Unwittingly, we merged into the measured chaos of breakfast at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café, rousing ourselves from the overnight tangle of sheets and blankets promptly at six a.m. in preparation for our scheduled departure. Showered, shaven, and dressed in freshly laundered clothes scented with lavender, we ventured into the early morning shadows, where the distant sun had yet to make its presence known. The winding corridors of Sea Pines Drive and Greenwood Drive, leading to Arrow Road and Helmsman Way, demanded careful attention as we navigated their dark, narrow passages.

Upon arrival, we stepped into the lively hum of the breakfast service, already bustling with golfers and sailors fueling up for a day in the predicted sunshine. Seated at the counter, we were immediately captivated by the orchestrated commotion of the kitchen. Each chef had a distinct role, their movements purposeful and precise, yet the underlying complexity of their coordination remained elusive. With seamless efficiency, they prepared and plated an endless procession of eggs, meats, fish, and biscuits—each dish a carefully curated variation, some adorned with sauces, others paired with potatoes or pancakes.

I, with a touch of cleverness, added a side of fruit to my order of scrambled eggs, sausage links, and a biscuit—flaky, golden, and, as always, beyond compare. Everything arrived without hesitation, impeccably composed and presented, each bite a testament to the skill and care behind it.