Where: 10 E. Carrillo St., 805-963-8404
What: A tiny bakeshop, lunch spot in the heart of downtown
How much? Omelet of the day $8.95; 1/2 sandwich + soup or salad $8.95; Poached Egg on toast $5.25
The dish: Early birds will be delighted that they didn’t hit the snooze button when they arrive at Tuttini and get first pick of the morning’s oven-warmed fresh-baked pastries. The cozy bake shop is packed with pecan pumpkin muffins, whose overflowing tops can hardly be supported by their base, flaky chocolate marzipan croissants, and plump quiches. Before these bakery items fly out the door, they are artfully displayed in glass cases and on a mobile shelving unit. The chalkboard menu lists breakfast and lunch options, but perhaps the best way to decide what you want is to sit at one of two corner tables sipping a silky double latte served in a bowl and watch as plates are brought out from the kitchen. Made to order menu favorites include poached eggs on toast with paper thin sliced prosciutto and the 2 + 2 + 2 (2 eggs, 2 waffles, 2 bacon). For a quick bite on your lunch break try the 1/2 sandwich 1/2 salad combination or a vegetable panini while sitting at a sidewalk table with the morning newspaper.