Brilliant, Resplendent, Excellent, Amazing, Kinetic, Fresh, Awesome, Stunning, Tasty!
I could go on and on and still not do the Breakfast Klub justice. It's everything mentioned above blended with nothing you've ever experienced-until of course, your first experience at Houston's Hottest Breakfast Spot. I was turned on to the establishment roughly two years ago and haven't been able to take a trip to Houston without stopping by. I can start with its many accolades, but quite frankly it's not That type of spot. I can tell you about its owner-one of the most gracious men you'll ever meet, but he's not That type of guy. So...I'll broach this post this way. When you arrive at the BK, expect a line-one that might very well wrap around the building. My first word of advice: Be not dismayed! It's well worth the wait. While you're in line, expect to be greeted by host and/or hostess, perhaps even the owner himself. Whoever comes out will surely strike up a conversation, hand over a menu, explain their specialties and maybe even offer a cup of water or lemonade while you wait. Yes, it's That type of place! Since my first visit, I've looked forward to seeing "My Girl". "What's her name", you ask. Truthfully, I have no idea. But what I do know is that ever since my first visit, her 5'3" in, 110 lb. frame, complete with eyeglasses, baseball cap and apron has recognized me and told me how glad she was to see me again. Does she really know me? I'm not sure of that either. But she has a knack for making me (and all of their guests) feel like she does and based solely on that fact am I SOLD.
Then, after waiting in line, speaking to a few of your line mates and maybe even breaking a sweat, you'll enter and the ambiance will instantly transcend you to the next dimension. You'll stand in another short line (just long enough to end the internal debate in which you've engaged over the past few minutes about whether to go with the Chicken & Waffles or the Katfish & Grits, the lemonade or the sweet tea), then you'll place your order at the counter, receive a number and wait to fall in love.
By the time you're seated and pick up your utensils and hot syrup, your food will surely be on its way out. Then you'll find this...
On my most recent visit (that just hours before was on the verge of being cancelled), I'll admit that The Breakfast Klub was a main player in motivating me to wake up at 2:20am and hit the road an hour later. This was Antoine's first visit to Texas with me and he had no idea what was in store. As soon as we crossed the state line, I mentioned that I NEEDED to stop at The Breakfast Klub before visiting my sister. He looked over at me quizzically and mentioned that he was only dressed for the road. What he didn't know was that he could have been dressed in swim trunks and flip flops. I NEEDED to go. He sensed my passion and agreed to change into more appropriate dress before entering. Perfect! So not only was I going to have the pleasure of indulging in the World's Greatest Breakfast, but I would be able to take in the full BK Experience. To my surprise, the line wasn't very long at all. A few Brian Courtney Wilson and Marvin Sapp tunes and we were inside! I even got a chance to see "My Girl". She, along with another server, welcomed him and explained their most popular dishes. And for a moment, he seemed to be considering the Katfish & Grits, but this time that ship just couldn't sail. Our order: 2 orders of Chicken & French Toast w/Strawberries, 1 order of Chicken & Waffles...one order to go for my niece and nephew, 2 bottles of lemonade, 1 bottle of Sweet Tea. (SN: Antoine insists upon making his own Arnold Palmer's whenever they aren't readily available.) We sat down and in record timing, our food arrived. I could tell by the look in his eye that he was well pleased. The downhome, yet slightly edgy decor, the paintings displayed on the wall-many for sale, the story behind the TSU graduate who used his passion for providing quality customer service and his experience at Chick-fil-A to build this empire of goodness along with the sounds of Michael Jackson playing in the background-he couldn't help himself. But the star of the show, has and always will be the food! It was exceptional. Minutes later, I realized that I'd forgotten to place an order for their famous potatoes. Disclaimer: I'm not sure if their potatoes are famous yet, but they should be. Nevertheless, ACL was down to a chicken wing and less than a quarter of his waffle...next time for the potatoes. I had to pace myself even though The Breakfast Klub is not the kind of place where many rules apply. As a matter of fact, a sign at Jacque Imo's in Uptown New Orleans actually reminds me of the only rule of the thumb here and it reads: "Be Nice or Leave".
On the way out, I mentioned to Antoine that I'd love to have a picture with Marcus Davis (the founder and owner) and as luck would have it, Marcus actually stopped him at the door to thank him for his patronage. However, he was so incredibly star struck that he completely ignored my request. The two exchanged words and we were on our way-Antoine with a huge smile, me-slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, a moment's reflection on the meal placed everything back in perspective. I'd dare not complain for long.
I'm sure that from the start of this post, it's obvious that The Breakfast Klub ranks very high on my list of Favorite Restaurants. With that said, don't even consider taking a trip anywhere within a 50 mile radius and deny yourself a taste of the Heaven that's served up daily from morning to mid-afternoon (2 pm, to be exact) at 3711 Travis Street in Midtown Houston. You won't be disappointed. I GUARANTEE IT!
