It’s a one-man-band in the kitchen at Chubby’s in Scotts Valley. Owner and Chef Dino Saabedra took the small skillet in hand, and with a deft flick of his wrist my eggs were airborne to achieve over-easy perfection.
While some of the menu mirrors those of other Chubby’s locations, Saabedra offers numerous additional specialties. Some perhaps are from his roots in Guanajuato, Mexico, or from his foray into German restaurants and Steakhouses in Chicago.
The front is staffed singularly as well, and Nicole bounced between tables; welcoming and smiling. The breakfast menu is substantial, offering omelets ($6.39 to $7.89) which are served with hash browns or potatoes and toast. Breakfasts ($5.19 to $7.69) include Eggs Benedict and Corned Beef Hash. On weekdays until noon, they offer a Ham and Eggs special ($3.99). A breakfast quesadilla includes bacon, sausage, eggs and cheese, topped with avocado and sour cream.
I opted for the Chantilly Lace Combo ($6.19). Four triangles of thick Texas-cut bread were evenly battered and cooked through, soft, and served with two mildly spicy sausages, two eggs, and two strips of perfectly cooked chewy bacon.
I couldn’t resist a house-made biscuit ($1.29) tall and airy with plenty of melting butter and orange marmalade.
For lunch, in addition to Chubby’s famous burgers ($3.59 to $6.50, if you can believe it), are a store-specific selection of Hoggie (sic) sandwiches ($5.19 to $6.50). These hot sandwiches include chicken and beef Philly Cheese, pastrami and Reuben, and BBQ pork or chicken on fresh hoggie buns. And don’t forget a sweet banana shake ($3.99).
Dinner options ($8.19 to $11.50) include Chicken Cordon Bleu, meatloaf, liver and onions, and grilled salmon. | KP
Chubby’s Restaurant, 266 Mount Hermon Rd # T (K-mart shopping center), Scotts Valley, 438-5546. Visit chubbys-diner.com.
