TBA
Sweet Maple
Don't know how the Santa Monica location compares to the OG one in San Francisco, but Sweet Maple is definitely on the decadent side for brunch. The deep fried french toast brick that is the "blueberry cloud" remains soft and bready inside, with a thin deep-fried crust exterior and blueberry cream filling inside. Don't think about the calories, it's probably worth it.
I know some are huge fans of sweet/glazed bacon, I am not one of them. The Millionaire's Bacon is still pretty good, with thick slices of quality bacon, and a surprisingly reasonable drizzling of syrup on top. Not worth the hype, but still, quite good. Sadly did not have room for any eggs, burgers, salads, short rib pots, skillets, omurice, or anything else on this visit. Maybe some other time?
The location is bright and airy, large windows facing mostly west, a patio that doesn't look quite as nice as inside; although inside can get quite loud. Staff, oddly, seemed to be mostly imported Asian (Filipino?), not sure why? It's decadent enough to be a treat. Not sure how much of a hurry I am to go back given the balance between taste/interest/curiosity vs. my eating ability/arteries, as much as I am intrigued by the sizzling steam pot (skillet) or the fried chicken croffle.