More Than Waffles in Encino, Ca. means oh so much more to us.

A minute shopping center on busy Ventura Boulevard in Encino, Ca. hardly seems the place to house the most magnificent waffle joint in all of LA. Tucked inside the core of the Encino Town Center More Than Waffles is a glowing gem hidden in the back corner behind a sparkling fountain ready to great loyal customers and treasure seekers curious to find out if this diamond in the rough is more than just legend. And oh how their waffles, omelets and coffee are legendary.

Their mouth watering menu boasts a variety of choice dishes ready to satisfy those breakfast and lunchtime appetites. However, I dare say this restaurant serves us better as a breakfast joint or more THE breakfast joint of choice. In fact, it was the most painful sacrifice we made, next to selling our HUGE suburban home in the valley in exchange for the cracker box we now live in on the west side. When we first moved we'd journey over the dreaded pass early every Saturday morning toting large appetites ready to scarf up something wonderful. We are a sucker for their Mediterranean Omelet which consists of feta cheese, mozzarella, mushrooms, fresh basil and garlic wrapped in three fluffy eggs and served with either one of their signature crispy, light waffles or breakfast potatoes. Both sides are to die for. I recommend trying a pumpkin spice waffle during the fall so moist, so very yummy. One word of warning with this omelet, they aren't shy with the garlic. So unless you're prepared to lock yourself in your house for the remainder of the day it might be worth it to go sans garlic. Trust me on this. Although keeping the garlic out of the omelet is tragic you won't be able to escape the breath that you'll receive no matter how many times you brush and floss your teeth or sticks of gum you chew. Their coffee is this delicious roast made with vanilla infused almonds. It's a heavenly brew that compliments any meal choice. My husband likes that any omelet can be served up burrito style because to him food in burrito form is perfection. They also serve the owner's yummy signature homemade jam with each meal. The kids menu is sufficient offering a nice group of choice items for mini diners to munch on. However, I recommend sharing a grown up meal with your toddler. The food is served in really generous portions.

Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm patrons can sit back, relax with a huge plate of breakfast heaven and listen to the vocal stylings of J. Michale Henderson whom with his keyboard geared up and ready to go plays just about any pop hit from the last four decades. Go ahead, make a request, my personal favorite is "Brick House." Just don't forget to toss in a buck or two on the way out.

Last weekend was our first time visiting this restaurant in about a year and it was like seeing an old friend. We were able to get there early enough (before 9:30am is key) to nab a table next to both an outdoor heater and the water fountain. With it's homestyle decor and cooking, outdoor seating adjacent to a really cool water fountain, live music, friendly and helpful staff and a kids' menu that doubles as an activity sheet the restaurant has a real inviting family feel. They also welcome leash dogs which moves it up one more notch on the family meter as a major thrill for squiggly tots. Good breakfast joints are hard to come by but when you find one you're almost afraid to left the cat out of the bag. Consider this recommendation a gift from me and you can thank me later after you see for yourself what I'm talking about.

Please comment and share your favorite More Than Waffles moments with us...we're dying to hear some good gossip.

17200 Ventura Boulevard
Encino, Ca. (in the Encino Town Center)

Link: More Than Waffles