Start the New Year With a Breakfast of Champions

Dec 23rd 2010 12:02PM / by Nanette Wiser

Skip the annual New Year's Day polar bear swim and begin 2011 with comfort and joy -- over easy. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and in the first morning hours of 2011, you'll need a solid meal more than ever. Check out these local favorites:

Café Madeleine: Strong French roast coffee, brioche, chocolate and banana or pear and cinnamon crepes and smoked salmon crepe with cream and capers will transform Jan. 1 into the best day of the year -- so far.
2248 30th St.; 619-544-1735

Hornblower Champagne Brunch Cruise : Ring in New Year's Day (and Sunday) with a San Diego Bay two-hour excursion, lavish buffet (spinach basil scramble, hickory smoked bacon, New England shrimp boil, chocolate bread pudding with creme anglaise), complimentary champagne and jazzy tunes.
1066 North Harbor Dr.; 619-686-8715
Jsix: Titillate your tastebuds at this East Village institution with a lavender mimosa or the affogato (vanilla gelato, double espresso, Amaretto) and hangover cures such as California Bennies and spicy chilaquiles.
616 J. St.; 619-819-9766
Pacifica Del Mar: Nurse 2011 along with a complimentary glass of champagne, Bloody Mary or mimosa at this year-round brunch hot spot. Then dive into the Caribbean spiced salmon hash or crab Benedict.
1555 Camino del Mar, Del Mar; 858-792-0476
The Shores Restaurant, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club: If a view were chocolate, this panorama would be Godiva, made more heavenly by The Shores' breakfast lineup: butternut squash egg white frittata with goat cheese, crab meat Baja omelet, Midwestern flat iron steak and eggs with grilled ciabatta or maple pork sausage and a basil Bloody Mary.
8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla; 858-456-0600
Mediterranean Room, La Valencia Hotel : Gaze at La Jolla Cove, glimpse a migrating whale and enjoy the world-famous brunch in the Pink Lady's Mediterranean Room featuring poached salmon, eggs Benedict, blintzes, global salads, smoked bacon, Sonoma sausage, leg of lamb, crème brulee and gracious service of a bygone era.
1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla; 858-551-3765
Whisknladle: Pick up where the evening left off New Years Day with Whisknladle's bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary's, scones, ricotta pancakes with lemon curd and pistachio butter or skillet corn bread oyster Benedict.
1044 Wall St, La Jolla; 858-551-7575