George’s, 83 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 4TD

Here's a splendid Open Sauce contribution from Trevor of Urban Spectator. Apologies to him for taking forever to get it posted. And if anyone else would like to chip in, please let me know. And, in an exciting development, the ebcb meme is spreading - Dirk has done his own here. Thanks Dirk.

Just metres inside the North Circular, George’s is located in a rather loveless wasteland of north-east London but serves up some excellent grub, notably the Greek dishes and the breakfasts (esp. the huge Greek and ‘Amerikanas”). Cuttings on the wall tell the story of how many years ago George Massos entertained diners in the West End with his golden voice and how, four years ago, he travelled to Australia to give some special shows to raise cash when this very café as good as burnt down.

The ebcb was workmanlike,  very tasty but possibly with no exceptional character of its own. The chips are in a slight cluster, as if very fond of each other’s company, while the beans push the chip and bacon together like some kind of matchmaker. The bacon was succulent and on my plate had a nice peninsula running through it, bringing to mind Puget Sound in The Great Gatsby*. Ideal for yachting. The egg just minded its business, as if not really part of the gang. I’m afraid I don’t know what the liquidy condiments are – I was afraid to try them.

Service is speedy, there’s always sport on the plasma screen, and there’s the (not uncommon for a London cafe) array of Scarface and Godfather memorabilia on the walls.

*Commenters have pointed out this should probably be Long Island Sound

Comments

[Nick]

Liquid condiments look like oil and vinegar.

[Trevor]

Er, yes, you're right. Bit red-faced now.

[Freuchie Rich]

If anyone can help, I'm looking for a breakfast café around Waterloo SE1 that is open from 6 a.m. mid-week. We're cycling from London to Paris for the Poppy Appeal in September, travelling from Scotland the day before, staying near Waterloo Station and have to get to Greenwich to register for the ride at 7:00. Everywhere listing times on the web is only open from 7. Can anybody help please?

[lottie]

Great review!

I live on Puget Sound in WA, it isn't very Gatsby-like; I think you mean Long Island Sound in NY. That's okay, I prefer Puget Sound too. :)

[Lapinbizarre]

"Puget Sound in The Great Gatsby"?

[John Micek]

"Puget Sound in the Great Gatsby?"
Bit of a geographical impossibility there, mate.
Puget Sound is in Washington State on the other side of the country. The events of the Great Gatsby take place in a fictionalized version of Great Neck, along Long Island Sound in New York.
Just wanted to point that out, and also mention that I'm a devoted reader. Absolutely love the site.
Cheers,
John

[Lapinbizarre]

Clarification of the brief "Gatsby" comment above. Puget Sound is on the NW US coast, just south of Seattle & Vancouver. Much of the Gatsby action is on Long Island Sound, east of New York City.

[russell]

Thanks for the corrections everyone. If they were my words I'd change them, but they're not so that doesn't seem fair. Suffice to say, I think we get it now.

[john]

hi russell,i really enjoyed your egg bacon chips and beans book,great read and great cafes too,i hope to visit some.will there be another book?excellent website too,ive only just got into the computer age!!keep up the good work in finding such gems.best wishes john

[RK]

Er, I think a previous comment of mine ended in a spam queue.

I'll be visiting Bristol soon (mid-Sept.), from Cape Town, and was wondering whether any readers could help me with finding a good, affordable fry-up in Bristol.

[Thom Wong]

Our own humble attempt at the greatness that is EBCB.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/onegoodtum/2816874588/

[jon]

I have enjoyed reading your blog entries you have a very readable writing style. It has convinced me to try eggs bacon chips beans sometime. I might have to look into the egg book as well. Being in the US of an A (as borat once said) I might recieve some strange looks ordering that from a cafe here in the states.