Max Brenner, Union Square

Over the weekend, I went to not one, but two birthday gatherings! On Sunday, after John had left for a business trip in Miami, I treated myself to a mani/pedi, then met up with friends at Max Brenner to celebrate McKinney’s birthday. Ken had a hard time getting us a reservation at this place!

Everyone at the table started with a cup of hot chocolate ($5.95). The Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate was tempting, but I’ve been craving caramel lately, so I got the Salted Caramel. The Marshmallow hot chocolate comes with lots of froth and lots of marshmallows!  The real food was pretty good. I got the Margherita Panini ($14.50) with oven-roasted tomatoes, basil leaves, fresh mozzarella, tomato-basil aioli. The waffle fries were dusted with chili powder and cocoa powder. Love that they’re generous with the pickle spears. I had some food packed up in a box, but I was so stuffed and food coma was slowly kicking in. Can’t visit Max Brenner without having dessert… Angela and I shared the S’mores Crepe ($13.95), but were unable to finish it. Crunchy graham crackers, milk chocolate chunks, hazelnut spread, peanut butter and marshmallow fluff served with milk chocolate ganache and vanilla ice cream. Amazing! We also ordered some dessert for the birthday boy and requested a candle for the chocolate cake. That flask is filled with chocolate ganache as if the cake didn’t have enough chocolatey goodness. Too much sugar, too much chocolate!