Ma'amCakes

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Ma’amCakes

Last weekend I was incredibly fortunate to have Writer/Director James Gunn join me as a guest reviewer for Ma’amCakes!

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, followed by a brief stop in New York City to earn his MFA in creative writing from Columbia University, James moved to Los Angeles fourteen years ago to pursue writing and directing. Since his long trek across country, James has both written and directed major screenplays including Slither, and Rainn Wilson/Ellen Page comedy Super, and has written horror/sci-fi flick Dawn of the Dead, comedy Scooby Doo, and many others. 

For his Ma’amCakes debut, James picked Studio City hot spot Hugo’s, located on Riverside Drive. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: I’ve already done a review at Hugo’s! Well True Ma’amCakes Followers, to switch it up a bit, I decided to get the wackiest pancakes on the menu! Can you guess which ones?

Uh, maybe a better question is… where the hell are the pancakes? “Do you know where the pancakes are on this menu,” said James, “I seriously can’t find them!” Well James, the only reason I knew where the pancakes were located is because I had the same issue five months ago. I’m so flattered Hugo’s took my suggestion of separating the pancake options from the eggs, instead of burying them on the bottom of page three.

Anyway!

If you haven’t already guessed, in honor of my obsession with summer and all-things tropical, I went with the Roasted Pineapple-Coconut Pancakes, while James went with the All-American breakfast of Buttermilk Pancakes and a glass of milk:

I figured since I was dining with such an artistic Director, I’d get the most artistic Ma’amCakes on the menu. After a few bites, I realized that the reason these pancakes were so good is because they contained the proper amount of ALL their ingredients. After using the Dewey Decimal System to find the ingredients on the menu, I re-read “topped with sliced bananas, toasted slivered almonds, and coconut.” I found it interesting that the roasted pineapple was cooked inside the pancakes, while the remaining ingredients were on top. I myself am shocked to say this, but guess what Hugo’s? I wouldn’t change a thing about the placement of these ingredients! The only suggestion I have about these Ma’amCakes is they should be fluffier - I personally would rather be more overwhelmed with pancake, than with fruit. 

While James’ Buttermilk Pancakes (with a glass of milk) was very traditional, the side of raisins? Not so much. In fact, looking back now, it actually looks like there are bugs on his plate. “These pancakes are really good,” said James, “but yeah, I could do without the raisins.” Well apparently the pancakes were really good, because when I looked down fifteen minutes later, they were gone! “I can’t believe I ate the entire plate. That’s probably the most I’ve ever eaten in one sitting!” While the raisins were the only thing left behind, I do give Hugo’s props for trying to make a somewhat boring dish, interesting. 

Overall, it was another successful Ma’amCakes review at Hugo’s. As far as the Roasted Pineapple-Coconut Pancakes: the fruit was fresh, the coconut did its job of bringing me back to a day on the beach, and the pancakes took me home. When asking which pancakes he’d try next time, James replied with “the pumpkin pancakes!” Good choice! In fact, I might have the same. 

Thank you so much James, for being a part of Saturday morning brunch with Ma’amCakes! Be sure to check out James’ newest project, video game Lollipop Chainsaw now in stores. 

I’ll give you a hint. It has something to do with this movie… 

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!

As the forecast is calling for a crappy weekend here in Los Angeles (one weekend every three months is ok with me!), why not try a new recipe at home? Check out this Peanut Butter and Jelly recipe from MarthaStewart.com.

Make em right and they’ll look like this:

OR, as just recommended by a colleague at work, try InsaneWhiches.com’s Pancake Pops, and fill the sandwich with chocolate spread instead of jelly. 

Make em right and they’ll look like this:

ENJOY!

Info sent directly from my boss, people! Event taking place this weekend at Downtown’s Lot 613. Who’s going?!