SugarJam The Southern Kitchen

If this were a list of the best brunch spots in the Valley, SugarJam A Southern Kitchen would be at the very top. On weekends, this place is a party complete with brunch cocktails and a DJ. But our favorite time to enjoy chef Dana Dumas’ exceptional cooking is during the week. The cafe is a little quieter, and there’s a shorter wait for a table, but the brunch experience is no less delicious. One outstanding dish is the SugarJam French toast. Sure, many brunch spots serve this classic, but none do it like this. Dumas soaks thick slices of challah bread in Grand Marnier, which when cooked, creates a crisp shell almost like a creme brulee. Top the bread with vanilla butter and drizzle on warm rum pecan maple syrup for a decadent bite. Don’t have a sweet tooth? Don’t worry. There are plenty of savory options that will satisfy. Pick from catfish and grits, buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, or applewood smoked pulled pork hash. Make sure to grab a homemade pie on the way out to save for later.