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From fresh cinnamon rolls
to sizzling country fried steak, the Cottage Cafe has made a
name for itself as Ventura's home for hearty breakfasts and
lunches.
Owner Danny White has been in the restaurant business for more
than 35 years. Before that, his father owned and operated restaurants
in Southern California. "He believed in big portions,"
Danny said of his father. "If you went away hungry, I'd
be surprised." The restaurant business is still a family
affair. Danny's wife, Susie, helps manage their restaurant,
and daughter Christy waitresses at Cottage Cafe.
The restaurant which seats 65 and has a patio, is busiest on
weekend mornings but has regulars throughout the week. Big breakfasts
like Poor Man's Steak & Eggs are popular. "I think
we offer a good variety of breakfasts, and large portions,"
Danny said. A newer dish, Nine Juan Juan Hash, offers two eggs
served over grilled potatoes with chorizo, green and jalapeno
chiles, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and cheese, plus toast, salsa,
and flour tortillas or biscuits and gravy. French toast or waffles
can likewise start things off right.
For lunch, homemade soups and chili are served every day. People
also love the salads: Cobb, fruit, seafood, Oriental chicken.
Turkey, roast beef, tri-tip and chicken plates are available
in addition to the regular selection of soups, salads, and sides.
Specialty sandwiches include French dip, Philly cheese steak
Monte Cristo, and tuna melts. The Cottage melt and homemade
Cottage burgers are sure to be just as delicious. When it come
to desserts, two favorites are the cobblers and bread pudding,
made fresh form scratch.
"The best thing is I try to do everything fresh,"
Danny said. "Biscuits and hash browns are made fresh every
day." The Rincon Hash & Eggs is a breakfast selection
Danny remembers from camping trips to Rincon beach. The hearty
dish includes chopped and grilled potatoes, bacon, ham, sausage,
onions, peppers, and cheese topped with two large eggs and served
with biscuits and gravy. Nobody has anything like it,"
Danny said. "some people order it ever day."
Guests are treated like family at the Cottage Cafe. A little
welcome sign and house hang above the register. The place showcases
specialty items for sale that have been made by customers: birdhouses
hang in a row above and between booths, while custom coffee
mugs and little teddy bears in oval boxes are displayed in a
glass case. One of the waitresses creates some fun signs for
sale, and a staff member make great holiday decorations.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Cottage Cafe is located at
2611 East Thompson BLvd. in Ventura, south of Seaward. "It's
been here for years and years. When we bought it, we kept the
name - with the same casual atmosphere and friendly help,"
Sue said.
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