Hidden gem tempts diners

It's a good thing Delicious Temptations has developed a decades-long reputation as a great place to eat breakfast and lunch (or breakfast for lunch).

That's because its location -- in a set-back strip shopping center not easily seen from Rodney Parham Road -- can make it difficult to find. But, as many a diner will tell you, it's well worth the effort. Delicious Temptations is still one of the best places around for breakfast and brunch. It was one of the first restaurants I visited after moving here in 1995 and it's still on my short list of go-to favorites.

Breakfast is especially memorable, with a choice of several versions of eggs Benedict (available in half or full order), wonderful pancakes (especially the yogurt), quiche, French toast and omelets.

Over the course of a couple of visits, I ordered one of my favorites, the Nest Egg ($8.99), three eggs scrambled with mushrooms, onions, bell pepper and zucchini served on whole wheat pita. Topped with American and mozzarella cheeses, sour cream, black olives and tomatoes (salsa is also available), it's as filling as it is flavorful.

Still, it's a good idea to leave a little room for one of the restaurant's excellent side dishes, especially the Potato Casserole ($1.99), which has the richness and flavor of a buttery fully-loaded baked potato, or the smooth and flavorful Cheese Grits ($1.99).

Omelets are also pretty substantial as well: three eggs ($3.99) with a choice of some 17 fillings (69 cents each), including Canadian bacon, five different cheeses, artichoke hearts, avocado, spinach and more. My omelet arrived piping hot and was fluffy and tasty.

My companion sampled the wonderful Eggs Benedict Florentine ($4.99 half order, $7.99 whole) -- poached eggs, Canadian bacon and spinach atop an English muffin covered with rich hollandaise. On a later visit, he was impressed with the Old Fashioned Benedict ($4.99 half, $8.99 whole), poached egg and sausage on a biscuit covered with sausage gravy. Other options include a traditional Eggs Benedict ($3.99/$6.99); Eggs Temptations ($4.99/$7.99), which adds crab meat and artichoke hearts; and California Benedict ($4.99/$7.99), which includes avocado and tomatoes.

Be aware, though, the Benedicts do not come with side dishes. So if you're especially hungry, you may want to add one or tack on an order of fresh fruit ($2.99 small, $4.99 cup, $8.99 plate) or consider an appetizer.

For several years, I feigned ignorance that Delicious Temptations also served lunch. I rarely looked past the first page of the menu, which is packed with the breakfast choices.

My bad.

So one of our recent visits was dedicated to exploring the restaurant's lunch menu. Friends raved about the cold sandwich selection (all $4.99 half, $7.99 whole, served with chips; bread options include whole wheat pita, wheat, rye or sourdough), which includes an Outrageous Organic, loaded with vegetables. Other vegetable-based choices include Very Veggie and Avocado Sunshine. There also are meat choices, including Turkey Delight and Chicken Cashew Crunch.

I decided to explore the "From the Grill" menu page and chose the Hamburger Steak Platter ($8.99), an 8-ounce hamburger patty topped with grilled onions. It comes with a fine salad and a sweet fruit bread. The hamburger patty was moist and juicy and well seasoned.

My companion chose the Chicken Cordon Bleu ($8.99), a grilled chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, ham, bacon, Swiss cheese and herb dressing on a croissant. The meat was tender, the serving ample for a good appetite. It was served with chips and a pickle spear.

Other temptations included the Quesadilla ($8.99) -- chicken, mushrooms, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, served with fruit bread and salad -- and the Grilled Cheese ($5.99), a choice of three cheeses among five available. Add ham, bacon or turkey for $1.49.

This time out, we had a little room left to order dessert. The restaurant was out of the cool Lemon Bars ($2.99) and Carrot Cake ($3.99). So, we shared a slice of rich Bourbon Pecan Pie ($3.99), which was off-the-charts good. The crust was tender, the filling achieving the right flavor balance between pecans and bourbon.

Servers during our visits were responsive and friendly. But be aware, Delicious Temptations is a popular spot and you may find yourself on a waiting list when you arrive. And when it's packed, the wait for food may be longer than you expect.

So will we be tempted to return? Please. You have to ask?

Weekend on 12/31/2015