Breakfast in the DSM: Scenic Route, High Life Lounge, more...

Much happier after braving the cold to visit Scenic Route Bakery for cheesy mini-quiches, left and center, followed by a pot of Irish Breakfast at Gong Fu Tea, right.

Left: Return to Scenic Route Bakery for a bialy: a small focaccia with an egg in the middle, baked to hard yolk, plus cheese on top. Available only on Saturday mornings. Center and right: A High Life Lounge breakfast: beer, pickled eggs, and a Tangermeister (Jägermeister and Tang).

Left: These savory egg, rice, green onion blintzes from L&L European Delight at the Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market were delicious! Comfort food at its finest. Right: This Texicana Benedict at Fourth + Court Hy-Vee does not suck. Finely diced pepper & onion, a few cilantro sprigs, seasoned potatoes. The chorizo looks like pizza topping sausage but tastes fine.