Dining Out

Mary Furr

Breakfast

History and the prime rib are legendary at Springdale Bar and Grill.

Twenty five years ago we would drive up from southeast Huntington Beach

to the furthest northwest corner to eat at La Brique, as owner Gus Harris

called it then, the small cafe, which during the week swarmed with nearby

aerospace employees who would return on Sundays for cook “Smiley” Marjolo

Galgini’s breakfast omelets.

Though son Nick Harris has taken over and changed the name to

Springdale Bar and Grill, the award-winning restaurant seems frozen in

time. Smiley, our server Tina Stark and helper Pete Condelnrio have been

there for years. The black vinyl booths still offer privacy, the taped

music is background for conversation and the laid back Sunday morning

breakfast choices are great.

A special for us one Sunday, a medium cut of prime rib with scrambled

eggs ($8.95), was excellent -- nearly an inch thick, tender but firm and

beefy. The horseradish was disappointingly weak but the au jus was just

right to dip each bite in. Served with a country style fry mix of potato,

onion and bell pepper, it would satisfy an early morning appetite from

growing adolescent to hungry man.

Another choice, less traditional, is the breakfast quesadilla ($6.69)

a thin, soft but firm tortilla filled with scrambled eggs combined with a

confetti of Ortega chiles, tomatoes, black olives and green onions. Then

there is the Black Forest Special ($7.79), a different take on breakfast,

with grilled sourdough cheese bread topped with a big sausage patty,

scrambled eggs and lots of sauteed mushrooms. The sausage is not greasy,

but just excellent, firm seasoned pork -- a hearty dish with all those

mushrooms.

More on the healthy side is eggs Florentine ($7.99). Two split English

muffins have loads of fresh steamed baby spinach topped with tender

scrambled eggs (egg beaters on request) and covered with sliced broiled

mushrooms. It’s a delicious serving with great country potatoes,

satisfying but not heavy.

The bar has a friendly clubby feel and opens into the dining room.

Service in general is quick and efficient, though the staff can be

overwhelmed during busy times.

If you yearn for good home-style food and the comfortable security of

the ‘60s’s, Springdale Bar and Grill is for you.

Where: 14892 Springdale St. at Bolsa Avenue

Hours: Breakfast: 10-2 p.m. Sunday; Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday

through Friday; Dinner: 4 p.m. to closing

Phone: (714) 897-0055

Misc.: Credit cards accepted