Featuring Vic’s Café
The choice for our entrée meal this month was unanimous…Vic’s Café for a hearty breakfast with Owner Larry Eastwood. Two of Paso’s finest citizens – David Kudija and Elizabeth Schumann, board members of Thanksgiving for Paso Robles – joined us.
The conversation flowed easily as we chatted about all things Paso Robles, including the many volunteers and community members dedicated to making the many events in our town possible year after year.
One of those events – Thanksgiving for Paso Robles – takes place this year on Nov. 22. David, the current board chairman, has been involved with the event for 25 years. Elizabeth serves as secretary for the nonprofit, and has been helping with the annual event since 2004.
Larry and his crew prepared hearty portions of breakfast offerings for us, and everything about our time together – from the food to the company – was a fabulous start to our day!
Meagan’s Favorite: California Omelet – three eggs, tomato, black olives, bacon, cheddar cheese, topped with sour cream and guacamole. Served with hash browns or home fries, and choice of toast, biscuit, or homemade muffins. I requested avocado and substituted seasonal fruit instead of potatoes. “I love omelets and this has a delicious blend of ingredients. It’s packed with flavor and way too big for me to eat alone – hello, take-home container! The fresh fruit is a perfect balance to the omelet. This is truly one of the most satisfying breakfasts I’ve had in years!”
David’s Favorite: Chili Relleno Omelet – three eggs, Ortega chiles, green onions, enchilada sauce, and Monterey Jack cheese. Served with hash browns or home fries, and choice of toast, biscuit, or homemade muffins. “One of my favorite Mexican dishes is a Chili Relleno. I have never had it as an omelet so I was intrigued. It’s very tasty, not too spicy, yet it has a zing to it and is quite satisfying.”
Hayley’s Favorite: Breakfast Burrito – scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, onions, hash browns, choice of ham, bacon, sausage or chorizo. Hayley opted for a no-meat version, and requested avocado. “The tortillas are what makes a breakfast burrito for me and these are really fresh. The potatoes are a nice addition, the avocado added flavor, and the salsa really hit the spot. Very, very good!”
Elizabeth’s Favorite: Egg Vic Muffin – grilled English Muffin, one egg, American cheese, choice of bacon, ham or sausage. Served with hash browns or home fries. Elizabeth substituted seasonal fruit instead of potatoes. “This was prepared perfectly; the egg was cooked just the way I like it – all the way done. It is very tasty with ham, and I was being health conscious by requesting fruit. Everything is wonderful!”
Nic’s Favorite: Everything! Nic decided on a variety of breakfast offerings – the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, Two Eggs Scrambled, Fruit and Yogurt Parfait. “I love a big breakfast to start my day and I like variety. The French toast is perfectly-
prepared and the cinnamon gives a special punch. The eggs are fresh and delicious, and the yogurt and fruit parfait satisfies my sweet yet healthy cravings. I can’t wait to come back!”
And the Vic’s Cafe coffee – perfect! Elizabeth said, “As a black coffee drinker, I prefer a softer roast. Vic’s coffee is really good; a nice soft roast with a lot of flavor.” We agree!
The motto of Homestyle Meals Done Right says it all – Vic’s Café has been serving quality food to the Paso Robles community since 1942. Featuring classic home-style cooking, the crew strives to make every guest feel like family. The successful eatery, previously owned by Vic
Buckley, was sold to Larry and Jan Eastwood in 1973.
Larry started in the food business while still in high school. A 1961 graduate of Paso High, he attended Alan Hancock College before transferring to culinary school in Phoenix. After being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era, he made his way back into the restaurant business.
What, according to Larry, makes Vic’s a success? “The staff and the food,” he said. “We are a down-home restaurant and are cordial to everyone.”
Larry pointed to Vic’s dedicated and hard-working staff as the secret to the restaurant’s longevity; many have been part of the crew for decades. “I am the main chef, and my wife Jan makes the pies and baked goods. Everyone helps out, from our line cooks to our servers and dishwashers, and makes this a special place.”
And the secret to the food at Vic’s Cafe? “Keep it simple,” Larry said.
Our special thanks to Larry and our server, Hope, and the entire team at Vic’s Café!
