Ocean Park Cafe

Sometimes, for all its people, Los Angeles can be a lonely place. People in line at the supermarket don't chat with each other, but instead get in fights over who was first. Cars jammed on the street honk at each other and refuse to yield. Some are afraid to shake your hand because they don't want to get sick.

But I've managed to find some friendly places. On the trails in the hills, about 75% of walkers and runners will reply to a greeting. Most patrons at the farmers markets are usually smiling and not frowning. And there are a handful of restaurants with friendly servers, and where everyone seems to know each other. One of these is the Ocean Park Cafe in Santa Monica. Aside from the relaxing morning you are guaranteed have here, even when it's crowded, the food is pretty good as well. Before 9am, they have a handful of specials for around $3, including french toast, egg whites, and pancakes+eggs. But I eschew the specials for the "regular" breakfast fare--delicious breakfast tacos with fresh tasting corn tortillas and delicate avocado slices, eggs florentine with runny poached eggs and a rich, tangy hollandaise, and crispy, savory breakfast potatoes. I never feel rushed, and the waitress bakes the frosted cupcakes in the glass case.

Cauliflower au gratin

Last night, I made a cauliflower gratin, with some multicolored (yellow, white, purple) cauliflower from the farmer's market, low-fat sour cream, and milk, and shredded reduced-fat cheddar sprinked on top, baked at 375 degrees for half an hour. It was unexpectedly delicious and comforting.