Back to Basix with Buddy!!! - Basix Café

So today I was so cutely woken up by Mr. Buddy. Buddy is always the first one up and our household. Knowing that I had gone to sleep at 3:30 am I knew if I was getting up to walk him, I was getting breakfast at the same time. Boom! 2 birds, 1 stone! Done.

Once Buddy has his mindset on something there is pretty much no changing it! So off to Basix Café we go. As soon as were out the front gate Buddy's instinct tells him to attack a couch. And in West Hollywood, if are going to put a couch on the side walk at least make it look good and make sure your creative!

Now Basix is one of those places that can change depending on what day of the week and time you go. Don’t think moody girlfriend kind of change... think game day Dodger Stadium kind of change. Its either packed on a Sunday morning with a 30 – 40 minute wait, or like our Tuesday morning. No one there, a hand full of chatty tables, and that’s it.

There are also 3 different types of vibes to this place. Which I think is really nice depending on who your company is. They have the in doors… its nice, have a conversation, like a coffee shop. The front patio… its loud, lots of cars, and people watching is great; for an evening or bloody mary’s on a Sunday… with pets (just like Church). Or... you have the side patio (sorry no drinks), pets allowed near a side street… also quiet. It says "tropical island motif" (just a little).

We decided to go with the side patio. No one around to attack or bark at… Good Boy! Yes! He looks cute but he is afraid of everything... even awnings and table umbrellas. The servers here are always very attentive and never leave you hangin'.  The restaurant is what I would call “straight friendly”. I really don't have a P.C. way of saying it. We all call it “Gay Town”, and the straight are just as welcome!

 I am even starting to feel as if they love me here. Now every time I come here they always offer you a bowl of water for you fury companion. If they don’t... just ask and they would be more than glad to help you.

Now what to order… There really isn’t a bad item on the menu. This restaurant has a lot of healthy options (wait keep reading) but they also have a lot of dishes that favor taste over calories. It’s the morning. I have had 6 hours of sleep and I need something to energize me. So the Egg White Power Omelet is what I am going to have… but I will have hold the spinach and onions (see power gone). I am left with the egg whites, sausage, bacon (apple wood smoked by the way), and cheese. For the sides... I requested the potatoes and the english muffins.

The waiter arrives with my diet coke and water. I order, and away he goes as if fiercely walking down a fashion runway… I love it! When a server takes your order to the kitchen with that much confidence, it really makes me feel like I ordered the right thing.

So as I wait for my food I see an Anderson Cooper look-a-like running down the street and talking to some kids. In one of the photos it even looks like Jack from Lost stopped by... just to see if anyone needed a doctor. It kinda felt like I was watching breaking news of the earthquake in Haiti (God bless them). Except it was West Hollywood and very awkward. You see… people don’t run in this city unless their jogging, it ruins their side walk presence. Secondly, you never see kids on the street, or in this town… EVER. It is as rare as seeing Jesus walk up and down the streets (by the way there is a man who looks and dresses just like Jesus, who walks... up and down... the streets).

Yea! Buddy waggs his tail. Foods here! And he’s not getting any! Sorry Bud!  It looks like perfection. Everything is placed exactly where it belongs. The muffins are crispy and soft at the same time. The potatoes have just enough spices to hit the spot and the omelet is like a loaded freight train headed right for my stomach. Pure bliss bite... after bite. I love it… but wait... its missing something… “Tap-a-fucking-tio”!!!  Hot sauce! It needs hot sauce!

Now here is the deal with Tapatio at this place. They don’t “carry” it. For some reason they don’t. But… If you ask, the'll bitch a little, and then the'll go get it from the valet guys because they keep a little bottle of Tapatio in their valet stand! God Bless Them!

This time I didn't ask, I was just too hungry. So don't get me wrong it is still amazingly good. Now that I am loaded all up like a big rig, for a little over $14 with tip, they send me... and Buddy... a-packin’.

It’s time for the dreaded walk up the hill, but luckily... I have the dog to pull me. Thanks Buddy!

So what did I learn from my experience…

All you need is good service, good food, and good company! It sounds to me like they got it right, by going back... to the Basix (wink)… so MEAT ME!

You can find out more about Basix Café at

http://www.basixcafe.com/

8333 Santa Monica Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Thank you

Sean Rice

aka MEAT ME!

YEA! Sub the Biscuits for Waffles and add MORE Gravy!!! - The Waffle

Tuesday October 4th, 2011 10:26am

And thats exactly what I said. I woke up with the irresistible temptation of waffles and a horrible headache for biscuits and gravy. iHop was out of the question even though I do honor them for making their food look EXACTLY like the pictures in the menu. Much respect iHop (pounding my chest with my fist).


Heading east down Sunset I looked in the window of The Griddle, tempting with no waiting in line, I new that there had to be some where else more rewarding. Like a switch it hit me, thoughts of stiff sugary waffles sandwiched over fried chicken with lettuce and tomatoes. 


It was like a life size google drop pin had landed in the middle of hollywood and I was headed in that direction. Destination Granted. I pulled up to "the WAFFLE" with an empty curb spot waiting for me just out front, and not a soul was waiting outside.

I entered to a few seated individuals with one waitress buzzing around on her tip toes.  I seated myself at the counter, was greeted with a nice welcome and was handed a menu like I just, got, served! Now holding in my hands the map to destination heaven, like my beautiful sofisticated companion of love, I could not make up my mind (Love You Dear!). Waffles... or Biscuits & Gravy... or both, but how??? Some how this Sam's Club of happiness didn't have what I wanted, in writing, on the menu. 


Luckily the waitress dressed in a lovely hair bob and black thick brimmed glasses like a secretary awaited my order. Still unsure I ordered the diet Coke and, sure why the hell not, a chocolate shake. 


So after a few sips of my delicious shake I decided it was time. I will combine the classic waffle with the heavenly biscuits and gravy, minus the biscuits of course that would have been to much...  I would describe the scene as may be how the plans for the Great Wall of China would be presented to the Emperor in Great Detail!!! She insist are you sure? And I insisted on her not insisting, and replied, "Absolutely!". 


She came. I ordered. Done. 


So as the clocked ticked in my head as it does on Jeopardy, I waited. 3 minutes in, she pops her head out and says, "You want the gravy on top or on the side?" Really... I was offended that she even thought that I was an, on-the-side type of person... Not her fault, I replied with a quick "TOP!"


Minutes later, around the corner it came! I was sooooo excited, sprinkled with a tiny bit of "did I fuck this up?". I could almost see my dog wagging his tail as she served me with happiness!

I took my first bite and about died... It, was, AMAZING! It was better than I expected. The salty of the gravy with the square cut sausages (I know its the only meat in the meal but its there), mixed with the SWEET of the waffle, it was creaming everywhere (the gravy that is!). Once cut with a fork the waffle suck to the gravy as if they were meant-to-be. Rich as hell, but ohhhhhhh so good. Now the regret of taking up stomach space with the chocolate shake (which had beautiful neon sprinkles on top), I feel the battle begin to ensue for more GUT ROOM.


The waitress cruzes buy with a quick, "How is it?" as if everything came to a quick holt, I replied with a whisper almost about to tear... "Its glorious!' I said, "Its better than I could have ever imagined." 


I asked her with everything on the menu why they didn't have something so simple, yet when it entered your mouth, was so sophisticated. She said she'll ask them to add it... 


In the end I did not finish. Damn you shake, but it was amazing, and until its on the menu this is what I recommend you order, consume, swallow, and/or devour!!!


The Waffle is on Sunset just east of Vine, on the North Side of the street.
6255 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028


http://www.thewaffle.us/Site/Home.html


Until I make more room MEAT ME!


Sean Rice

Follow @meatmeblog