatoes ($7.95). The oatmeal cakes were piping hot and flavored by the hint of brown sugar. The creamy butter appeared opaline with cinnamon flecks and the Michigan pure maple syrup tasted really, really good. The juxtaposition of dried cranberry and soft oatcake resulted in a nice texture fusion. I also favored the sweet thickness of the syrup with the cool, thin, refreshing tea. I snagged a few breakfast potatoes from across the table. They were tasty, then again who messes up potatoes?

The omelet treated my boyfriend well: Flavorful, filling, and fun to eat. We happily felt well-fed but not overbearingly full.

If you do arrive at a particularly active period, there is room outside to sit and socialize. Not to mention nice shops to explore and a charming local bookstore called The Bookman right next door. Nothing makes me happier than food and books, truth be told.

Morning Star succeeds at being that one place. You know, the one place everyone recommends. “Oh you’re going to Grand Haven; make sure you check out Morning Star Café!” The owners Lisa and Will Passinault have been preparing awesome homemade food since 1995. With good conversation, a friendly and appropriately chatty waiter, and simple but satisfying food, Morning Star is the perfect way to start a Saturday.

That’s where Real Food Cafe comes in. After hearing about it from friends and co-workers, I finally decided to try it for breakfast. I had previously only eaten there for lunch, and only at the Northland Drive location (you can see my review of that here). But I figured that breakfast would be a completely different experience — and I was right.

I walked into the Eastern Ave. location with two of my other GR Grub counterparts, Rob and Chris, and we put our name on the waiting list. There was definitely a wait, but not too bad, especially for a Saturday morning.

We were seated through the small aisleway at a table in the back, and were immediately greeted by our server. She brought us coffee and orange juice, and then took our orders.

Now, I always have trouble ordering my meals. I can never make up my mind, so I sometimes ask my server for advice. I was debating between the chocolate chip pancakes and the strawberry stuffed french toast (Yes, I have little bit of a sweet-tooth). But my server told me that I wouldn’t have to choose, and could actually have both. I ordered half an order of the french toast, and a mini chocolate chip pancake (which wasn’t so mini).

Chris went untraditional as well, ordering the daily special — a bacon and sausage pancake ($7.99). Rob ordered a massive amount of eggs and meat, what Real Food has coined as the Monster Omelet ($8.25). It came with bacon, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, green onions and cheese.

My chocolate chip pancake was the bomb. Not too sweet, and just the right amount of chocolate chips. The strawberry stuffed french toast, though, was almost a bit too much. Not that sweet, but a little on the bitter side because of the amount of cream cheese that was inside the french toast. It probably would’ve been better with about half the amount of cream cheese.

Chris’s meaty pancake seemed to be a great concept, but it just didn’t do much on the flavor end. Still, as he said, who can beat bacon in a pancake? Rob had a similar experience with his omelet. While it had some pretty good flavor to it, the dish was watery, not to mention cold.

So, why do I think Real Food Cafe deserves a decent rating? On a previous visit, I had an absolutely amazing experience. I stuck with the regular french toast, which was so savory (not to mention absolutely huge) that I never wanted to stop eating it. The service, like my most recent visit, was great as well.

While my most recent Real Food experience might not have been fantastic, it was good enough to warrant a positive rating. The prices are right, the service is superb, and the food is pretty good. It’s not on the same level as Wolfgangs, but it’s definitely close. I’ll for sure be back.

Years later, Coco Charlotte Gluten-Free Bakery, located at 2481 32nd Street SE, is not only making something once impossible possible, but also doing it with plenty of flavor.

As you drive up to the simple blue building for the first time — what appears to have been someone’s house years ago — you do not expect to be greeted by so many wonderful treats.  It reminds you — for those of you my age and older — of the neighborhood bakery that we all once visited on Saturday morning for donuts.

My selections were the double chocolate, peanut butter and oatmeal raisin cookies ($1.25 each), along with the spice muffin ($1.50).  I would have liked to have sampled more for this review, but my waste line can only handle so much.

All three cookies were large, full of flavor and very fresh.  I don’t know if they were baked the same day, but the kitchen was busy so I presume as much.

I tried the oatmeal raisin cookie first, the raisins were plentiful and the right ratio to the oatmeal. Very chewy and sweet,  just as you would expect from a homemade cookie.

The peanut butter cookie was my next sampling; more of a crunchy texture, sprinkled with sugar and the peanut butter flavor was very apparent. To save myself some calories, I had my daughter sample the double chocolate.  Not only did she enjoy her cookie, she could not even tell it was gluten-free.

The spice muffin was topped with peanuts, very moist but substantial.  I felt it could of had a few more nuts on the top, but overall very well-done.

I wish I could have ordered more for this review, as the blueberry muffins, cakes and breads looked wonderful; however, if I buy it I will eat it. For those of you that must eat gluten-free, it is important for you to know, Erin Davis, owner and pastry chef, sells her baked goods to Forest Hills Foods, and offers fresh pizza crust (take-and-bake). She also sells her crust to Vitale’s in Ada.  Additionally, she makes the ever-popular Saturday morning donuts — but not all the time, so call before you go.

If you have a gluten-free family member, this is a place the whole family can visit — gluten intolerant or not. Yes, it is expensive, but if you eat gluten-free, this is something you’re accustomed to. Either way, it’s worth every penny.

Tucked away behind the downtown shops off Squire Street Square, the diner is a bit difficult to find and even trickier to find a place to leave your car. But it’s well worth the bit of effort it takes to locate it. Once inside, you’ll most likely be faced with a bit of a wait — it is a VERY popular local breakfast spot. My friend and I arrived around 9 a.m. on a Saturday and after a short 10 minute wait (a bit longer than necessary, as we let a lady on crutches take the next available table — good karma, you know!) were seated in a booth and supplied instantly with coffee by our good natured waitress. The menu covers breakfast very well, from simple eggs and toast, to more filling items such as pancakes, French toast, omlettes, etc. Each day features a “Specials” board. On our visit the featured item was Bananas Foster French Toast. Mmmmmmm.

My friend and I ordered scrambled eggs and ham with a side of English muffin toast. I am always pleased when I see that as an option on the toast menu, and order it every time. Our meals arrived within 10 minutes, piping hot and prepared correctly. The eggs were scrambled almost dry, with chunks of ham liberally distributed throughout. Coffee cups were filled constantly and our waitress was very attentive.

The Grill features a medium sized dining area with several four-tops and booths to accommodate various sized-groups. There is also a counter where you can seat yourself and watch the cooks do their thing while eating your breakfast. Newspapers are available outside the restaurant, as well as the latest editions of the Rockford Squire and the Rockford Independent.

All in all, an excellent place for that diner experience; well worth the trip.

Two of my friends and I visited Cherie Inn after we had done a bit of moving. We were greeted by a somewhat loud but friendly waiter, and were promptly seated at a table. I dove right into the lunch menu and ordered the Pastrami and Swiss sandwich, with a side of redskin potato salad. Julie and Katherine opted for breakfast; both of them ordering omelettes.

While we waited for our meals, I couldn’t help but notice the decor. It reminded me somewhat of my grandmother’s house. It was homey, but improvements could definitely be made. However, with the modern look and feel taking over new Grand Rapids restaurants, this didn’t bother me too much. We did seem a bit young for the restaurant, so maybe it was just me — we happened to be the youngest diners in the restaurant.

The wait for our food was a little longer than I would have liked, but it was well worth it. My sandwich was cooked perfectly, and the pastrami had a strong flavor that blended with the swiss cheese extremely well. And the homemade potato salad? Definitely the way to go.

The girls’ omelettes were equally delicious. Katherine’s spinach omelette featured a plethora of vegetables paired with a side of toast. Julie’s ham, artichoke and brie omelette was stuffed full of artichoke.

As I said, I had never heard of Cherie Inn. I drive by it several times a week and have never even seen the sign. It’s a pleasant surprise to a neighborhood that’s blooming with new restaurants. The food is fresh, and while I would’ve liked to see a few more items on the lunch menu, several things sounded very good to me.

Overall, Cherie Inn is definitely worth the visit. If you go, be sure to enter on Lake Drive — there’s a sign as soon as you walk in to the Cherry Street entrance telling you you’re coming in the wrong way. It’s a perfect, relaxing place for breakfast or lunch, or to enjoy some quality time with your grandmother. Seriously though, the food is great, and although the service and atmosphere could be a tad better, I’d definitely go back.

The first thing we noticed is that there seems to be somewhat of an identity issue here. Although the sign out front says “Old Time Diner”, their name actually is the Times Past Diner. That’s what it says on their menus and placemats, both featuring a picture of the front of the building with the Old Time Diner sign featured prominently. Hmmm, must be an Ottawa County quirk.

The interior is compact and homey and decorated with old photos. We took a table by the front window which is a great place to view passing trains, if only one would pass by. The menu is basic burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast. Sandee ordered scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage links, and their toasted homemade cinnamon swirl bread. I was intrigued by their Old Time Breakfast Platter (there’s that Old Time thing again), two fried eggs adrift a sea of hashbrowns mingled with sausage bits, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and coated with cheese. “What’s the difference between the full and half order?” I asked our waitress. “You don’t want the full order, trust me” she quickly shot back. “Two people are lucky to finish off one of those.” I prudently elected the half order with their homemade whole wheat toast.

So how was it? Great, basic comfort food and plenty of it. Sandee couldn’t finish all of her breakfast and I left a half slice of toast on my plate. Their homemade bread is not only yummy but thick sliced, so you get plenty of it. The service was quick and friendly. We had about a 10 minute wait after we ordered. Our waitress cycled through filling our coffee cups every couple of minutes. I had so much coffee I would have sloshed had my belly not been so full of carbs.

Total damages came to 13 bucks and change. Yes, we’ll go back. The Times Past Diner (with the Old Time Diner sign out front) is in a small building set back a bit on the southeast side of the main intersection of Chicago Drive and Balsam Street (to the North) / 32nd Street (to the South). Technically they’re on a small service street that opens onto 32nd Street just a tad south of Chicago Drive. Confused yet? That’s why I love Google Maps. They open up early at 5 a.m. and turn out the lights at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday’s hours are a little shorter, 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and they’re closed Sunday. Yet another Ottawa County quirk. Breakfast is served whenever the front door’s unlocked.

At the counter of the Choo Choo Grill recently, patrons passed around a newspaper clipping. It was the obituary of a regular of this Northeast Side institution. The cook and owner Kathy Spencer told those sitting in the tiny red restaurant at the corner of Plainfield Avenue and Leonard Street that she had stopped by the funeral home after her shift for the visitation.

Choo Choo Grill is that kind of place. It is like having breakfast or lunch with a group of friends. I’m no Choo Choo Grill regular, but I’ve been there a dozen times over the years and I’ve always felt welcome at the diner that has stood next to the train tracks for more than 60 years.

The place is tiny with a handful of stools lined up along the L-shaped bar that separates the dining area from the kitchen. There are just two booths (and signs on them say that you have to have a party of two or more to sit there).

Still, the Choo Choo Grill manages to rustle up some of the best diner grub in the area from that little kitchen. And it is cooked by Kathy right before your eyes. Stepping into the restaurant is like stepping into a time capsule. There is a rotary dial telephone on the wall that rings when take-out orders are called in. An old malt machine churns out amazing frozen drinks like the diner’s Chocolate Peanut Butter and Chocolate Vanilla Strawberry old fashioned malts ($3.99 and worth every penny).

Children love the place because of its railroad-themed décor and the amazing pancakes. Adults love it for the camaraderie the comes as a side with every dish served. Everyone loves it for the food.

I’ve eaten at the Choo Choo Grill for breakfast and lunch and the restaurant does both meals right. At breakfast, I usually go with the Rail Kill Sandwich ($4.89) with its egg, cheese and sausage. It is a greasy, delicious mess of a sandwich and I love it. I was tempted during a recent visit to try the Conductor’s Omelette ($5.89) with perfectly cooked potatoes, cheese, onion, ham and a side of rye bread. It was cooked by Kathy on the well-seasoned flat top grill right in front of me and it was perfection.

For lunch, the Choo Choo Grill is best known for its burgers. You have to be a major carnivore to try the massive one pound Legend Burger ($7.69). I’ve never had the guts to order it. They also have excellent half-pound deluxe burgers and mushroom, bacon Swiss for $4.99 each.

Don’t come to the Choo Choo Grill expecting gourmet. The food is about as unpretentious as it gets. Also, try to hit the restaurant on off hours as it can get packed in the little place during breakfast and lunch rush. That being said, I’d encourage everyone to give the Choo Choo Grill a try. If you are looking for diner food at a reasonable price, it doesn’t get much better than the Choo Choo Grill.

And who knows? You might make a few new friends along the way.

Bill’s was a diner before diners were cool. Think yellow vinyl booths, a menu that is displayed on a white board with back lighting and prices you haven’t seen since Happy Days was airing in prime time. I’ll start this review out with a warning: The food isn’t very good. That being said, there’s something about the place that I like. It makes me feel comfortable and warm inside.

Maybe it’s the portion size I like. The meals at Bill’s are large to say the least. When you order goulash, it fills a plate the size of a Ford hubcap. Breakfasts are large too, with heaping portions of potatoes.

Maybe it’s the price I like. A Cheeseburger at Bill’s is $2.40, Turkey Sandwich is $3.70 and the Slim Gem — a grilled ham and cheese sandwich — is $3.80. Dinners are simple. Choices include Fish, Chicken Strips, Beef Steak, Chicken and Shrimp, and all are $6.75. Breakfasts range from $1.50 for a Bagel to the $6.75 Western Omelette. Two eggs and toast with choice of meat is $4.75.

Ultimately, what I like at Bill’s is the atmosphere. It is a mix of senior citizens, college students and suited professionals from downtown. Most of those who eat at Bill’s are regulars. Spend a morning there and you will see the problems of the world discussed, dissected and digested along with a few pots of coffee and several orders of eggs. While people come from all over, it’s mainly a neighborhood joint. Having grown up on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids, I often run into family friends who ask how my parents are enjoying Florida (they are) or if my brother still works at Meijer (he does).

Most satisfying of all is that Bill’s knows what it is and knows what it isn’t. There’s nothing more irritating that a restaurant that pretends to be more than it is. Bill’s is a greasy spoon and it wears its stains with pride.

My 88-year-old grandmother is a Bill’s regular, so we took her to her favorite restaurant for her birthday dinner. The staff knows her well and doted over her all night. She ordered a chili dog ($1.60) and a cup of coffee. It was a Friday and Bill’s was running a special on all-you-can-eat fried Lake Perch ($9.95). I went with that and was happy with the quality of the fish and the cole slaw that came on the side with choice of potato. My wife, Stephanie, decided to have the soup of the day, a creamy chicken and rice that she has enjoyed before. My daughter, Daisy, ordered the BLT.

All of us were satisfied with our choices. Though Bill’s won’t win any culinary awards for its menu, they do what they do pretty well. It isn’t a date night destination, but if you wake up with a wicked hangover after a night on the town and roll out of bed looking for some grub, you can do a lot worse than Bill’s.

I know, that’s not a ringing endorsement. This review is what it is, just like the diner food found at Bill’s.