SPOUTING VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP
When I spot the sign for GREAT MAPLE adorning the restaurant in Old Town Pasadena, I have no intention of being a sap by leaving for another establishment. (OK I’ll stop!) Really, though, I begin envisioning all kinds of dishes in which the maple flavor could be dominant. Well, because I surmise that this is the restaurant’s niche, a cursory look at the menu reinforces my initial impression.
It is a contemporary space featuring crisp surroundings, an outside patio, extensive seating with a designated space for large parties and… a large, full-service bar, too! The establishment teems with anxious, famished patrons, waiting patiently. This might be the norm because Susie and I are handed the de rigueur buzzer for notification purposes.
After 15 minutes I’m buzzed…and tickled that we’re on our way to nourishment. A few minutes later we’re excitedly perusing the “cast of characters” from the “program”. Susie chooses fried chicken accompanied by two of their signature doughnuts for her brunch entree. Instead, I elect an Eggs Benedict dish with fingerling potatoes to tease the ol’ tummy.
The wait for the kitchen’s bounty is too lengthy in my opinion. However, when the food finally arrives, both of us are pleased. The plates are full and we savor the unique approaches to flavor as well.
It seems as if this is a toddler in the chain restaurant business, offering only a few locations. Almost forgot. I desperately want to try one of their unique desserts, but it’s impossible to stuff this turkey anymore today. Another visit, though, is a foregone conclusion.
(N.B. Also visit the Norton Simon Museum and 26th Annual Chalk Festival while in Pasadena, Los Angeles (LA).)
