5 of 169
From Lord Richard's review
May 8, 2023
In the newly-established West Dundee chapter of Maple & Hash, a tale unfolds of classic morning and midday repasts, elevated by the presence of their signature craft coffee and spirited concoctions. Amidst a parchment of well-known culinary delights, designed to sate a myriad of tastes, emerge the true protagonists of this narrative - the inventive potions such as the 'Lavish Oat Latte' and the invigorating 'Lavish Lemonade.' These alchemical marvels beckon the weary traveler to rest within the warm embrace of their hearth and indulge in the enchanting flavors that set Maple & Hash as a realm apart. As a denizen of the local lands, I ventured to this West Dundee stronghold, not by the bidding of the omnipresent Google, but by the yearning for new gustatory discoveries in the familiar landscape. The chosen site of Maple & Hash lies in a curious location I deem the "restaurant graveyard." Many an establishment have risen and fallen in this seemingly prime stronghold, encircled by dwellings and nestled along a bustling thoroughfare. In my heart, I wished for Maple & Hash to break free from this mysterious cycle of demise. Upon arrival with my kin, I resolved to focus on the sustenance rather than partake in their craft libations, for it was not the hour of imbibing on a Sunday morn. My family's presence allowed us to feast upon a diverse spread, and my sister, adherent to a strict dietary code, would serve as a test for the establishment's flexibility. The interior was adorned with inviting decor, the ambiance casual, and the minstrels' music at a fitting volume. We were welcomed by a trio of hostesses, a formidable count, though I surmised the castle would swell with patrons as the sun climbed higher. Despite a hall teeming with hungry souls, we were promptly shown to our seats. Our serving maiden, Veronica, was swift and attentive, as were her fellow servers, despite the surging tide of famished guests. I requested the Breakfast Sliders, which, while satisfactory, proved somewhat greasy and lacking in the seasoning of the realm's finest fare. They were delayed in their arrival, as the lord of the manor ordered the eggs to be remade due to an initial breakage, an act I had not beseeched. Contentment would have found me with the first presentation, but the magnanimous master of the house offered to absolve the cost of the dish. Alas, upon scrutinizing the parchment of charges, I discovered that the original order remained, and the "Pre-discount Subtotal" bore witness to the sum of all items, including the duo of breakfast sliders. The Lavish Oat Latte, a nectar available in both heated and chilled forms, proved itself a worthy hero of this tale. Fragrant and ambrosial, it is a potion best understood through personal communion, a must for the devoted followers of espresso lattes. The Bacon Cheddar Egg Sandwich, a choice of my young niece, boasted the perfection of finely cooked bacon and subtly seasoned scrambled eggs flanked by a bountiful serving of delectable hash browns. My sister's Veggie Skillet, tailored to her dietary convictions, was met with equal satisfaction, a testament to their ability to adapt and oblige. In the final reckoning, Maple & Hash delivers a passable morning and midday repast, accompanied by a transcendent coffee experience. I look forward to exploring their spirited potions in days to come and pray they endure the test of their chosen location's storied history. Ultimately, the elixir of coffee emerged as the savior of our sojourn. I envision the other arcane libations possessing an equal measure of excellence worthy of future exploration and praise. read more




























