In a world where tofu toast and imitation egg yolks have become standard breakfast staples, it's comforting to know that there are still places serving traditional morning chow sans trendy fluff. Enter Le Peep, a traditional breakfast safe house, unshackled from the burden of all things chic. This place is one-stop shopping for anyone in search of the perfect omelet, but don't confuse tradition with simplicity: Le Peep adds its own spin to many of the dishes on its sprawling six-page menu. Biscuits and gravy anyone? How 'bout with "Hawg-wild" sausage?

Once inside prepare to wait among hordes of locals and Northwestern students. When you claim your table, prepare to be whisked back to an era when old men with newspapers littered cramped waiting quarters and no table was complete without a decanter full of ice water. Breakfast entrees run the early-morning gamut from juicy steak to eggs Benedict to the colossal "Eighteen Wheeler," a mammoth consortium of bacon, potatoes and pancakes held together by gooey egg yolk. A collection of aptly named potato skillets (hobo, drifter, gypsy) are available for $7.49 each, but for a real treat try the velvety blueberry pancakes; they're huge but fluffy enough not to spoil lunch.

And speaking of lunch, Le Peep offers a variety of sandwich classics like Cajun chicken and Turkey on pita to soothe those midday munchies. The chicken Florentine on grilled sourdough benefits from a shot of Dijon mustard and Italian spices. Get it for $7.59 Chicken crepes are paper-thin and completely satisfying. A spicy blackened salmon salad for $8.95 should satisfy both the heart-healthy and the budget conscious.

Centerstage Reviewer: Adam White