It’s been so many years since I last visited Haute Cakes Caffe and I needed a refresher visit. When I arrived, I remembered it right away — nothing had changed — and the cute patio was still there, as well as the communal table I love so much.
We placed our orders and went to find a table. The art on the walls is always interesting to look at while you’re waiting for your food to arrive.
There is also a patio area if you like eating outdoors. I don’t mind it so much when the weather is cool but most of the time in southern California, it isn’t cool enough for me to want to sit outside.
One of the great things about Haute Cakes Caffe is that you don’t have to order a “full” breakfast if you didn’t want to. There are items which are offered as “side orders” and that’s exactly what we did.
Mexican Scramble ($5.25 side order) smelled incredible and I was so excited to try it. But somehow, it smelled a lot better than it tasted because it was extremely under-seasoned.
The same thing with the Haute Scramble ($5.25 side order) which required more than just a touch of salt. It was as if the cook either forgot to season or was fearful of salt. After we “doctored” it up a little it was certainly a lot better.
My Eggs Pesto ($11) came with four toasted thin slices of baguette, sauteed spinach and two very sad looking poached eggs. One egg was already broken and the second looked like half of it was left in the poaching pot. The pesto was okay, nothing very special and for $11 I had expected a hell of a lot more than what I got. Highly disappointed.
Walnut and Zucchini Muffin was quite good, nice textures and wasn’t dry. I was really full by now so only took two bites of the muffin. If the muffin is anything to go by, then I’d say their baked goods are probably the stars of the menu.
The salad of heart of palm, avocado and artichoke was also lovely. I loved the combination of flavors and it was so tasty I wish I had more. It wasn’t anything fussy, just a simple concoction of things which go well together with a light vinaigrette. This is something worth coming back for if I am not able to re-create it at home.
I like the atmosphere and the decor of this place, but I remember now why I haven’t been back again for such a long time. Although the menu sounds imaginative, the end result was just so-so. Everything was fine but nothing stood out enough for me to want to return again. However, if my friends are interested in coming here, I will always partake in the camaraderie and enjoy the space with those I like to hang out with even if I know the meal will be average.
Haute Cakes Caffe
1807 Westcliff Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: 949-642-4114
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