I am a big fan of causes, especially good ones.  I am also a huge fan of great food so, when I heard that Maggianos's had brunch I was excited.  Although, I have to say I wondered how an Italian restaurant would pull off a brunch. Well, I decided to find out.

During a recent visit to Maggiano's I had a chance to taste some of the restaurants popular brunch  items and I also found out that their special brunch has a bigger purpose.  When you go to Maggiano's for brunch, your meal is also benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Their annual “Eat-A-Dish-For-Make-A-Wish” campaign has become a tradition at its 52 nationwide locations. Visit one of their Tri-State locations – Downtown Philadelphia (Filbert Street), King of Prussia (Mall ) and Cherry Hill  (Mall) – from now until August 2, and $1 will be donated to Make-A-Wish for every brunch entrée ordered, and every special drink (Peach Bellini, Italian Bloody Mary, Seasonal Sangria). For every glass of Wish Lemonade ordered, 50 cents will also be donated.

What's On The Menu

Well, the menu has a lot to offer.  First there was this starter, the Orange Streusel Cake.  Then there was the meatball Benedict and a crab cake Benedict (my personal favorite).  

The Benedict also comes with home fried potatoes.

The fluffy and flavorful Lemon Ricotta Pancakes were amazing.  I put syrup on them, but I think the strawberries were more than enough.  The lemon in them was just enough to give them an amazing smell and taste.  They were also light and fresh.  I would order these any day.

The vegetable frittata came out almost looking like a mini pizza, but of course you don't care about this.  What you will care about is how it tastes, so let me tell you.  The vegetable frittata was full of cheese, peppers, mushrooms and spinach.  The dish was filling but not overwhelming and I've had frittata before this measured up and I loved the ingredients and this was a great option.

 

Creme Brûlée French Toast another flavorful addition.  The flavor was mild and for those of you who love French toast, this was a treat.  If none of these resonates with you, don't worry there were more on the menu

I really wanted to taste the chicken and waffles, that will be my choice entree the next time I go to Maggiano's for brunch.

The Drinks

I would be remised if I didn't talk about the special drinks, every brunch menu has a drink that can't be missed.  The first I will point out is the non-alcoholic Wish Lemonade.  A refreshing splash of flavor.

The Seasonal Sangria and the Beach Bellini made great drink additions for those who want to indulge. They were real winners with everyone at my table.  When you purchase one of these $1.00 goes toward the Make A Wish Foundation.

If none of these foods or drinks resonate with you, don't worry they have others these are just the four I had a chance to taste.

The Big Why

Brunch is a great time to catch up with friends, but knowing that you can help a family is just icing on the cake.  To-date Maggiano's has given 7 million dollars to the Make-A-Wish foundation and they have granted 999 wishes (they are working on wish 1,000).  Knowing that you have given a kid and his family an opportunity to experience something that will make them smile is priceless.

If you can’t make it to Maggiano’s before the Aug. 2 campaign ends for 2017, don’t worry. You can still help out Make-A-Wish year-round. For every featured dessert ordered, $1 will be donated.  For every $10 and above direct donations, guests will receive a Start Card with a special offer for their next Maggiano’s visit.  You can also go online and donate at wish.org/maggianos.