Summerland

Summerland was founded in 1889 by rancher Harry L. Williams. The Big Yellow House, obvious to any traveler on State Highway 101, was built in 1884 as his personal residence. By 1896 with the boom in oil, Summerland was quickly turned into an eyesore as drilling operations and oil derricks populated this beachside community. As the oil played out, and operations moved offshore, Summerland has once again returned to it’s former standing as a quaint beachside town. Now better known for it antique shops than anything else, Summerland represents to me two things: a good party, and a great breakfast. Both of these residing in the same location, nearly 10 years apart.

The restaurant pictured below, originally known as the Summerland Omlette Parlor, now doing business as the Summerland Beach Cafe, was originally a private residence. My last visit there, pre-restaurant days, was when I was just out of high school and that house was jammed packed full of party goers. Standing room only, with a waiting line to get in for a refill from the keg. Today, the keg has been replaced by a stove and 3 egg omlettes are the reason one may be waiting in line outside. Night is now morning, the reward has become food as opposed to drink, standing room only is now seating room only, but my guess is I’m surrounded by some of the same people who remember the place way back when.