To try and decide each week where and what to eat around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.

I know that Mother’s Day is at the tippy top of the mountain when it comes to brunch celebrations. But for me, a close second is the fall season. I’m not exactly sure why, but I think it has something to do with the crisp morning weather hanging around just long enough so that it doesn’t quite feel like lunch, but I’m still in the mood to take down some breakfast. This week’s feature is a brunch staple, and it just so happens to feature one of my favorite flavor pairings.

With French Toast, you have to hit a home run with the bread. It’s the base at which everything is built upon and if that delicate balance of slightly crispy exterior isn’t met with a fluffy chewy center, the rest of the dish has a lot of heavy lifting to do. Luckily the thick cut brioche slices in this dish check every box necessary. It’s topped with a house made blueberry syrup, granola, key lime custard, and finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar.

When I mentioned my favorite flavor pairing, it’s blueberries and lime. The acidity of the lime rifles through the sweetness of the blueberry creating a perfect contrast and enhanced brightness. The sweetness of the syrup does its best to not get overly sweet, but I think it’s the smooth creaminess of the custard that really makes this dish. If every bite of this dish contains those two items, I guarantee it won’t last long on your plate.

I shared this dish with a larger group – each of us getting at least one serving – and amongst everything else we had at this sitting; this was the star of the show. Grab your own group and go – see if you agree.

Maggie’s Restaurant and Bar is located within the Desolation Hotel at 933 Poplar St. in South Lake Tahoe. For more information visit desolationhotel.com or reach the restaurant by phone at 530-725-0118.