We spent a few moments watching a small flock of ducks chasing after a couple of students who were tossing breadcrumbs out on the grass for them. At one point a few of the ducks came over to us as if we might have something for them, too. My daughter then looked at me and said, “Come on. I want to show you the best part.”
She led on as I followed her through the Redwood Grove. Among the redwoods, especially along the waterway, are succulents and deer grass indigenous to California. We each took a turn to lean up against one of the small giants to take a picture of each other. We capped off our excursion by walking back to Davis to where I had parked the car. Dinner that evening was at Caffe Italia.
The next morning I woke up early and headed back to Davis. First order of business was finding a place to eat for breakfast. Even though I had spent most of the previous afternoon walking the entire downtown with my daughter, I had a hard time getting my bearings. I kept ending up in certain sections that seemed outside of the downtown area, and not a place to eat was to be found. I walked along 5th Street, and then started walking up E Street. I saw an older lady, stopped, and asked her, “Oh, Good Morning. Ah, you wouldn’t know of any place that serves a really good full breakfast, would you?”
“Café Bernardo’s if you’re looking for fresh prepared and a cup of coffee with a bit of a bite to it.”
“Sounds good,” I said.
She started to give me directions. “It’s on 2nd St. You walk up to 3rd St, take a right...Oh, heck, I happen to be going that way. How about if I just show you?”
She led me right to the door. I invited her to join me. "No thanks," she said; "But I appreciate the offer. Enjoy yourself in town.”
A more enjoyable recommendation could not have been made. Before sitting down to a table, you have to order at the counter first. At 8 in the morning the line was considerable, but the wait was worth it. I had the Amaretto French Toast with almonds, served with pure maple syrup. The dining area has small tables spaced closely together. You can also eat at the tables outside on the sidewalk terrace. The atmosphere feels more European than American. If I were to return to Davis for another visit, this place would be first on my list.
Article comments
1 - Joanne Huspek
I had much of the same thoughts as my son graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory in May.
Time marches on, doesn't it?
2 - klondikekitty
Nice nostalgic article, Mr. Cunningham, but the thing that struck me the most was the descriptive passages of the town of Davis and the college campus which gave the impression you had never been there before . . . Your daughter has been a student at this college for the last four years, and you never visited her ONCE during the entire time??
3 - S L Cunningham
Yes, it does. Congratulations on your son's graduation.