Listen to gram: it’s the most important meal of the day

My+grandmas+homemade+chilaquiles+topped+with+chihuahua+cheese+and+a+side+of+scrambled+eggs.

My grandma’s homemade chilaquiles topped with chihuahua cheese and a side of scrambled eggs.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day whether you believe it or not. Whatever you eat just after rising from bed is what will give you the energy to go on with the rest of your day. So here is the list of places I frequent to get a meal to fill me up and start my day.

#5. L & G, located on the South Side, is always most busy on Saturday mornings, making it hard to get a booth or table. The menu is thick with so much to chose from, but the Belgium waffle topped with strawberries is simple yet delicious. There’s really nothing special or complicated in the way it’s made, but simple is sometimes better and the price is reasonable.

#4. Purple Steers, located in Whiting, Indiana is a favorite all around even in the neighboring hoods. This 24/7 restaurant always is filled with locals, serving a variety of food that suits your hunger any time of the day.  But we’re here to talk about breakfast. A gyro omelet with a side of extra crispy hashbrowns is my top choice. The omelet is cooked to perfection with loads of meat. If you aren’t feeling “omelety” I recommend the “Melting Pot” that has layers of meat, egg, cheese and vegtables.  Perfection!

#3. I’ve been going to Aunt Sally’s in Calumet City for so many years that I know whatever I order, my taste buds will be satisfied. You might have to stand for a few minutes before being seated by the friendly staff, but once getting to a table the food comes quickly.  Besides, if a restaurant doesn’t have a line it isn’t worth the time. I’m always in a debate whether I should get the Belgium waffle topped with chocolate chips – always crisp and buttery – or the “Wake-up Call” that includes a little of everything, from bacon or sausage to hash browns and white or wheat toast. Whether you’re a waffle fan or prefer a little taste of everything on the menu, the portions are filling and sure to leave you slouched on the booth in a food coma.  And it will barely make a dent in your pocket.

#2. I’d be a regular at Valois Restaurant in Hyde Park if I lived closer.  As you walk in you see the murals across the walls and ceiling  that give a “sweet home Chicago” feel. Then immediately you’re hit with an aroma that lures you to a cafeteria-style array of breakfast delicacies.  The first time I dined here, I had hamburger steak with carmelized onions($6.25) with a side of steaming hot biscuits ($1.00).  Even if you’re full from what feels like never-ending food, I suggest saving room for peach cobbler ($2.50), probably some of the best I’ve ever had. I’ve dined here only a couple times, but I’m always anxious to go back to try something new – especially from the dessert menu that offers cobblers, cakes, and pies, even if it is breakfast time.

#1 on this top 5 list isn’t even open to the public, but no restaurant or fast food chain could ever beat the fresh home-cooked chilaquiles that my grandma makes for breakfast.  My grandma has became a pro at making this traditional spicy and crispy Mexican dish. Chilaquiles are tortillas cut into squares and fried until you hear the sound of pops that turn the tortillas into golden crunchy chips. Then they are left alone to simmer until homemade, blended red chile is poured on the chips, while cheese is drizzled over the tops to cool down the kick from the chile. My grandma usually makes this with a side of flour tortillas, smashed beans, and scrambled eggs that gives the chilaquiles an added burst of flavor.

We all could argue about whose grandma cooks the best food, but let’s just put our differences aside and agree:  all grandmas are the best cooks in our eyes.