Sunday Scaries: A Maison dBrief

It is the human condition to gossip. We are bred to socialize: to exchange ideas, to form alliances, to signal trust – basically, we run on talking shit. 

But what do you do when – at the turn of every corner – you face the very name you speak of? When your gossip sesh escalates from a harmless chat to a fizz-wide scandal? There is no place more treacherous than Yale for serial gossip. We must find a safe haven in New Haven. And Charlie and I did. At Maison B Café. 

Maison B Café, nestled between Nice Day Chinese and 2nd Street on Elm Street, is the ideal Sunday morning debrief spot. Unlike Atticus, Maison B never has a line out the door. Once you’ve ordered and been given a table number, there is a wide selection of seating to choose from (Atticus and Glaze and Grind could never). Parties of three or more can enjoy one of the two cocoon style booths, which we can guarantee offer the perfect gossip-proof setup. Smaller groups have many options as well,  with two high top counters and plenty of the stand-alone tables. You should probably take a quick look around before name dropping, but, from our experience, you won’t see too many familiar faces. 

The lighting is bright, the interior spacious. At Maison, we feel like we’re in our home kitchens: surrounded by our closest friends, able to refill your water at any point (another great hangover solution), and you clear your own plates at your own discretion There are no Atticus-esque vultures lurking around your table hoping for a spot. Just sit back, relax, and debrief: you’re in for a pleasant and lazy morning. 

But let’s say Saturday night didn’t quite get the best of you, and you’re having a particularly productive Sunday (this never happens for us). Maison B has manufactured the perfect space for the type-A, too. In fact, during the week, the cafe serves primarily as a lock-in spot for students. The music is subtle but cheerful, keeping your attention locked on your P-set while still muffling whatever first and last names you may be dropping. 

The menu’s strength lies in its variety. Maison serves up breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, with most items falling in the brunch category. The cafe states that it is belgian inspired – and while you’re not exactly transported to the streets of Belgium with each bite, we definitely see the influence in the menu options. The waffles, the Belgian mocha, and the Belgian hot chocolate are some of their most popular items. For us, the standout items are the good morning wrap (gluten free for Charlie) and the salmon wrap (with balsamic vinaigrette on the side). The grilled cheese is good, although very greasy (and, if ordered gluten free, may include some paper melted into the bread). Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get it – we do all the time. Same with the fries. Get them if you’re still feeling the previous night’s bevs, or stressing over an essay. They’re divine in the moment, a little painful a few minutes later. The smoothies are also a menu highlight, with options such as the hulk or the strawberry shortcake, to satisfy a savory or sweet craving. 

But why trust just our word? Here are some menu favorites from current Maison B diners: - Grilled cheese 

- Organic two egg plate (with strawberry jam and sourdough) 

- Iced matcha 

- Avocado crispy roll 

- Warm chocolate chip banana bread. Enough said.

- Salted chocolate chip cookie 

As much enthusiasm as the regulars expressed about their go to order, there were some general qualms customers expressed to us: 

- No straws. Takes away a little bit of the joy of an iced coffee. 

- Backless stools at the countertop tables – we aren’t young anymore. 

- Less convenient location compared to the other places to go to cafes. 

- Cups are too small. Makes the price of the freshly squeezed orange juice feel unreasonable. 

- Prices are a little unreasonable in general. 

Anyways, Charlie and I have extra juicy gossip today that needs to be rehashed just a few more times. Who about, you ask? You…? 

That’s a Maison B-cret.