I was joined by my girlfriend and my adult daughter as we made the hour plus trek from north Marin to Fremont to have my Father’s Day brunch at the Original Pancake House – for a meal I had been remembering for 15 years – and we were not disappointed!\r
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From 1972 to 1995 I lived in Chicago and enjoyed breakfasts and Sunday brunches at one of the four Original Pancake Houses at least once every month or so – always struggling over whether to indulge in their 49er Flapjacks – simply the best pancakes with butter and pure maple syrup I’ve ever had – or the Dutch Baby – baked crispy custard-like with powdered sugar, butter and fresh lemon wedges and as good as in Amsterdam.\r
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After a decade and a half without a decent pancake breakfast, I discovered a branch of the OPH in Fremont, only a little more than an hour from Novato, and my girlfriend and daughter agreed to join me for Father’s Day and indulge me in both of my favorites.\r
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Each bite of each dish was, if possible, better than I had remembered them to be.\r
The restaurant was clean and pleasant, the service friendly and efficient, and Sam, the host, was a great help, asking me to call a bit before arriving so he could have a table ready for us, as he did. The prices, as always, are on the higher end for breakfast, but more than reasonable for the quality, quantity and taste. One does not quibble over the price of perfection.\r
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Other reviewers who compare this place to IHOP are essentially comparing the Louvre to The Wax Museum – Harris Steak House to Sizzler. If you wait for a table, it’s because of the quality. Arrive late on Sunday (2pm) as we did and sit down immediately. If you order one of the dishes that make this place great, like the Cinnamon Glazed Apple Pancake or the Dutch Baby, expect to wait 20 or 25 minutes. Have a first course, or call ahead with your order to speed things up.\r
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It is impractical for me to drive over an hour for a meal except on special occasions. Otherwise, I would probably eat here every week.\r
Pros: The food
Cons: You have to pay and sometimes wait for the best!
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