As a self-professed foodie, I’ve always been on the hunt for the next great dining experience. And recently, I had the pleasure of discovering a hidden gem in the heart of Huntington Beach – Saint Marc Pub-Café, Bakery & Cheese Affinage. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I knew this was no ordinary eatery.
Brunch, Elevated
The concept of brunch has always been a personal favorite of mine – a glorious combination of the best breakfast and lunch items, all served up in one delightful spread. But at Saint Marc, they’ve taken the art of brunch to a whole new level.
As I perused the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the array of sweet and savory offerings. It was a veritable culinary playground, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. But rather than navigating it on my own, I decided to let the chef take the reins and guide me through a tasting journey.
The experience began with a refreshing Aperol Spritz and the free-flowing supply of warm, fluffy bread served with a side of honey butter. It was the perfect palate cleanser before the real excitement began.
A Sweet Start
First, we indulged in a selection of sweet starters, including the divine lemon ricotta beignets and an assortment of mouthwatering danishes – peach bacon, strawberry almond, and more. The beignets were a heavenly revelation, with a subtle lemon flavor that danced across my tongue. And the danishes? Let’s just say I had to exercise some serious self-control to save room for the rest of the meal.
Savory Surprises
As if the sweet treats weren’t enough, we then moved on to the savory side of the menu. I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about the quiche, as it’s not typically my go-to. But for the sake of journalistic integrity, I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, I’m now a complete convert. The quiche, made with leeks, bacon, and Gruyère, was an absolute flavor explosion.
Another standout was the Avocado Toast, which was not only visually stunning but also perfectly balanced in taste and texture. The creamy avocado, the crisp toast, and the unexpected touches of seasoning and garnish all came together in harmonious bliss.
The Liquid Delights
Of course, no brunch is complete without some creative libations, and Saint Marc didn’t disappoint. We sampled the Saint Marc Twisted Grapefruit, a unique concoction that uses a special tool imported from Japan to blend the grapefruit directly in its skin, leaving room for the addition of vodka. The result was a refreshingly tart and tangy delight.
Charcuterie and Bacon, Oh My!
As if we hadn’t already indulged enough, the culinary adventure continued with the Swine Plate, Saint Marc’s take on a charcuterie board. The chef curated a delectable array of meats, and I was particularly smitten with the way the bacon paired with the honeycomb. Speaking of bacon, did I mention that Saint Marc has an entire Bacon Bar featuring 11 different varieties, each available à la carte as an added bonus to any dish? It was like bacon heaven.
The Main Event
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly fit another bite, we were presented with three enticing main dishes. First, there was the restaurant’s spin on the infamous S-O-S (Shit on a Shingle), featuring Pullman toast topped with chipped bacon and gravy. It was a flavor-packed masterpiece.
Next, we sampled the Biscuits and Gravy, a towering stack of cheddar biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. This was my dining companion’s personal favorite, and I could certainly understand the appeal.
But the true showstopper, at least in my opinion, was the Ham and Eggs. This dish featured fried green tomatoes topped with fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh ham, and a luscious cheese fondue. The combination of textures and flavors was simply divine, and it quickly became my new personal favorite.
A Sweet Finale
As if we hadn’t already indulged enough, the meal was capped off with a playful treat – Jell-O shots made with orange Jell-O and vodka. It was the perfect way to end our culinary adventure on a high note.
Brunch, All Week Long
One of the things that really sets Saint Marc apart is their commitment to making brunch a daily affair, rather than just a weekend indulgence. You can enjoy their impressive spread of sweet and savory delights any day of the week, from 8am to 11am on weekdays and 8am to 2pm on Sundays.
As I left Saint Marc, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement. This was no ordinary brunch spot; it was a culinary destination that challenged the boundaries of what a meal could be. And I, for one, can’t wait to go back and explore even more of the gastronomic wonders that await.
So, if you find yourself in the Huntington Beach area, be sure to make a beeline for Saint Marc. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
