Breakfast Republic's 'Mornings Done Right'

Head over to San Diego's North Park neighborhood these days and you're bound to discover a new breakfast spot that definitely tops the charts.

The joint that's ruffling so many feathers is called Breakfast Republic (BR). You'll sense a welcoming presence from the moment you walk up the stairs to the front patio, with BR's pop-out windows allowing the breeze in and at the same time, releasing their enticing aromas of comfort food done right.

Breakfast Republic is a one-of-a-kind destination and the brainchild of Rise & Shine Restaurant Group's founder and owner, Johan Engman, a man who has made a name for himself around town through his three successful Fig Tree Caf� restaurants, located in Pacific Beach, Point Loma's Liberty Station and on University Avenue in Hillcrest.

Born and raised in northern Sweden until he was 16, Engman first came to the United States on a one-year "trial," which turned into many more years of living here and his eventual settling in San Diego. Moving his way up the restaurant-industry ladder, this outside-the-box thinking restaurateur finally attained his goal of owning a restaurant in 2008, with his first Fig Tree Caf�. Now, he oversees his "babies,"with a hands-on approach and keen attention to emerging industry trends in terms of food, libations and interior spaces.

Engman hatched Breakfast Republic this July and, together with director of operations Grant Price, they've created
an eatery that locals and visitors flock to for a truly unique dining experience.

"It's rewarding to see our efforts pay off by how busy we've been since day one, after long hours and months of effort," he admits. Hard work that certainly does not go unnoticed. We'll give you a hint: Their theme is "everything rooster," and they've outdone themselves with an eccentric, playful interior design that could bring even those who claim "not to be a morning person" out of their shell.

Visitors are greeted at the door by a portrait of Christopher Walken that reads, "No Reservations... Walkens Only." Once wall with oversized, bright red letters spelling out, "Run Cock Run." The rest of the place is done up in a playful avant-garde style, from the ceiling fixtures crafted out of Edison lights inside kitchen whisks, to the custom-designed bathroom mirrors resembling over-sized sunglasses, and the phrase "You look fine" staring back, as guests check their appearance. Even Breakfast Republic's outside patios are whimsical, laden with electric yellow chairs and light-hearted cartoons of chickens escaping from a coop.

This soon-to-be-famous eatery, stays true to its intentions, creating a cheeky atmosphere with wise quotes spray-painted on the walls and clever sayings posted on tabletops and coffee cups. Each napkin holder features phrases such as, "A yawn is a silent scream for coffee," and "Common sense is a flower that doesn't grow in everyone's garden."

In an eggshell, the entire experience will have guests "clucking" from beginning to end -- especially when their check arrives, wedged in a fork, demanding they "Fork it over."

When it comes to food and libations, Breakfast
Republic "struts its stuff" with farm fresh goodies and an alluring selection of "cock"tails offered throughout the day. Diners will marvel at Engman's travel-inspired, American "classics with a twist," such as their Vietnamese Chicken Wing Breakfast Bowl and Southern Shrimp Grits.

Then there's Turkey Meatball Hash, with three eggs are nestled in a bed of spinach, smashed turkey meatballs, pesto and house potatoes and a Breakfast Bacon Mac'n Cheese, with three eggs perched atop cheesy macaroni and bacon. Of course, they have omelets, scrambles and "bennies," each selection outrageously yummy and creative, made with eggs from a regional farm. Happy chickens that roost in Ramona and support the fact, that everything Breakfast Republic serves is "flappin' good."

For sweet-toothed diners, Oreo Cookie Pancakes, Churro Pancakes and even Mint Chocolate Chip Pancakes will get everyone's motor running and for the undecided, they offer "mix'n match" flights of three, selected from their list of nine pancake con"cock"tions. There are also half a dozen, not-to-be-missed French toast selections, such as S'mores French Toast, Lemon'n Coconut and even Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin.

Since it wouldn't be considered good manners to leave anyone thirsty, Breakfast Republic has gone to great lengths to feature drinks that satisfy health nuts, as well as something a little bit more rambunctious. Diners can start their day with one of BR's Organic Local Anti- oxidant Shots, such as their Tropical Detox loaded with fresh-pressed organic mango, pineapple and grape juices, organic gelatinized Peruvian maca (grown at 14,000 feet) and organic wild Ecuadorian spirulina (grown at 9,500 feet).

If you can pronounce Kombucha (k�m-boo-Cha), you can drink it here, because they offer several selections on tap along with Julian Hard Apple Cider. BR also boasts up to 20 hand-selected local and international beers that can be ordered individually, or in flights of four for only $8.00.
There are specialty drinks "with a twist" available, in the form of Bellinis, Mimosas and Bloody Marys, as well as their own liquid creations including the Coco Fizz, made with vodka, brut, coconut syrup and raspberries (slurp, slurp), the Ommegang Whitt Beermosa and a Blueballs cocktail (which will be left to the imagination).

One visit and you will discover that there is a lot to crow about... and that's no "cock 'n' bull."

Breakfast Republic
2730 University Avenue
619.642.0299
Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. For more information about the restaurant, or to see their inventive line of merchandise, go to breakfastrepublic.com