Since opening at 598 Haight Street in December, Maven has been waiting for just the right moment to launch a weekend brunch service.
Apparently, that moment has arrived.
Or, rather, will arrive this Saturday morning, when Maven opens its doors to daytime dining. Last weekend we stopped by Maven's soft-opening preview shindig to snap some pics and sample some bites. Here's our preview (not review -- we don't do those) of what you can expect.
There are six "morning cocktails" on the menu, including the "Summer's Kiss," made with gin, strawberries, tomato water, basil, and balsamic:
Also, "Death in the Afternoon," a twist on the standard brunch bubbly, poured over a spoonful of absinthe sorbet:
Bourbon, bubbles, gin and absinthe -- all well represented on this inaugural menu.
If cocktails aren't your thing, there's plenty of wine and beer to choose from. And if you're just straight-up teetotaling, try one of several fresh-squeezed non-alcoholic concoctions, or perk up with some Blue Bottle French press:
Even the simplest of dishes get a makeover, like this yogurt, granola, blueberry conserve and honey served up in a mason jar.
And then there's a Cherry Bread Pudding French Toast, covered in hazelnuts and a brandied cherry gastrique:
But the winner for undeniable carb appeal (boom!) has to be the Souffled German Pancake, delivered in a cast iron dish and served with calvados applesauce and cinnamon on the side.
There are plenty of other sides and small items too -- scones, crumb cake, bacon and the like. You can peep a full early version of the menu over at Eater.
We're lucky to already have several great options for brunch in the Lower Haight -- Kate's Kitchen, The Grind, Nickies, and newcomers Uva Enoteca and Greenburger's come to mind -- but Maven is aiming to bring something new to the neighborhood. And that alone is something to get excited about. Maven's brunch service will be available Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 4pm. They don't take reservations, so plan accordingly.
Or, rather, will arrive this Saturday morning, when Maven opens its doors to daytime dining. Last weekend we stopped by Maven's soft-opening preview shindig to snap some pics and sample some bites. Here's our preview (not review -- we don't do those) of what you can expect.
The Drinks
If you've been to Maven, you're probably familiar with their structured menu of suggested cocktail/food/wine-n-beer pairings. You won't find that kind of guidance at brunch. But fear not -- you've got plenty of food and drink options here.
The Food
As for the food, Maven's assembled lots of plays on traditional brunch fare, like Southern Style Eggs Benedict, the Maven Burger, and the Good Day Omelet, served with spicy smashed griddled potatoes:
We're lucky to already have several great options for brunch in the Lower Haight -- Kate's Kitchen, The Grind, Nickies, and newcomers Uva Enoteca and Greenburger's come to mind -- but Maven is aiming to bring something new to the neighborhood. And that alone is something to get excited about. Maven's brunch service will be available Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 4pm. They don't take reservations, so plan accordingly.
