How to Begin The Merry Month of May

1. : With open-faced breakfast sandwiches such as Cajun Turkey Sausage and Applewood Smoked Bacon alongside homemade raspberry lemonade and mint iced tea, who wouldn't want to breakfast or lunch here? It's no surprise that the Pasadena Weekly recently proclaimed Auntie Em's as the culinarh destitation for "the very best homemade dishes this side of Kansas" by. Specials are always being added to Auntie Em's delicious menu. Weekend breakfast specials include "super fluffy buttermilk pancakes," grits casserole and quiche. The lunch menu features soups, salads and sandwiches such as the B.L.A.S.T. (Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Sprouts & Mayo on a Rosemary Roll). Mouthwatering yet? Don't forget an oversized cupcake, for which Auntie Em’s is famous, as a dessert. Open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 4616 Eagle Rock Blvd., 323-255-0800.

2. : Another great spot for a midday meal. Try a "mighty melt," a Mediterranean wrap or a chicken salad sandwich, for which they are especially known. Breakfast items include (scrambled eggs with hot salsa, black beans and tortilla or toast), cinnamon swirl French toast and bagel sandwiches. While you're at the bistro, make sure to check out the "Eagle Rock Room," which showcases many historic photographs of Eagle Rock. Open from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., 1958 Colorado Blvd., 323-255-2200.

3. : One part charming cafe, one part warm bakery and two parts delicious, this Francophone restaurant offers a sumptuous choice of the ham, cheese, Gruyere and Béchamel sandwich as well as giant salads, lamb, French toast and Eggs Benedict. Open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 1661 Colorado Blvd., 323-255-5133.

4. If you fancy some Southern fare, no place in Eagle Rock and well beyond quite matches , a “contemporary soul food joint.” Chef Larkin Mackey whips up “dishes characterized by old recipes of the South,” which he combines with “dynamic contemporary flavors.” You can start with a “warm okra and heirloom tomato salad” or a traditional bowl of  gumbo if you’d like. There’s a blue cheese wedge salad and something called “Maggie’s Mess,” which has potatoes, scrambled eggs, onions, peppers, bacon hot links and chicken, all smothered in gravy next to a biscuit. Don’t forget a glass of sweet tea, which no Southern meal would be complete without. If you can manage room for dessert, try one of Larkin’s mama’s homemade preparations, of which, says the chef, “she don’t mess around!” Open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for brunch, 1496 Colorado Blvd., 323-254-0934.

5. is not far from Larkin’s on Colorado Boulevard—in case you suddenly have a change of heart. For the adventurous, there’s duck carnitas, which the LA Weekly describes as “a shotgun marriage of traditional and European cooking techniques,” featuring “duck meat simmered in fat until it nearly collapses, perfumed flesh arranged atop crisply fried sopes.” Wash down your duck with chile-spiked hot chocolate. For the not-so-adventurous foodie, there’s Mexican pancakes (made from blue corn and topped with blueberries), huevos rancheros, plantains and tacos. Open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for brunch, 1576 Colorado Blvd., 323-478-2791.