As I step through the doors of Saint Marc USA, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling breakfast fare instantly envelops me. This bustling eatery, nestled in the heart of the city, has become a beloved local institution, renowned for its mouthwatering menu and welcoming ambiance. But what lies beneath the surface of these crowd-pleasing dishes? I’m on a mission to uncover the fascinating stories that inspired the culinary masterminds behind Saint Marc’s signature offerings.
The Legend of the Legendary Brunch Burger
My journey begins with the establishment’s most iconic creation – the Brunch Burger. As I take a seat in the cozy dining room, I can’t help but notice the steady stream of patrons eagerly awaiting their turn to sink their teeth into this culinary masterpiece. What is it about this burger that has captivated the hearts and taste buds of the city’s brunch enthusiasts?
Saint Marc USA co-founder and executive chef, Michael Schlow, shares the intriguing backstory behind this beloved menu item. “The Brunch Burger was actually born out of a personal craving,” he explains, a mischievous glint in his eye. “One morning, I was desperately craving the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and I knew I had to create something that would satisfy that unique flavor profile.”
Schlow’s culinary vision was to fuse the indulgence of a juicy burger with the comfort of a classic breakfast sandwich. He meticulously crafted the perfect balance, starting with a generously-sized beef patty, topped with a perfectly cooked fried egg, crisp bacon, and a drizzle of rich, maple-infused hollandaise sauce, all nestled between a soft, buttery brioche bun.
“The key,” Schlow reveals, “was ensuring that every component worked in harmony, with each flavor and texture complementing the others. It had to be the ultimate indulgence, yet still feel like a cohesive, satisfying meal.” And judging by the legions of devoted fans, Schlow’s vision has been realized with resounding success.
Elevating the Humble Breakfast Burrito
As I move on to explore the menu’s other standout dishes, I’m immediately drawn to the Breakfast Burrito – a menu item that has become synonymous with Saint Marc’s commitment to elevating classic comfort foods.
According to industry experts, the breakfast burrito has long been a staple of quick-service restaurants, often relying on pre-prepared ingredients and assembly-line efficiency. But at Saint Marc, the team has taken this humble morning staple and transformed it into a culinary masterpiece.
“We wanted to create a breakfast burrito that felt truly indulgent and homemade,” shares head chef Jared Reardon. “So many burritos out there are just bland, uninspired affairs. We knew we could do better.”
Reardon’s approach involves meticulously preparing each component from scratch, starting with a fluffy, house-made flour tortilla that serves as the foundation. He then layers on a generous helping of perfectly seasoned scrambled eggs, crumbled chorizo sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and a vibrant pico de gallo salsa. The final touch is a drizzle of their signature green chile hollandaise sauce, which adds a tantalizing richness and a subtle kick of heat.
“The key is taking the time to really develop the flavors in each ingredient,” Reardon explains. “We don’t just throw it all together – we carefully craft each element to ensure a harmonious dining experience.”
As I savor each bite, I’m struck by the depth of flavor and the sheer attention to detail that sets this breakfast burrito apart from the competition. It’s clear that the team at Saint Marc is dedicated to elevating classic comfort foods, one delicious dish at a time.
Perfecting the Artisanal Avocado Toast
No discussion of Saint Marc’s menu would be complete without acknowledging their renowned Avocado Toast. In a city where this breakfast staple has become ubiquitous, the team at Saint Marc has found a way to make their version truly stand out.
“Avocado toast is one of those dishes that can be so simple, yet so challenging to get right,” says executive pastry chef Danielle Levy. “We wanted to create a version that was both visually stunning and bursting with flavor.”
Levy’s approach involves carefully selecting the ripest, most buttery avocados, which she then mashes to a perfect, spreadable consistency. She then tops the toast with a medley of vibrant toppings, including paper-thin radish slices, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, and a drizzle of their house-made balsamic reduction.
“The key is finding the right balance of flavors and textures,” Levy explains. “The creamy avocado needs to be complemented by the crunch of the radish, the tangy feta, and the sweet-tart balsamic. It’s all about creating that perfect bite.”
But Levy’s attention to detail doesn’t stop there. She insists on using only the freshest, most locally-sourced ingredients, including the artisanal bread that serves as the foundation for this Instagram-worthy dish.
“We work with a small, family-owned bakery that custom-makes our sourdough loaves. The bread has to be the perfect canvas for the other elements – not too dense, not too airy. It’s all about creating a harmonious dining experience.”
As I savor the Avocado Toast, I can’t help but marvel at the passion and craftsmanship that has gone into its creation. It’s a testament to the team’s commitment to elevating even the most commonplace dishes into something truly exceptional.
Indulging in the Decadent Cruffin
No visit to Saint Marc would be complete without sampling their renowned Cruffin – a fusion of a croissant and a muffin that has become the stuff of legend among the city’s pastry enthusiasts.
“The Cruffin was born out of our desire to create something truly unique and indulgent,” shares Levy, the mastermind behind this delectable creation. “We wanted to take the flaky, buttery goodness of a croissant and combine it with the moist, cake-like texture of a muffin.”
The process of making a Cruffin is no easy feat, as Levy explains. “It’s a labor-intensive process that involves laminating the dough, similar to how you would make a croissant. But then we fill it with a rich, creamy pastry cream and top it with a dusting of powdered sugar.”
The result is a decadent pastry that boasts a crisp, golden-brown exterior and a soft, pillowy center that oozes with velvety custard. “It’s the ultimate indulgence – the perfect balance of flaky and creamy, sweet and rich,” Levy enthuses.
As I sink my teeth into the Cruffin, I’m immediately transported to a realm of pure, unadulterated bliss. The layers of buttery, croissant-like dough give way to the lush, vanilla-infused pastry cream, creating a flavor and texture combination that is simply divine.
“The Cruffin is a testament to our commitment to doing things the right way, no matter how labor-intensive it might be,” Levy says with a proud smile. “We could have taken shortcuts, but that’s just not who we are. We want to deliver an experience that is truly remarkable and unforgettable.”
Embracing the Spirit of Culinary Exploration
As I prepare to depart Saint Marc, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and appreciation for the team’s unwavering dedication to their craft. From the iconic Brunch Burger to the elevated Breakfast Burrito, the artisanal Avocado Toast, and the decadent Cruffin, each dish I’ve sampled has been a masterclass in culinary innovation and attention to detail.
Saint Marc USA has truly elevated the dining experience, infusing each menu item with a rich backstory and a commitment to quality that is both inspiring and mouthwatering. It’s clear that the culinary team behind this establishment is driven by a spirit of exploration and a desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of comfort food.
As I step back out into the bustling city streets, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of excitement for the culinary adventures that await. Saint Marc has set a new standard for what it means to celebrate the classics while also daring to reimagine them in truly extraordinary ways. I, for one, can’t wait to see what they’ll dream up next.
