The other night my wife Cheryl and I were driving through Gardena, trying to decide what and where to have dinner. We settled on a place that serves breakfast all day—yes, breakfast for dinner is one of our favorites.
What sounded tempting to me was bacon and eggs, white toast with a pat of butter and hot coffee. My wife was craving a stack of griddlecakes. Our quest took us to a great little café, The Pan, on the southwest corner of Western Avenue and 166th street in Gardena. Next door to Crenshaw Lumber and at the old Yellow Basket site.
The other night my wife Cheryl and I were driving through Gardena, trying to decide what and where to have dinner. We settled on a place that serves breakfast all day—yes, breakfast for dinner is one of our favorites.
What sounded tempting to me was bacon and eggs, white toast with a pat of butter and hot coffee. My wife was craving a stack of griddlecakes. Our quest took us to a great little café, The Pan, on the southwest corner of Western Avenue and 166th street in Gardena. Next door to Crenshaw Lumber and at the old Yellow Basket site.
Jessie our waiter was friendly and we were off to a great start when he brought us a stopper-topped bottle of chilled water. His knowledge of the menu was most helpful, as he shared some of The Pan’s favorite dishes of their “regulars.”
I ordered the "original" Loaded Hash Browns: 2 eggs, smoky bacon, sausage, green onions, jack and cheddar cheese over hash browns made from fresh potatoes, and topped with chili aioli. It came with a homemade sourdough toast. The aroma of terrific and I would call this my perfect comfort breakfast, all on one plate,
Cheryl mulled over the various breakfast offerings. She decided on the “The Lumberjack,” which included eggs, bacon and sausage, nestled next to the house potatoes, thinly-sliced onions and sweet, red bell peppers. A heavenly blend of flavors that she said tasted as wonderful as it sounded.
Then we experienced the flavor explosion. We sampled another house specialty, “The Pan” pancakes.
First up was the Cinnamon Roll, pureed-swirled buttermilk pancakes. This golden delight was filled with a cinnamon-brown sugar puree and crunchy pecans. It was covered with an orange sugar glaze, sweetened cream cheese and powdered sugar. I have to admit, this little bit of heaven was even better than my favorite cinnamon roll.
The puree took on several other taste treats. The pancake batter was made from scratch, poured onto a hot griddle before the puree was added. We had our choice of Pineapple, Blueberry and Banana, in addition to the puree. Shamelessly, we sampled each one like two kids on Sunday morning.
Did I mention the out-of-this-world toppings? The Banana Pancakes were topped with slices of fresh bananas, sitting on whipped butter. The Blueberry Pancakes were filled with blueberry puree, covered with lemon-vanilla butter, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. And the Sweet ‘n Tangy flavor of the pineapple puree seemed to ooze from the yummy Pineapple Pancakes. Again, this delight was topped with whipped butter, powdered sugar "N" pineapple syrup.
I have to give kudos to the warm, homemade coconut, pineapple and blueberry syrups. Outstanding. The Pan’s homemade desserts were tempting, too, if only we had the room (should have taken one to go).
Before we indulged in our breakfast treats, Cheryl and I watched several other diners dive into their orders. I spied each tray as they went past, and took special notice of the deep-dish pizza, which was DEEP. It was the “Pan Deluxe” pizza, and I could almost taste the garlic and rich tomato sauce, the mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage and veggies on a golden crust. It looked more like the deep-dish pies from the east coast rather than the typical west coast deep dish that we’ve had around the South Bay.
Then there was the huge breakfast burrito, the Belgian Waffle, the veggie omelet, raspberry lemonade, and yes, great coffee!
Finally, I have to mention two other meals that was whisked to waiting customers. First, a thick Cajun meatloaf burger that was surrounded by chili-cheese fries, and a stuffed French toast, which looked ridiculously good, all covered with a bed of fresh, plump strawberries.
The Pan has been open for less than a year and I overheard a group at another table mention the long lines on the weekend, but added that it was well worth the wait. For a small, down-home café, they seem to have it all. They even cater.
Whether you live the South Bay or the Westside, make it a point to try The Pan. You can dine in or take out. They won’t disappoint. I have my next order in mind at my new favorite place, which I call Gardena’s “Best Kept Secret.”
Prices: appetizers, $3-6.5; salads are $6-7; breakfast, $5-$8; pizzas are $8-17, depending on size, deep dish or thin crust, and toppings; and specialty items (burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches), $7-8. Prices are subject to change.
The Pan, 16601 S. Western Ave., Gardena, 310-329-7266
Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Tuesday. Breakfast is served all day, but dine-in only. Casual attire, some indoor seating, with a private parking lot. Delivery is available on $15 minimum orders, with a $2 delivery fee; within a 5-mile radius. This restaurant has an A-rating.
Visit them at www.thepan1.com or on Facebook. Read more reviews on Yelp.com.
