Many Omelet Choices at San Clemente Cafe

For a first-timer, breakfast at the Sunrise may be a little overwhelming. Given a choice of 20 omelet combinations--including such luminaries as the No. 4, a bacon, Ortega chile and mixed-cheese creation, or the ever-popular No. 1, stuffed with ham, cheese, green peppers and onions--such confusion is certainly understandable.

But take heart: Even the simplest things on the Sunrise menu are delicious. With its huge helpings, continuous coffee refills and friendly, prompt service, the Sunrise is the brunch house of choice for everyone from South County surfers to the occasional bike racing team traveling up or down the coastal highway.

The cafe does have a lunch and dinner menu, but breakfast is its forte. Among other notables on the menu are the crunchy browned corned beef hash; a fluffy tomato, onion and egg scramble served with cilantro salsa and warm tortillas; huevos rancheros, a breakfast burrito and anything topped with Irene’s homemade apple jam. Half-servings of omelets are available.

Prices are reasonable, and requests for substitutions are granted with a smile. As are most things at the Sunrise.

The Sunrise, 701 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. Open daily from 6 a.m., Mondays and Tuesdays till 7 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays till 8 p.m., Sundays till 4:30 p.m. (714) 498-6379.