I think waffles warm you from the inside

Here we go … a gray, foggy morning, slippery streets and temperature hovering right around 32. This is a morning that needs a little cheer, in the form of a sweet little eatery that puts simple goodness on the table in 3 minutes flat — The Cottage Cafe is just such a place.

You'll have to wait in line, there's almost always a line — but the cozy waiting area makes for a pleasant wait, and there's usually a hot pot of coffee on the fireplace mantel to help you pass the time. Trust me, once you're seated, the waiting stops.

Coffee, juice, mimosa, whatever, is put on the table almost before your butt hits the seat. And you should probably get to making room on the table as soon as you put your order in because you won't even have time to put your napkin on your lap before your plate of  bacon, eggs, French toast, whatever, is set in front of you. 

I usually order the "for smaller appetites" plate (totally out of character for me, I know) with a Belgium waffle, cottage fries and one-egg omelet. It's just enough to fill my belly (must confess I typically leave a few potato slices on the plate — there are just so many!) without making me want to curl up for a nap. The cinnamon rolls are something to behold, larger than the average human head, I swear. And their homemade strawberry jam is divine — which is saying something when you remember I am not a lover of anything fruity.

You'll find the Cottage Cafe nestled on the backside of Auto Row in Spokane Valley at 6902 E. Appleway Blvd.