Going out to breakfast on Sunday morning is definitely one of those simple pleasures in life. There few better ways to kick off a Sunday then having a nice relaxing breakfast before lazing around for the rest of the day.

If you don’t mind waiting in line for a few minutes, Jinky’s Cafe in Sherman Oaks serves one of the greatest breakfasts in Los Angeles. Generally the menu is of the healthier, organic variety.

My favorite items on the menu are the are the S.O.B. and the Flaky French Toast (which I generally order in the Rocky Mountain Breakfast). The S.O.B. (or South of the Border) is a buttermilk pancake which is filled with shredded potato, red onion, and fresh cilanto, which is served with pea guacamole, onion marmalade and sour cream. It’s quite similar to a lakte, but has it’s own distinct Jinky’s vibe. The pea guacamole is an interesting concoction which has the creamy consistency of avocado based guacamole, without the fat. It doesn’t taste like guacamole, but has a very rich flavor of its own.

The Flaky French Toast is another Jinky’s original which consists of thick cut egg bread dipped in a special batter and covered with Kellogs Honey Nut Corn Flakes. It sounds quite strange, but its without a doubt the best french toast I’ve ever had.

Jinky’s is open for lunch and breakfast every day. There are also locations in Santa Monica and West Hollywood.

14120 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-981-2250

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For many people, eating at a restaurant can be a double-edged sword. On the one side, they enjoy the chance to get out away from the kitchen and get the chance to enjoy exotic without having to do all the cooking themselves. But the downside, especially for people watching their weight, eating out can spell doom for a diet.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. By following a few simple guidelines, you can enjoy the tasty treat at your favorite restaurant without wrecking your diet.

• When dining with a large group, ask if you can order first. That way you won’t be tempted to order what your friends do. You may even inspire them to order a healthy meal.

• When deciding what to order, avoid foods that are described as buttery, creamy or fried. These foods will probably be high in calories and fat. Instead, look for foods that are baked or broiled. Ordering seafood, chicken, or a lean cut of meat is usually a safe bet. If you aren’t sure how a menu item is prepared, or what ingredients are in a particular dish, ask the server.

• Ask the server if the chef can prepare your meal differently. For example, most restaurants will gladly substitute a side order of French Fries for a baked potato or steamed vegetables. Ask to have all of the dressings and sauces on the side, that way you can control how much you eat.

• Eating a salad or taking advantage of the salad bar is another great way to curb your appetite. But remember, just because you are having a salad, doesn’t necessarily mean you are eating healthy. Salad staples like grated cheese, dressing and croutons can still be high in fat. Consider garnishing your salad with a squeeze of lemon juice instead of piling on the dressing.

Dining out on a diet is not necessarily an oxymoron. With a little discipline you can still enjoy a scrumptious meal without over indulging your appetite.

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