Maple Café , Buffalo Grove’s newest

[rating=4]Over the years, many of which I was a resident of Buffalo Grove, I have eaten in pretty much every spot in town. For many years, a group of buddies and I spent many Saturday mornings dining on breakfast fare in the surrounding area, selecting a new spot each time. As You know from a previous article, this snow-driven week-end was the scheduled Grand Opener of a new breakfast/lunch spot in the north Buffalo Grove shopping Center- Woodland Commons Shopping Center on Route 22( Half Day Road). It opened, but not as it would have had the weather been normal. We went today for our breakfast/lunch, AKA “Brunch”. We had hoped for a full family compliment of 7 (including three kids) so we could sample many of the menu items and give you a true taste of what they offered. We ended up with just five of us and did a pretty good job of sampling, as the kids, truly loved the meals they tried and shared.

Let me first tell you that this is a light and airy space that exudes warmth and that the staff is as friendly as one could ever expect. Smiles were everywhere and the entire wait staff of young and older people, were very attentive to our every need. That is the sign of a solid “family restaurant”- being treated as family. The girls wanted to start with their Chicken Noodle soup, which Sarah said was “delish” and Rebecca gave a thumbs up. In fact Sarah was ready to lick the bowl, not wanting to miss any of the broth that might have remained.

For the meals; Adam ordered biscuits and gravy (a down home southern treat, and while he preferred to not use the gravy, after watching me devour mine, he did do the real thing), a mac and cheese (my grandkids are true pasta lovers, and mac and cheese is one of their favorites) and some chicken tenders from the kids menu (there are many other choices as well). Rebecca opted for the Challah Vanilla Bean French Toast (which was amazingly tasty) and Sarah did the build your own omelette selecting three ingredients and some Hash Browns that she found crunchier than normal, which made them even better. She also ordered a side of Corned Beef Hash (something she had never tried before, and she now has a new favorite side dish).

My daughter, Julie did the Sonoma Benedict- a tasty and very healthy breakfast/lunch treat. We also ordered a specialty salad and since we wanted to do something truly luncheon, I opted to try the juicy and very tender Brisket sandwich on a toasted roll with some chips (the girls LOVED these chips) and creamy cole slaw. The restaurant is primarily a breakfast spot with a luncheon menu and like some of the favorite spots I have enjoyed in Chicago, they are only open for Breakfast and Lunch from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

For those who attend Marriott Theatre’s kids shows or their matinée performances, this may be a perfect alternative for your dining pleasure before or after as it is just down the street (about 2 1/3 miles west of Milwaukee Avenue). Missy VanLue, the general Manager of this fine establishment made us aware of the features on the menu as well as the great variety of Gluten Free menu items. They are clearly marked. I spoke to some of the diners before entering and was told they loved this spot and the people. By the way, the prices are very affordable. All the kids items are $4.95 including beverages ( very close to what I paid the other night at a fast food diner for food. that was not as good or healthy).

Other items include as Bone on Ham, Caramel Apple Pancakes ( I watched them go by- a reason for a return visit, for sure), the Lox Benedict and Lox platter and lots of healthy choices. Fun, atmosphere, great food, solid presentation and affordable! All in one easy to get to location with loads of parking, Maple Café is worth the trip to Lake County. Phone number is 847-383-5334. Business owners? Need a breakfast meeting served at your place? They can help!

To see their vast menu visit www.maple-cafe.com

(some photos by Adam Shaw)