As a kid, any Sunday that began with church was immediately followed by breakfast at a restaurant. After praising the lord, my family and I would hop in our teal colored mini-van and head over to a place to eat. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it quickly became an event I looked forward to. Even as an adult, if I manage to go to church with my family the minute service lets out I start to eye guilt my mom into taking us all out. Even though I’m a grown up, I guess there are just some things that I haven’t grown out of doing.

This past Sunday when church ended we made our way to Marston’s Restaurant on Walnut. Just a few blocks away from Old Town Pasadena, the restaurant that opened in 1987 is still the same tiny cottage style house that feels like you’re grabbing a bite to eat from your neighbor’s home. It feels cozy, warm, and in spite of the unavoidable line of people waiting for a table, it still feels hospitable. After a few minutes, our name was called and we were seated. A couple of moments with the menu and we ordered.

I started with a cup of Hot Chocolate ($2.95). The drink was warm, rich, and chocolaty and even though it’s October, it felt like Christmas time. With each taste I wanted to wrap myself deeper in my turtleneck sweater by the fireplace staring at presents under the tree. But as I said, it’s October so there was no turtleneck sweater, fireplace or presents. But the drink tasted so nice that coming back to reality didn’t seem so bad after all.

As the sips of the hot chocolate became less and less, my breakfast arrived. I ordered the Fantastic French Toast with Berries ($9.95, fruit $1.95). The plate included two slices of sourdough bread covered in corn flakes. If you’ve never been to the restaurant, this is what they’re known for! For your first visit, feel free to look over the menu, but if you like French toast, then this is one you should try simply because it’s creative without trying too hard. I like that they take the traditional French toast and roll the egg battered bread in corn flakes. It gives the bread a crunchy coating that’s different from what I’m used to. Slicing into the toast, you’ll find the inside still maintains a soft hold regardless of how it is wrapped. It still soaks up the syrup and butter that you’ll soak it in and the fresh berries will offer a zesty taste to each bite.

The restaurant may be quaint and the brunch may look small, but it was relaxing, filling, and delicious nonetheless. The hot chocolate made the day feel like it could only go in a positive direction and the French toast took a fun approach to a plate that could have been ordinary. I liked that we went to Marston’s for brunch after church and that we could all enjoy it together. Even more, I loved that I didn’t pick up the check.

Parents are the best aren’t they?

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Address: 151 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Hours: Monday through Friday – 7:00am to 11:00am, 11:30am to 2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00am to 2:30pm
Phone: (626) 796-2459
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