The Place: Toasted Mango Cafe, 430 N. Tamiami Trail (two blocks north of Fruitville Road), Sarasota, (941) 388-7728.

The Fare: Breakfast and lunch served by friendly people in a big sunny dining room or on an oak-shaded patio.

The Bottom Line: There are many tempting items on both early and midday menus—a fall special of pumpkin pancakes with housemade mango butter was scrumptious—but we are zeroing in on the breakfast special, a bountiful and tasty start to a busy day. Featured are two fresh eggs any style, hearty pancakes or French toast, two strips of nicely crisped bacon and home fries for a budget-coddling $7.99. Add a bottomless cup of very good coffee for $1.99 and enjoy!

An editor, writer and online publisher, John Bancroft has reviewed restaurants, books, movies and music for many magazines, websites and newspapers, most recently for the St. Petersburg Times.