Oatmeal

Low in fat, rich in nutrients, oatmeal is the perfect, virtuous start to every day.

* Newsroom Cafe: The chef takes organic steel-cut rolled oats, adds kiln-dried cherries, granulated dates from Shield’s date orchards in Indio and a pinch of Korinjin cinnamon and cooks each portion to order in filtered water--unless you’d prefer it cooked in soy or rice or cow’s milk. The cooked oatmeal is served with sliced banana, brown sugar and nonfat milk. (Oatmeal, $4.75.) Newsroom Cafe, 120 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 652-4444; 530 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 319-9100.

* John O’Groats: The groats are McCann’s steel-cut oatmeal, served with brown sugar and milk and/or a side of fruit, which consists of one or more or all of the following: raisins, pecans, blueberries, strawberries and bananas. (Oatmeal, $3 half-bowl; $4 bowl; with fruit add $1.) John O’Groats, 10516 Pico Blvd., Rancho Park, (310) 204-0692.

* Bread and Porridge: Of course you can find oatmeal at this smart, tiny cafe. Have it with brown sugar and raisins and/or a side of fresh strawberries or pecans, or a banana. (Oatmeal, $3.25 to $4.70.) Bread and Porridge, 2315 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 453-4941.

* Blueberry: This small, busy cafe cooks McCann’s steel-cut oats and tops bowls of the stuff with--what else?--blueberries, with raisins, brown sugar, and milk on the side. (Oatmeal, $2.95; with banana, add 75 cents.) Blueberry, 510 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 394-7766.

* La Belle Epoque: A popular breakfast spot, this French cafe serves its old-fashioned oatmeal with raisins, honey, brown sugar and/or milk. Fresh strawberries and/or bananas are available. (Oatmeal, $4.25; with fruit, add $1.) La Belle Epoque, 2128 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 669-7640.

* Marston’s: At this favorite Pasadena breakfast spot, Grandma’s Hot Oatmeal--guaranteed “Like you’ve never had before”--is served with cream and your choice of raisins, brown sugar or honey topping. You can order a cup or a bowl, then add sliced bananas, strawberries and/or chopped mixed nuts. (Oatmeal, $3 cup; $4 bowl; additions $1 to $1.50.) Marston’s, 151 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 796-2459.

* Du-Par’s: This ever-reliable coffee shop serves freshly cooked oatmeal with sides of brown sugar, raisins, butter and your choice of half-and-half or milk. Add bananas, slivered almonds and/or berries (in season). (Oatmeal, $2.55; additions 95 cents to $1.50.) Du-Par’s, Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (213) 933-8446; 12036 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 766-4437; Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, (805) 373-8785.