Brunch and the fluffiest pancakes

MANILA, Philippines – I love brunch. I love Sunday brunch even more.

Pancakes? They go hand in hand with brunch (and so do Eggs Benedict) and mimosas, good coffee and, on occasion, Bloody Marys.

My family and I love pancakes so much that there is homemade pancake mix readily available in the fridge in case the kids want pancakes (even) for dinner. (Secret: I’ve been known to serve breakfast for dinner when I’m completely exhausted because it’s a winner in our house no matter the hour.)

So when my friends Arlu and Anthony of Hello Balloon said they had found the “fluffiest pancakes in the Philippines,” my family and I had to see what all the fluffiness was about.

Maple is the new all-day breakfast place of the Pancake House Group (and we all know that Pancake House knows breakfast). They have huge servings, simple but cozy interiors and a menu with so much variety that you could visit the place quite a few times before you would have to repeat any dishes.

The staff is attentive and knows the menu well. Our server was quick to make a suggestion after we told her it was our first time to visit. She shared what the bestsellers were in case we wanted to try them. 

I suggested we catch brunch a little later in the day because of my yoga challenge, so that meant we were all pretty hungry by the time we sat down at around 12:30pm. Luckily, we were able to sit at the last available table. As soon as we ordered, we looked up and realized there was a long line waiting for tables right after we sat!

READ: 7 reasons to love Bikram Yoga

Unfortunately, on weekends, Maple does not take reservations. You may call ahead to put your name on the list for a table but they cannot reserve for you.

My sister and I were feeling a little Mexican so she ordered the Fish Tacos and I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, but not before we noshed on Chili Fries.

My husband ordered The Big Maple Breakfast since we really came to try the pancakes after Anthony said they were the fluffiest around.

Half-way through our meal, my husband and I switched plates so that I could partake of the light and airy cakes smothered in butter and dipped in syrup (I like to dip my pancakes in syrup instead of pouring it over the stack, so they don’t get overly soggy). 

We will have to schedule another trip back to Maple very soon. We were weren’t able to try any of the dessert items because we were so stuffed! Items I would like to try next time: Truffled Souffle, Sunrise-Sunset and the Swiss Chocolate Belgian Waffle.

I think I will have to join another Bikram Yoga Challenge just to work off everything I want to eat in my new favorite brunch joint. Thanks, Arlu and Anthony, for telling us about Maple! – Rappler.com

 

Maple is at the 2/F San Antonio Plaza Arcade, 50 McKinley Road, Forbes Park – North, Makati. Call them at (02) 621-6211. It is also at the lower ground floor of Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing. Text or call them at (0923) 725-6283.

Michelle Ressa-Aventajado is a Filipina American who grew up in NY and now makes Manila her home. When she’s not busy raising her four children, she enjoys teaching, reading and writing about her passions. Follow her blog Momma ‘N Manila as she documents her adventures and growth in parenting.