Foothill Flavors

Happy Talk at the Country Kitchen

By Antoinette May Herndon

Ok, ok, ok! We all know what that means. Or do we?

The other morning while waiting for breakfast at Campbell’s Country Kitchen in Valley Springs, Charles engaged me in a little trivial pursuit.

“Who was the first native born president of the United States?” he asked.

“Well, everyone knows that! George Washington, cherry trees, I cannot tell a lie,” I looked up from Dear Abby to give him an impatient glance.

“Guess again,” he suggested. “The George you’re thinking of was born a Brit.”

Then, that know-it-all husband of mine went on to inform me that Martin Van Buren was actually the first native born American president.”

Well, lah-di-dah! It turned out that Charles acquired this gem from “Trivialities,” a little leaflet of fun and surprises placed on every table at the Country Kitchen.

We went on to discover that Martin hailed from Kinderhook, NY. In the course of politicing, he became known as “Old Kinderhook” which in time morphed to “OK.”

Martin Van Buren was lucky. Nothing too awful happened during his presidency. It was, apparently, ok to be OK. The aphorism not only stuck but acquired a

life of its own that long ago out- distanced Martin’s.

Now, I’m here to tell you that breakfast at Campbell’s Country Kitchen is a lot more than ok, it’s special, a real feel good place.

I am downright envious when I think of Valley Springs residents who can start the day there every morning. This breakfast bistro is lively and bright with lots of windows looking out onto the busy Mar-Val shopping center. I like the pebbled formica tables, silver chrome chairs, whirling fans and smart black and white checkerboard accents.

There’s a crisp modern feel to the place. The décor looks downright New Yorky, but that’s where the similarity ends. You can hold the attitude with the ketchup. The wait staff at the Country Kitchen is invariably cheery, the food they serve is excellent, the menu extensive.

On a recent Wednesday morning, Bay Area bound, Charles and I began the day right with breakfast at the Country Kitchen. What a way to start a trip!

I really went wild with the Ultimate Omelet ($8.99). Are you ready for this? It had sausage, bacon, onion, mushrooms, bell peppers and cheddar cheese. Perfect for someone like me who has trouble making up her mind. No need for choices, the Ultimate Omelet simply

has everything. All those flavors worked well together too. The omelet was delicious—most particularly so served with a side of fresh fruit.

Charles’s choice was the Two-Two- Two, priced at $6.25. A smart choice. He also covered all the bases. The Two-Two-Two consists of two pieces of French toast, two eggs and two pieces of bacon.

Our travels take us through Valley Springs often. It’s a rare trip when we don’t stop for breakfast at the Country Kitchen. Everybody’s happy; there’s lots of table hopping, cheery waves and greetings.

For a breakfast that’s way more than ok, check it out. Besides all those egg variation, you’ll learn something. Trivialities may not qualify as a step in your education, but it’s sure to start a conversation.

VITALS: Campbell’s Country Kitchen is located in the Mar -Val Shopping Center at 200 East Highway 12 in Valley Springs. Phone: 772-2200. Breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until noon on Saturday, and from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday. Credit cards not accepted.

Pictures:

Laura Wilson serves a great omelet at the Country Kitchen

The Country Kitchen’s interior is lively and upbeat.

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