Wilma & Frieda

Wilma & Frieda Restaurant Review:

When other restaurants along El Paseo are opening their doors is about the time that the staff at Wilma & Frieda bids the day adieu. This breakfast, lunch and brunch eatery closes daily at 3 p.m. The interior is best described as industrial diner with its open setting and steel accents. Named for the owner’s two grannies who instilled in her a love of American comfort food, Wilma & Frieda features a menu that’s fresh and ever-changing. Look for french toast, waffles and egg scrambles. There’s a long list of sandwiches found under the “I’ll Have What She’s Having” heading, plus a selection of salads. Nothing is particularly revolutionary but it’s all quite good, especially the signature meatloaf and cheddar melt served with a choice of fries, tots, mixed greens or fruit. The tarragon chicken salad sandwich, built with a buttery croissant, is punctuated with dried cranberries and pecans. Five cheeses are found in the velvety mac ‘n’ cheese, which gets a little smoke from optional pancetta. For dessert, we recommend the caramel pecan pie with dollops of fresh whipped cream and a trail of caramel.