I loooove breakfast. And I’m talking about a meal eaten between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., no sooner (well, maybe sometimes, if the occasion warrants) but definitely no later. Living in Atlanta for about 8 years now, I have noticed that brunch is an institution around here, with everyone I know having their own favorite places to go to so as to wait in extremely ridiculous lines or on staggeringly long wait lists. All this just to soak up the alcohol in their bellies from the nights before. Not me, no sir, because frankly if I had that much alcohol in me from the night before then food ain’t gonna cut it and I’m not paying $10 to regurgitate something I’d rather enjoy.

Sorry…anyway, where was I?

Ah, breakfast. My schedule allows me so rarely to enjoy it, but on those blessed mornings, there’s nothing more comforting than a simple meal. It’s even better with a partner because then you can buy a newspaper, linger over it, and generally make your day better.

Stone Soup Kitchen is one of those neighborhood places which is rapidly climbing to the top of my list. Honestly, there’s nothing overly cutesy or special about it; it’s just very good food done simply. No overt fuss or muss. Don’t get me wrong, I like something fancy in the breakfast department every now and again, but on really cold mornings–like today–I just want the path of least resistance.

Though you can’t really tell from my uber-crappy interior photo, the whole place has a homey feel. The booth are blonde-wood and wide; definitely roomy for four people. The coffee and water is self-serve and refills seem pretty endless. Today the staff were playing some smoochy funk music and were very friendly and nice. I’m sure it’s nicer in warm weather, but that table at the very front of the store, right smack window-side, is a real nice place to sit with your honey and a newspaper.

Onward to food…

I ordered The Usual: it’s your choice of eggs scrambled or fried, toast, your choice of applewood bacon, turkey bacon, or soysage (I really like the fact they don’t charge extra for soysage), and your choice of potatoes, grits, or cheese grits. I always like breakfast potatoes so that’s a no-brainer for me, but I think I should try their cheese grits next time. All that food above, plus coffee, was just slightly shy of $10–not including tip.

The girl at the front counter caught me taking a picture of my food and asked me if it was pretty enough. I replied that yes, indeed, it was.

Aahh….so a delicious breakfast was had. And my fuzzy Valentine above wishes you and yours a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Breakfast: just one of those things that make life worth living. A luxurious meal it can be, not something rushed or handed to you on your way out the door to work. Wouldn’t you like to know the difference?