French-Scandinavian Luncheonette Maurice Launches Sunday Brunch

French-Scandinavian luncheonette Maurice, the white-walled, bright and open pastry cafe near Powell’s, is finally giving in and serving a seasonal Sunday brunch starting June 3. Since it opened in December of 2013, Maurice has avoided becoming the line-around-the-block brunch spot, but now the restaurant will dip one toe into the brunch game — temporarily. Until October 28, Saturdays and Sundays will be reserved for brunch specials like cottage cheese blini pancakes, Moroccan chicken-filled pastry bisteeya, and a chilled fruit soup. Because this trial run is starting in the hottest season, Maurice will roll out summery dishes like a trio of glacé, rhubarb and celery leaf vacherin, and “Roll in the Hay” crème brûlée pops. The restaurant will also serve favorites like its famous quiche, Ayer’s Creek Farm polenta clafoutis, and Norwegian smørbrød sandwiches. The menu will change weekly based on what farmers provide in terms of produce.

Kristen D. Murray, the chef/owner behind Maurice, turned heads while churning out pastry at places like Paley’s Place before she opened her own shop. In 2014, Maurice hit Bon Appetit’s Hot 10, the magazine’s national ranking of best new restaurants. The restaurant also appears on Eater PDX’s 38 Essential Portland Restaurants. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Maurice [Official]
• All Maurice coverage [EPDX]
• Portland’s Maurice named one of America’s best new restaurants [The O]
• The 38 Essential Portland Restaurants, Spring 2018 [EPDX]