BEST PLACE TO MEET 10 PEOPLE FOR BREAKFAST BEST BREAKFAST SPECIALS
Charlie Parker’s 700 North Street, 241-2104 New owner Mike Murphy knew he was purchasing a gem when he bought Charlie Parker’s restaurant last January. And he knew that business as usual — continuing to serve the famous 16-inch pancake and the two-egg, meat, and potato ($5.50) and biscuit and gravy ($5.95) specials — would not only keep Charlie Parker’s regular customers coming back for more, but would continue adding new customers along the way. Whether you are with a party of 10 or dining alone, you are sure to receive your meal in what seems like a matter of minutes. And, that meal will fill you up.

Although drastic changes are not on the menu, Murphy did add a stuffed blueberry French casserole that will knock your socks off and make Charlie Parker’s a frequent breakfast stop. Unfortunately, the fabulous dish is only served on the weekends. If you plan to try the casserole, you’d better get there early because it almost always sells out.

D & J Café, the winner of last year’s best breakfast category, receives second-place honors.

Dennis Price, who owns the restaurant along with his brother John, says D & J’s offers the “quickest breakfast you’ll ever find.”
Runner-up: D & J Café

BEST VEGETARIAN MENU
The Feed Store 516 E. Adams, 528-3355 We were pleasantly surprised to see new contenders like The Feed Store, Little Saigon and Café Brio emerge in this category — perhaps that means the capital city’s carnivores and herbivores are finally created equal? Honest Abe would’ve loved to see that. The Feed Store offers seven vegetarian sandwiches, including the Veggie Hero — Swiss and Colby cheeses, cucumbers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a baguette — and Nuts to Olive You — pecans, olives, pimentos, cream cheese, sprouts and tomato atop pumpernickel. Vegheads can choose from several homemade soups and salads, too. We recommend the minestrone and the zucchini chowder.
Runner-up: Little Saigon