I Like Mine With Smoked Salmon...

...is my answer to the age old breakfast conundrum.

A bit of a different post today looking at the most important meal of the day. However, I often find that when I give this meal the focus and attention it deserves, it inevitably turns into dinner anyway. I definitely sign up for the American way of stretching breakfast out for a good hour or so. Therefore, the past couple of times I've found myself in Liverpool early on; I have visited a wonderful little place called 'Moose Coffee' that I really want to recommend to you as a unique breakfast experience.

According to their website, Moose Coffee want to 'capture the American and Canadian attitude to the best meal of the day' with their short order menu consisting mostly of eggs cooked various ways with traditional American inspired accompaniments. Their equivalent to a 'big breakfast' is based around a delicious sounding potato hash with onion, garlic and dijon mustard. Then there's poached and scrambled eggs served classically and with innovative twists.

The decor feels as though you've wandered into a cult 70's film; beige leather, old fashioned till, dark wood furniture, high ceilings and a balcony with seats overlooking diners below. The steamed up windows, jangle of the till and the gentle hum of relaxed chatter make for a breakfast atmosphere ideal for sitting back and soaking up.

On my first visit I went for the 'Smoked Moose'. They generously scramble 4 eggs which are golden and creamy. The smoked salmon was served in thick and tasty, velvety strips, and the brown toast was of good quality. The ingrediants really taste worthy of a lot more than the reasonable prices they are sold at.

The next time I went I was hoping for the eggs florentine I'd seen on the specials board, but it had been replaced by an exciting sounding affair involing peppers and onions and suchlike. Regardless, it seemed like too much for me so I ordered the New Hampshire Moose. For my personal taste, the egg was poached just right. A little bit of runnyness but overall quite firm. It wasn't hard, by any stretch of the imagination, but for some it may have been considered a little overdone. The hollandaise was rich and perfectly portioned; finishing off a luxurious dish at excellent value. (For this meal, a couple of rounds of toast, and two drinks we spent £11.80)

I'm so glad this cafe is now in my life. It's so different to anything I'm used to and I enjoyed the whole attitude they have to breakfast. It's busy and bustling with people from all walks of life, but still manages a chilled out atmosphere. Nothing is too much trouble for the chirpy staff, and the food is great value for money. I can't wait to try a few more things on the menu, including the American style club sandwiches, and the sweeter desserty breakfasts they have on offer.