Photo credit: Sarah Adamson

Plainfield’s Pancake Delight, 24020 W 119th St, Plainfield, IL 60585, 815-254-1565

The Scoop - Total Dining Experience: ★★★ out of 4

Plenty of Reasons to Shout "Opa!" When You're at Plainfield's Delight Pancake Cafe

Saganaki, the popular flaming cheese Greek appetizer, is not just for lunch and dinner anymore, at least not in Plainfield.

During a recent breakfast visit to Plainfield's Delight Cafe, we heard cheers of "Opa!" coming from at least two different tables and it wasn't even 10:30 a.m. yet. The pan-seared cheese arrives table-side in a little frying pan, which they serve flambées and then extinguished with a lemon wedge. A festive sight to be sure, setting a mood for "true delight." On another recent visit, I ordered my own flaming cheese and was ‘delighted’ by the taste.

Breakfast is the main reason to dine at this lovely establishment, which opened two and a half years ago. However, the lunch and dinner menus are also extensive.

Yum Factor- Details of what we tried.

Saganaki - The taste was mellow and creamy, similar to most of the Greek restaurants in Chicago. It’s served all day. ($7)

Pancakes- There are six different options in addition to their "secret recipe" trademark special: Swedish, "fruitylicious," multi-grain, pumpkin pecan, baby apple and Dutch baby apple. Prices range from the $5 short stack to $9.

Pancake Delight - The signature dish (vanilla mascarpone cream sauce layered between three large pancakes, with assorted berries and a brown-sugar oat crumbles). Too bad my dining partner didn't have a camera to record the grin on my face when the humongous serving arrived at the table. Not only delicious, but attractively served and with more than enough to take home. The warm maple syrup served in a small pewter pitcher was perfect in my book, especially since I usually have to request that it be heated. Freshly squeezed orange juice was the perfect complement to the morning meal.

Omelets - As for standard omelets, my particular dining partner is very discerning in this area. I'm happy to report Plainfield's Delight passed the test with flying colors: fluffy, large, fresh eggs and just the right amount of cheese. The multi-grain pancakes were wonderful as well, but the $1.30 extra charge should be noted on the menu. All omelets include toast or pancakes, hash browns and fruit garnish − priced reasonably from $7 to $9.

Other breakfast items - crepes, blintzes, French toast, waffles, egg skillets, scramblers, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast sandwiches. A multitude of standard breakfast sides are offered, including yogurt, muffins, cereals and meats.

Lunch Menu features Gyros - (which other diners were enjoying), soup and salad combos, panini sandwiches, burgers, wraps and low-cal choices. Prices range from $5 to $11.

Dinner entrées- include steak, salmon, pasta, red snapper and fish 'n' chips. Great price points from $11 to $16.

The restaurant is located in a strip mall with plenty of parking. There are two dining rooms, one with about 15 tables and a second with 20 more tables. Large parties can be easily accommodated by pushing tables together. Comfy booths are also an option.

A children's menu, senior discounts, a daily board of specials and a carry-out menu are nice extra features.

Sarah Adamson© October 20, 2011