Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sweet Maple, which opened Oct. 22, took over the former Cassis, a spot that's been declared one of San Francisco's cursed restaurant spaces. And while the space is huge and could prove too big for new owner Steven Choi (he's also proprietor of Taylor Street Coffee Shop and Fred's Place in Marin), it was a good sign that, while we were waiting for our breakfast last week, everyone we saw leaving seemed to have positive reactions to their meals. The large menu also includes salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and omelets.
When we first heard about the deep-fried French toast at this breakfast and lunch place, we were excited to embark on another stunt-eating breakfast adventure, but we didn't expect to find a dish we're dreaming of eating again. Two wedges of airy pain de mie bread are dipped in waffle batter and fried to a golden crisp, any grease magically whisked away. We were not too ashamed to take home a container of whipped maple butter, served alongside maple syrup and powdered sugar for the Big Hip.
Fried bananas and candied walnuts may be added for an additional three bucks, something we highly advise since you're already taking the plunge into deep-fried wonderland.
Sweet Maple: 2101 Sutter (at Steiner), 655-9169.
Tags: Big Hip, Cassis, diner, French toast, Steven Choi, Sweet Maple, Taylor Street Coffee Shop, Image