Hot Brunch Spot: Maximiliano in Highland Park

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Hot brunch spot in Highland Park, Maximilliano's chef Andre Guerrero is serving up some delicious Italian American cuisine!

Back with another brunch spot I’m just dying for you guys to try!

Last Saturday was a busy “foodie” weekend for me. When I say foodie; I mean I had several food events to attend so successfully planning my schedule for the day was key. I managed to make it to all but one event, and out all the events of the day the brunch at Maximiliano was my favorite!!

I don’t know what makes me love the Highland Park area so much. It just seems like a really chill and peaceful place to hangout, and that was the vibe I got at Maximiliano. When I think Italian colors I think of red and green, and that was present throughout the restaurant. They have a beautiful red wall featuring over-sized spaghetti strands, and a nice, large stainless steel bar area with craftsman beers on tap. Not to mention a gorgeous outdoor patio, this place is seriously such a chill spot.

And the food?! Just as beautiful as the restaurant. Carbs make the perfect brunch, and Maximiliano does not skimp on the carbs! My two favorite dishes were the pasta dishes.

Pasta CarbonaraA classic Italian pasta dish, this was DELICIOUS! Hand-made linguini with a bacon confit and pecorino. Perfectly seasoned and the linguine was cooked al-dente. Of course the poached egg on top made the dish that much more indulgent.

Seafood PastaThis was such a succulent dish! Black linguine (dyed with squid ink) and a seafood delight of clams, mussels, scallops, calamari, and shrimp! It had so much flavor and a nice kick to it due to the pomodoro sauce. There was also Spanish chorizo, jalapeno, red peper, and tomato. Heaven!!

On to more carbs; there selection of breakfast pizzas were equally as amazing!

Smoked SalmonHouse-cured organic salmon, mozzarella, burrata, salsa verde, and scallions. Everything about this was perfect! It was like a bagels and lox pizza, but even better because of the burrata!

Breakfast Pizzapomodoro, fingerling potatoes, bacon confit, fennel sausage, mozzarellaPomodoro, fingerling potatoes, bacon confit, fennel sausage, mozzarella. Another delicious pizza. I am not opposed to having pizza for breakfast!

If pizza and pasta is not your ideal brunch menu, they also serve some traditional breakfast dishes.

Lemon Riccotta PancakeI saw this dish on the menu and could not WAIT to try it! The lemon curd with ricotta and berries was amazing! Im not traditionally a fan on pancakes, but this made my day!

Beef Short Rib HashReally flavorful beef that was tender and juicy. Grab a little runny egg, with the breakfast potatoes, and side salad and it was the perfect bite!

Blueberry MuffinsAs if the menu isn’t enough; they also have an in house baker baking up some of the freshest pastries! You can order them by simply asking what the day’s fresh baked pastries are. The blueberry muffins were so soft and delicious.