mama's always has a line. even during the weekday, which is when i stumbled upon it. being drawn to restaurants with a line, kyle and i decided to try it out. there's something about a neighborhood restaurant with a line outside, a need to know why so many people are willing to wait outside on a cold san francisco morning for a warm breakfast. they must know something! after snagging a street parking spot right in front of the restaurant, i stood in line for about 20 minutes. this might have been the most well spent 20 minutes of my life.the inside is informal with a cozy tables and warm sunlight pouring through the windows. you place your order first and then find an open table. there's an unspoken protocol, guests know that they cannot snag the first open table until they have placed their order.
i ordered the famous monte cristo sandwich which is a cross between a turkey grilled cheese and french toast. the soft, sweet and salty sandwich comes with jam and while it seems strange to smear jam onto a grilled cheese sandwich, the combination makes your taste buds confused, happy and excited all at the same time.
kyle ordered the cranberry orange french toast with fresh berries. this dish is most likely the leading cause of obesity in america but when you're eating it, you just don't care. made with house-baked sweet bread, dipped in a sugary egg bath and then pan-fried (probably in butter), the french toast has a slightly crispy exterior and then softly melts in your mouth.
mama's is a must when you visit san francisco. good food, fresh squeezed orange juice and an inviting atmosphere, what more could you want.
