Krust is less...crusty for some | Photo by Elise Thompson/LAist

Like many of us hungry Valleyites, our first review of Krust left me disappointed. In a part of town that sorely lacks delicious mealtime options, it could have been the perfect fit. As an unofficial red-velvet-cupcake-tester, I knew I'd probably have to make the trip, but ...

Well, East Coaster that I am, I decided to go to Krust just to be abused! In Boston, we have Durgin Park, where tourists pay ridiculous prices for Old New England specialties and rude waitresses. When I waited tables in NY, I once stuck a fork in a guy's pie after he dared grab my arm (resulting in a $7 tip on pie and coffee!)

A few weeks ago I sauntered over to Krust, and after taking in the decor and space (I'm a sucker for refinished furniture), I ordered my food after a long perusal. The charming girl behind the counter was more than patient, and a man (her father?) was chatting with the few customers in the post-breakfast, pre-lunch time. I overheard him saying they had "made a few changes" but since it was my first visit I wasn't sure, (although I didn't see any jewelry for sale, requests for Yelp reviews, or lists of items they were out of.) I decided to bring my goodies home - including a red-velvet cupcake - since my "mission" was only in Phase I in my MUFFIN (Mission Underground For Food Including Nastiness.)

The food was utterly scrumptious - the bread perfectly baked and fresh, although I neglected to see if it was still coming from LaBrea Bakery or if they were baking their own; I ended up eating my apple muffin on the way home, something I rarely do. The cupcakes were a teensy bit dry but the frosting creamy without any sugary grit (nothing can top Doughboys' Red Velvet Cake for me - yet) and the Mister and I gave the chocolate chip cookies 5-stars. I reported back to the LAist team, who found it funny that I went there to be abused and instead came away with a completely different experience. Had I wandered into a kind of parallel universe in Burbank?

Phase II was yesterday. When the Mister pondered our breakfast choices, I suggested Krust. "Maybe this time we'll get it!" I said hopefully. It was the post-breakfast, gorgeous parents w/equally gorgeous kids crowd and I can't say one bad thing about this, because they were all well-behaved. Maybe something in the muffins? Counter service was friendly, upbeat, and fast - and we took our time deciding, even after leisurely reading the menus in line. Our server was pleasant, funny and went out of his way to make sure my coffee was perfect. The phone seemed to ring nonstop, and I could see a large cupcake order at the other end of the counter. I'm guessing their lunch crowds and takeout orders are substantial.

The food was, as before, delicious. I had pastry - an apple-turnover-tart and the Mister had a bacon and egg panini. The panini was perfectly baked, crisp, fresh, hot - and the filling remarkably non-greasy, perfectly cooked bacon and eggs, the potatoes in a little ramekin on the plate, no visible burn or grease. All in all, a beautiful presentation to match the taste. Me? I will confess to immdiately answering "Yes!" when our server asked me if I wanted "a refill" on my apple turnover. We both laughed, but I couldn't get enough of the buttery, flaky, evenly browned crust filled with sweetened apples that were not soggy in the slightest.

The kitchen was busy, as visible at the counter, and tables were constantly being cleared and the floor swept. The other person behind the counter - who I'm guessing was the woman (Kaylene?) referred to in our previous review - visited tables, asking customers about their food, chatting with regulars. When we decided to get some treats to go, she couldn't have been more charming and gracious, and by this time I had nearly forgotten any preconceived notions I had had about Krust. How on earth could this be the same restaurant? I haven't had such a pleasant breakfast experience in ages, and if I lived closer I'd have to add a few more miles to my treadmill because I'd be eating there as often as I could.

Krust
1723 W Verdugo Ave, Burbank
(818) 842-7696