Plenty of Reasons to Shout "Opa!" When You're at Plainfield's Delight

Saganaki, the popular flaming cheese Greek appetizer, is not just for lunch and dinner anymore, at least not in Plainfield.

During a recent breakfast visit to Plainfield's Delight Pancake Cafe, we heard cheers of "Opa!" coming from at least two different tables and it wasn't even 10:30 a.m. yet. The pan-seared cheese arrives table-side in a little frying pan, which the serve flambées and then extinguishes with a lemon wedge. A festive sight to be sure, setting a mood for "true delight."

Breakfast is the main reason to dine at this lovely establishment, which opened two years ago. However, the lunch and dinner menus are also extensive. 

But let's talk pancakes first, as there are six different options in addition to their "secret recipe" trademark special: Swedish, "fruitylicious," multi-grain, pumpkin pecan, baby apple and Dutch baby apple. Prices range from the $4.99 short stack to $8.99.

Our pleasant server  (who was super quick with the coffee and water) helped me decide between the Pancake Delight (vanilla mascarpone cream sauce layered between three large pancakes, with assorted berries and a brown-sugar oat crumbles) and the Belgium waffle filled with diced bacon. She recommended the former as it's not something typically found at other breakfast restaurants.

Too bad my dining partner didn't have a camera to record the grin on my face when the humongous serving arrived at the table. Not only delicious, but attractively served and with more than enough to take home. The warm maple syrup served in a small pewter pitcher was perfect in my book, especially since I usually have to request that it be heated. Freshly squeezed orange juice was the perfect complement to the morning meal.

As for standard omelets, my particular dining partner is very discerning in this area. I'm happy to report Plainfield's Delight passed the test with flying colors: fluffy, large, fresh eggs and just the right amount of cheese. The multi-grain pancakes were wonderful as well, but the $1.30 extra charge should be noted on the menu. All omelets include toast or pancakes, hash browns and fruit garnish − priced reasonably from $6.99 to $8.99.

Other breakfast items include crepes, blintzes, French toast, waffles, egg skillets, scramblers, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast sandwiches. A multitude of standard breakfast sides are offered, including yogurt, muffins, cereals and meats.

The lunch menu features gyros (which other diners were enjoying), soup and salad combos, panini sandwiches, burgers, wraps and low-cal choices. Prices range from $4.99 to $10.90.

Dinner entrées include steak, salmon, pasta, red snapper and fish 'n' chips. Great price points from $10.99 to $15.99.

Of course, saganaki ($6.99) is served all day.

The restaurant is located in a strip mall with plenty of parking. There are two dining rooms, one with about 15 tables and a second with 20 more tables. Large parties can be easily accommodated by pushing tables together. Comfy booths are also an option.

A children's menu, senior discounts, a daily board of specials and a carry-out menu are nice extra features.

This reviewer would go back to enjoy not only the pancakes, but the waffles, omelets and gyros. And  the trip would not be complete without my own little pan of flaming cheese. After all, I  enjoy shouting "Opa!" too, especially so early in the morning.