Restaurant of the Month: CJ's Pantry

South Bay Events presents its pick of the month for November 2011!

With the passing of Halloween, the holiday season has officially begun and the ever present struggle between waistline and food temptation starts to play a mental tug of war on the brain. Fight the sugary forces that will surely clog corporate hallways and fandango around festive gatherings with a reward “trip” to our Restaurant of the Month this November. The ultra local Redondo Beach breakfast & lunch hang out is located near the intersection of groovy and home-cooking. What really is an abbreviation for Corky Johnston, CJ’s Pantry has been putting smiles on breakfast eaters for more than 25 years.

The drive on Catalina Avenue is so scenic and wide open one might miss that funky chef statue perched outside CJ’s when passing by. Parking seems tricky at first because there’s only metered spots but just behind CJ’s is a small lot for guests. Use Pearl Street to find this tiny alleyway like parking entrance, right behind Keller Williams Realty. On weekends there could be a line but if not, sit down and claim your territory. There’s no rhyme or reason to CJ’s seating process, probably because most of the staff see’s its customers on a weekly or monthly basis so there’s no reason for formalities.

Breakfast is by far the meal of choice at CJ’s and is served all day. The menu leans heavily to the omelette side with traditional favorites like Eggs Benedict (order with scallops to), Chorizo & Eggs, and French Toast bank the left-hand side of the menu. CJ’s list their daily breakfast specials on a white marker board and be sure to peruse these creations. Most likely, they’re the best items not on the menu. The portions are large and every entrée comes with a fresh orange slice. Hint: Their banana bread has a top layer of coconut that squares of nicely with an endless cup of coffee.

CJ’s Pantry is located at 324 Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach, Ph (310) 318-2411.