Brunching in Columbia Heights
A few posts ago, I mentioned that I would be playing host to a large group of friends coming into town the first weekend of November. Well, that weekend came and went and I couldn’t let my best friends visit me without taking them to Sunday brunch in D.C. Of course, I tried getting reservations at Le Diplomate, but apparently everyone else within a 10 mile radius had that same idea because there was nothing open. I took a gamble and got us a table at a restaurant I’d never eaten brunch at: Maple , 3418 11th St. NW.
Maple on 11th Street NW in Columbia Heights. (Photo: Lanna Nguyen/DC on Heels)
I always feel responsible to thoroughly vet a restaurant’s brunch menu before taking out-of-towners there, so it was with apprehension that I led my group to this Columbia Heights eatery. There was a slight glitch in our reservation, so we had to wait about 15 minutes before our table was ready. I was getting a little nervous. The day before had been filled with tailgating, football, being exposed to the cold, windy elements and a late night of celebrating our team’s win. This was very much a recovery brunch. All we required was a warm room, endless coffee and good food: we needed brunch like we never needed brunch before. The extra wait time was not what I had in mind.
Maple brunch (Photo: Lanna Nguyen/DC on Heels)
Finally, the hostess led us upstairs where we grabbed the menus and immediately ordered a round of coffee and peach bellinis. As with all meals (and decisions, really) I went back and forth on what to order until I ultimately went with my gut and settled on the Eggs in Purgatory, Maple’s signature brunch dish: two poached eggs swimming in spicy tomato sauce with onions, Italian sausage, peppers and Fontina cheese arrived with two slices of toasted baguette for dipping.
Eggs in Purgatory (Photo: Lanna Nguyen/DC on Heels)
It was good, but nothing to write home about, and I was slightly disappointed with the portion size. Great minds think alike, because half of the table ordered this dish.
The resident sweet tooth of the group ordered the Nutella panini … which is exactly what you think it is: Nutella, smashed banana and toasted hazelnuts on brioche.
Nutella panini with smashed banana and toasted hazelnuts. (Photo: Lanna Nguyen/DC on Heels)
Another friend opted for the savory version of the panini, which came with eggs, Fontina and pork belly, and a side of roasted potatoes.
Pork belly panini with a side of roasted potatoes. (Photo: Lanna Nguyen/DC on Heels)
Lastly, my roommate chose the pork belly and polenta, served with eggs over easy, kale and pork jus, which I stared at enviously.
Pork belly and polenta with two eggs. (Photo: Lanna Nguyen/DC on Heels)
Overall, the food was good, the company better, and we left Maple with our tummies content. It was just what we needed to cap off our reunion weekend.
