decoding=”async” class=”alignright size-full wp-image-614″ style=”margin: 5px; float: right” title=”maddies” src=”https://thinktasty1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/maddies.jpg” alt=”maddies” width=”234″ height=”159″ />What’s nicer than a lazy Saturday morning followed by an afternoon of shopping?  One, getting to spend that sort of day with my husband (who is a very good shopper).  Two, having an excellent breakfast made for you by someone else.  Lucky me, I had a Saturday with all of these pieces recently.

After a slow start sort of morning, we decided to head to Salem to do some shopping.  Not regular diners in that area, I did a little online searching and found decent reviews for Maddie’s Bagel & Eatery.  There was one warning- we could wait a bit to be seated.  As it was just the two of us, I was certain we could be patient while waiting for a table.

Arriving at Maddie’s about 10:30, there were 7 or 8 parties ahead of us.  After giving our name to the hostess, we decided to take advantage of the amenities.  Yes, amenities.  This restaurant was well planned.  The waiting area was generously sized with several benches, a kid-sized table and coloring books, and a coffee station.  So, while we waited we had coffee (many choices: hot, cold, flavored, decaf, regular) and checked out their menu.  Even though there was a decent sized crowd waiting to be served, everyone seemed to be in good moods.

After about 20 minutes, we were asked if we would mind sitting at the counter, which we didn’t.  Our server, Sammy, appeared quickly and offered to get us fresh beverages.  Having reviewed the menu while waiting, we ordered our breakfasts as soon as she returned with coffee and water.  I ordered the number 9, three pieces of Portuguese cinnamon bread french toast with a side of sausage.  My husband ordered the Irish scramble.

We could see the cooks working from our seats, and it appeared that they were well organized and prompt.  Even with a full restaurant, our breakfasts were ready within minutes.  My french toast was delicious.  The bread was dense enough to absorb batter but not so dense as to be heavy.  The cinnamon added a nice layer of flavor when mixed with melting butter and syrup.  My husband’s scramble was typical restaurant fare, served with a generous portion of corned beef hash, which appeared to be store-bought.  Two pieces of toast and home fries rounded out his meal.

Throughout our meal Sammy was an attentive waitress, checking on our beverages and bringing the check without rushing us.

I am sure we will be returning to try other items on their menu.  Perhaps we will give their lunch menu a try next time.