There's something about Mary's Special

The dish Mary's Special

The cost $5.95 (short stack of pancakes on the side, an additional $3.25)

The eatery Mary's Restaurant, 616 Virginia Beach Blvd., 428-1355, www.marys-restaurant.com

Why I liked it Just a few blocks from the Oceanfront is Mary's Restaurant, resplendent in surfer décor, an homage to the nearby beach and patrons of the past 40-plus years. On a recent early morning visit, there were surfers - but plenty of other folks too - in the large dining room and adjacent counter, enjoying a number of value-priced specials.

Of the breakfast offerings (the eatery is only open for breakfast and lunch), I chose the namesake deal, the Mary's Special, and was given the choice of two eggs any style (I opted for over-easy), choice of meat (from bacon, sausage and ham, I chose the latter), options of home fries, spiced apples or grits, picking the grits, either biscuit or toast (I got the toast) and a small juice (tomato was my selection) - all for just $5.95.

The food was delish: the eggs wonderfully runny, sopped up with the toast; the salty ham griddled on each side leaving tasty brown marks from the flat-top, and the grits creamy and hearty. I added an equally enjoyable side of two pancakes for an extra $3.25. It was a great - and yummy - way to start the day.

I look forward to trying lunch sometime, and will report back to you when I do.