After years of driving past the unassuming store front on 190th Street in Torrance, I finally paid a visit to Country Touch Cafe in Torrance.
The hardest part of getting into this cafe was the timing; They’re only open from 6 AM until 2 PM. Fortunately breakfast is served the entire time.
Breakfast was key to my visit! I was in the mood for a complete country breakfast: Grits, sausage, biscuits, pancakes, eggs, sweet tea…I wanted it all.
Upon arriving , I immediately fell in love the the interior. It was similar to country diners and truck stops I had visited in Southern and Mid-Western states. Wood paneling set the primary color tone while the walls were sparsely decorated with knick knacks and mementos from country life.
Nicole — who was joining me for for this mid-day meal…her lunch, my breakfast — and I sat ourselves and were offered coffee right away while we perused the menu.
While I was enamored by the venue — it almost felt like going home to Georgia without leaving LA — I was disappointed with not finding grits on the menu. Set back #2 came when I asked about sweet tea: they don’t serve it.
Perhaps my shoulders slumped a bit in defeat because the very friendly and attentive waitress offered to make an Arnold Palmer — half tea, half lemonade — but I decided to stay with the coffee which was actually quite good.
Putting our orders in, Nicole chose pancakes served with eggs, bacon, and sausage links. I went for the three sausage biscuits and gravy, but asked for the gravy on the side.
On Nicole’s plate, the pancakes, meats, and eggs were par for the course. Everything was freshly made and nicely palatable.
My plate was similar in freshness and flavor but with the gravy taking a back seat. I expected more sausage flavor but the creamy sauce seemed to be based on a chicken stock. It wasn’t disappointing…just not what I had my taste buds set on. Either way I was glad I asked for it on the side!
High points in the meal included the salsa which I used on my eggs; the thick red mixture was fresh and gently spicy. The apple jam served with the biscuits was also a hit with an out-of-the-mason-jar homemade flavor and a silky texture.
Overall I enjoyed my breakfast experience at Country Touch Cafe. The service, coffee, and ambiance were all on point. Anytime I’m longing for a trip to the South, I’ll be sure to stop by for a bit. Perhaps I’ll try some of the fresh baked pastries or the omelettes that seem to be the star of their Yelp reviews.
I wonder if they’ll mind if I bring my own grits and sweet tea?
Country Touch Cafe
http://www.yelp.com/biz/country-touch-cafe-torrance
717 West 190th Street
Torrance, CA 90504-5706
(310) 323-5614
Open Weekdays 6 AM – 2 PM
Looks pretty fresh to me! Like I said on Twitter, it totally blends in. I wouldn’t have even thought of stopping by if it wasn’t pointed out!
Yeah its worth checking out if the timing is right and you’re looking for an alternative breakfast spot. Don’t let the liquor store next door fool you…its really a nice spot! 😀
Ah yeah, breakfast at noon – you’re singing my song. I’ve never tried this place, and I love finding new ones. I’m from NC, so the grits not being there IS a major deciding factor, but the apple jam/butter on that biscuit may have won me back. Can’t wait for the promised video I just saw a teaser for. 😀 Have a great Thanksgiving.
I was SOOOOO looking forward to a big bowl of grits at this place!….with butter and salt and pepper; Nicole puts butter and sugar in hers but I like mine savory. I’m sure I’ll look crazy if I come in there with a picnic basket full of grits and sweet tea though.
I’m working on some videos! Hopefully they will be worth the anticipation! haha! 😀
Breakfast sounds so appealing after this..Awesome especially the biscuits with apple jam
The biscuits and jam were definitely a nice touch.