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During the week of
9.5.05 I was emailed regarding Pepy's by someone doing a book
on the best restaurants associated with bowling alleys in the
US. I could hardly control my enthusiasm and hope to report back
on the amazing sounding compendium.
Many years ago a friend told me about
the "Turkey Chops" at
Pepy's Galley. I was confused, I did not understand what he
was talking about and I did not go to Pepy's anyway.
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Pepy's is a kind of tired looking bowling
alley cafe that is actually part of a bowling alley. Mar Viata Bowl
that is. About three blocks
from where I live.
About a year went by before I even went to Pepy's. Of course on that occasion
have any Turkey Chops for sale. I had a decent breakfast and forgot about the
whole thing. It turns out that the Turkey Chops are somehow only available when
they can get them" And based on empirical evidence culled from three friends,
it is really haphazard. They have them for two weeks, then not all all. A friends
went recently and they made it sound like it was out of the question,,m yet this
morning (3.7.04) I went and even though they were not on the special board, (they
are never on the menu), they did have them. And thank the good lord they did.
Anyway, about a year after my first ill fated attempt I decided I would try again.
It was around the holidays so I had turkey on my mind. I went in one morning
and there on the special board were the coveted choppers.
WhatI can really say after a few trips back to Pepy's Galley for the Turkey Chops
is that this is quite possibly the best breakfast in Los Angeles. It is amazing,
it is delicious, it is mysterious and it is hard to get.
First off, I have no idea what turkey chops are. They look like pork chops, they
are sort of on the bone, and they are just griddled with seemingly no adjustments.
The breakfast comes with eggs, potatoes (done exactly they way I like, shredded
and grilled crispy), toast that has been lathered with unsalted butter and the
aforementioned chops.
Pepy's also makes there own smoky salsa. You usually have to ask for it, but
it is fundamental to this being the best breakfast in LA. Just pour it somewhere
between the eggs and the chops and make sure you get a little of everything in
each bite and you will be on your way. |
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Now, after a few visits to Pepy's I ram really starting to love
it. Just let me tell you two things that happened on my last visit.
As I walked in I saw the "Cash Only" sign. I asked
the owner, who is also the host, where the closest ATM was?
He looked
me in the eye and said "Why?"
I said: "You don't take credit cards, right? I don't have
any cash"
He said: "It's OK, you pay me the next time you come in"
As I chomped into my chops a grand elderly woman came in to sit
next to me at the counter. As she settles in to her seat her breakfast
arrives piping hot.
Truly. Scrambled eggs, white rice and a NY Steak medium rare and an English
Muffin a little dark and lathered in unsalted butter. She smiled.
I said it looked like
a hardy breakfast.
I realized that the Host, "Peppy" had seen her pulling around
the corner and placed the order so that by the time she parked and made
it to
the counter,
the breakfast was ready.
I also saw two other people beaming with a full belly as they shook Pepp'y
hand and told him what a great place he had.
The place is packed on Sunday at 10:30am.
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And I just became a regular.
Pepy's
Galley (link is to CitySearch review and info)
At the Mar Vista Bowling Alley
12125 Venice Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 391-5288
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