2023 Rose Parade float road test #3, breakfast at Dollis (Covina) (and a stop at Portos)

Thank you for reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Today's post is written by Cathy, because she does these posts.. 

Link to 2023 Road Test #1

Link to 2023 Road Test #2

It was the last Saturday in August and The Mister and I woke at 4, left the house at 5, stopped at Cream Pan and got to the Phoenix Decorating barn in Irwindale by 7.   

  Floats were already on the road and others were preparing to leave.  Here is the City of Hope's 2023 entry, "Expanding Hope" preparing to test mechanics and maneuverability with body weight on board.
 The Rotary International 2023 entry, "Serving with Imagination and Hope" is ready for decorating following passing of this Road Test.  (Decorating begins December 3 this year; check the Phoenix Decorating site link in the first paragraph to sign up).The City of Alhambra float was tested; the riders, Driver and Spotter all  had to leave the float within 45 seconds during the Fire Drill.  Following this float back to the Phoenix Decorating barn gave me an opportunity to explain things in photos which I had mentioned in (years of) prior posts. 
 The doorway into the float decorating barn is the maximum height and width of some parts of the Rose Parade route.  Each float must be able to fit through this doorway so that it can fit along the parade route.  You can see this float needs to "collapse".

 the float does indeed collapse!
 
Lions Clubs International 2023 entry, "We Serve" is small enough to not have any mechanics (other than the engine, steering, brakes and fire prevention) involved in this float; it fits without needing to collapse. 

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Now, the food portion of the blog.  First the obligatory stop at Portos in West Covina.

A "new" item, cinnamon citrus bun ($2.29) was really good- large, fluffy layered sweet bread pastry with distinct citrus flavor which compliments the cinnamon.  A great treat.  
  A bit of shared breakfast-a Chorizo omelette ($5.95).  This was wonderful.  A great chorizo (you know I am a bit picky-see the end of this post) mixed with egg omelette and cheeses on a fresh baked Cuban roll.  
As always, a bread was purchased; this time it was walnut raisin ($4.15), which is made with rye flour and sourdough starter.  The crisp crust is just a perfect texture.
I asked The Mister to choose something from the refrigerated case and he chose a slice of  Parisian cake ($3.55).  A very moist chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache filling and topped with more wonderful chocolate frosting.  

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

So, we began looking for a breakfast someplace different.  There were various obstacles while driving (road repairs, emergency vehicles, law enforcement action-that sort of thing) and I just told The Mister to type in "breakfast" on the 'maps' icon of his phone. The directions were given to this nondescript location close by.  It had been a Sizzler restaurant. 
This doorway was indeed the entrance. 
Yep, looks like a Sizzler.  
A two sided, laminated menu had a good variety of choices.
I chose the carne asada and egg sandwich ($10.99).  This was quite large and very good.  Not a torta bread, but also not a burger bun, the toasted sandwich was filled with quality ingredients and we took home half for a small lunch.
The Mister ordered the Meat Lovers omelette ($13.99) which was filled with bacon, sausage, ham and cheddar, plenty of each and good quality.  The hash browns were standard.  The salsa was wonderful. 
His platter also came with a choice of toast or pancakes.  Very good pancakes. 

A great find in a nice neighborhood.  Glad we stopped. 

 Dollis 900 N. Citrus Covina, CA 91722  Website Open Wed-Mon 7-2 (Closed Tuesday)

Comments

[Soo]

Thanks for the cool float photos and the info about how they must fit in the building. That's great you visited Porto's again.

[kat]

beautiful floats!

[Cathy]

Following a comment on a prior post, as well as on my Facebook page, I realized explaining "collapse" in photos was easier, Soo. The floats can be expanded inside the barn for decorating (scaffolding is put up) so the magnificent structures along the Parade route are seen on television. The West Covina Portos is exactly six miles South of the Phoenix Decorating Barn; the same street which just changes names.

The floats look good now with the color guides and will be even better when three dimensional-with the dry and fresh natural coverings, Kat.