Virtually buried in a strip mall off the (91) Freeway on Tustin Avenue in Anaheim is Lit Café, open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays and brunch on Saturdays. It’s owned and operated by Cordon Bleu grads Chef David Fujimura and Pastry Chef Erica Tjangnaka.
Fujimura has worked in noteworthy kitchens including Marché Moderne, Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine, Charlie Palmer at South Coast Plaza, Pinot Provence and Catal. Tjangnaka was at the St. Regis before moving over to Marche Moderne to work with Pastry Chef Amelia Marneau and worked with Fujimura at Charlie Palmer.
Before opening their restaurant, Fujimura sought out Wahoo’s Fish Taco co-founder Ed Lee for advice. Lee said to check the profit margin on breakfast.
“We wanted to do more fine dining, but I said I guess I will learn how to make eggs,” Fujimura told me at brunch. He and Tjangnaka have taken the breakfast/brunch concept, elevated it, and added their own twists.
“We can’t do a lot of fancy stuff and charge a lot,” said Fujimura, motioning to a nearby Taco Bell which at breakfast “is crushing it, their line is long. Our food has to be cost-effective and good quality.”
Prices are reasonable; quality is excellent.
My mushroom quiche was light and buoyant, with a garnish of parmesan and truffle honey bacon. The French toast made with croissants, brie, seasonal berries and Chantilly cream was better than most, fluffier from the croissants. The chilaquiles dish with Oaxaca-cheddar cheese mix, grilled applewood-smoked bacon, sunny-side-up egg, crema and guacamole was well executed and filling. Not surprisingly, the pastries were superb.
It’s a hidden gem worth seeking out.
Lit Café: 1071 N. Tustin Ave., Ste. 100, Anaheim, (657) 208-3485, litcafeoc.com
