There's not much that can make an LA brunch spot more Instagram-friendly at this point (Trois Familia, Winsome, Gjusta, kudos to you). But the Patina Group—the team behind such LA staples as Ray's and Stark Bar, C+M and Nick + Stef's Steakhouse) is always up for a challenge, and their new spot, Maple, may just be a photo-friendly brunch game-changer. Why? It's tucked into the stunning grounds of Descanso Gardens, a botanical garden oasis in La Cañada Flintridge, making its setting much more unique than the typical sidewalk café or hip 'hood storefront.
In addition to being something special setting-wise, Maple will also be open exclusively on weekends, making it that much trickier to get a table. Maple will sit alongside Café Descanso (also Patina-owned), a casual spot open daily for snacks and coffee. But unlike the Café, Maple will be open from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays only. Expect brunch staples such as eggs Benedict and huevos rancheros, along with more inventive fare like the street fruit starter (mango, jicama, pineapple and cucumber topped with cotija cheese, lemon and chili powder) and a beef short rib breakfast burrito with poblano crema, from executive chef Mark Salazar.
And to boost the 'gram factor even more? Maple will eventually open for dinner from November 25 through January 8, when Descanso Gardens hosts its holiday season interactive light show, Enchanted Forest of Light. If all goes well during the holidays, we could see Maple open for weekday lunch service, and potentially dinner hours later next year.
Brunch (and 'gramming) at Maple begins on October 1. For now, check the Patina Restaurant Group and Descanso Gardens sites for updates.
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