Ma'amCakes

This weekend I was incredibly fortunate to have actress Jodie Sweetin as my guest reviewer for Ma’amCakes!

Jodie, best known for playing the adorable and witty Stephanie Tanner on Full House, was a television icon for my generation; so you can imagine my elation when she graciously agreed to review Saturday morning Ma’amCakes! 

For our review, Jodie and I decided to check out Melrose hot-spot Blu Jam Café as, somehow, neither one of us had ever been there for pancakes! 

“I’ve been here for lunch before,” said Jodie, “and we ordered the single-Blueberry Pancake dish for my daughter, Beatrix. She loved it. I can’t wait to try the pancakes, I’ve heard good things!” As had I. 

As I decided to go with the Blueberry Pancakes, Jodie went for the Breakfast Trio, which included eggs, French Toast, and sausage; but by the end, we split everything!

Viewing these pancakes again makes my mouth water; if you look at the glisten on the blueberries, you can see just how fresh the fruit is. Upon her first bite, Jodie agreed as she stated, “These pancakes are very fluffy, and the blueberries are really fresh, not tart.” Jodie was definitely right about the fluffiness of the pancakes. Sometimes as you make your way towards the middle, pancakes can be under-cooked, or oppositely, crispy; however, these delicious pancakes stayed fluffy all-throughout.

My only critique was the pancakes were a bit dry, and I actually had to apply a hint of butter and syrup. Sorry Blu Jam, I know you’re thinking “How-Rude!” but as we all know Ma’amCakes’ motto by now: a truly delicious pancake does not need butter or syrup, and should taste amazing on its own. 

Overall, the Blueberry Pancakes at Blu Jam Café tasted like Mom’s homemade pancakes: fluffy, fresh, and refreshing. And I’m sure the “milkman and the paperboy would plug them on evening TV.”

Thank you so much Jodie, for being a part of Saturday brunch with Ma’amCakes! Be sure to follow Jodie on Twitter, and check out her memoir UnSweetined.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to have my NYC friend, model Rich McKeown, join me as a guest reviewer for Ma’amCakes. 

Rich has traveled all over the world to model, and shot for brands such as Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Calvin Klein. Over the years, Rich has signed with top modeling agencies Ford Models, DNA Model Management, and is currently signed with L.A. Models. 

As Grub (located on Seward Street in Hollywood) Tweeted me earlier in the week to try their “Berry, Berry Good Pancakes,” I figured this would be a great spot for our review!

Something you may not know about this restaurant is that Grub is actually located inside of a house! If this isn’t special enough, one of my favorite treats about Grub is that while most restaurants provide bread while you’re waiting for your meal, Grub provides a little bowl of cereal!

Don’t believe me?

Those are just a couple of reasons why this breakfast spot is a little hidden treasure in the outskirts of Hollywood.

In taking Grub up on their pancake recommendation - and because there’s only one option on the menu - Rich and I decided to order the “Berry, Berry Good Pancakes.”

The first thing I noticed about these pancakes, besides the pink butter, was how thin they were. Considering I recently reviewed The Griddle’s thick and heavy pancakes, these pancakes from Grub were almost more like crepes. Personally I like my pancakes a bit thicker - but I definitely recommend these pancakes if you want to eat something a bit lighter and healthier. 

Rich also commented on the thinness of the pancakes as he said, “Wow these are the thinnest pancakes I’ve ever seen, and they smell amazing.” He continued to point out the colorfulness of the plate saying ”Is that sorbet? Or is it pink butter? I’ve never seen that before!” To be honest, neither had I. I referred back to the menu to read that the pink butter is actually Raspberry Butter! “Yeah the butter is semi-sweet, and a delicate treat.” Rich was spot-on with his critiques! And I very much agreed. Nice touch, Grub!

These pancakes were a perfect combination of the blueberry, almond, granola, candied ginger, butter, and powdered sugar. “These are very good,” said Rich, “Light and sweet, and not cakey at all.” While I only put a dabble of syrup on the pancakes - after all, that is Ma’amCakes motto of what constitutes a great pancake - Rich noted “These do hold syrup really well.” 

Overall the Berry, Berry Good Pancakes at Grub were berry berry good. The ambiance of the plate alone - the fruit, plate, butter, and pancakes - set a colorful palate even before the first bite. When asking Rich what type of pancakes he’d like to see on the menu in the future, he replied “definitely peanut butter.” Up for the challenge, Grub?

I very much recommend this unique breakfast spot for your weekend Ma’amCakes, so be sure to visit Seward Street for some excellent grub!

Thanks, Rich, for being a part of Sunday brunch with Ma’amCakes!