Reservations make breakfast easy
Gone are the weekends where I roll out of bed hungover throw on whatever and go line up for breakfast. They were lovely times but I’ve bid them adieu.
These days I’m a bona fide reservationist. If I can’t reserve a table at a breakfast establishment chances are I’ll only stop by on weekdays off.
That said I love Calgary’s fine breakfast offerings and know that many spots are worth the wait. It’s just that I’m incredibly impatient which is what drove me to compile a short list of weekend brunch favourites that take reservations.
BIG FISH
(1112 Edmonton Trail N.E.)
This is not just a seafood spot in the city’s north end. Big Fish offers an awesome brunch menu not to mention fantastic Fratello coffee and espresso drinks. My top two dishes at Big Fish are the pan-fried steelhead trout and spinach hash with lemon butter and soft-poached eggs ($13) and the wild mushroom truffle basil and white cheddar scramble on Noble duck confit hash ($15). Each dish comes with hearty slices of toast and a featured jam or jelly. The last time I was in the feature was a vanilla blueberry jelly. Need I say more?
OX & ANGELA
(528 17 Ave. S.W.)
In my latest visit to this darling of 17th Avenue S.W. my hubby and I tried The Brunch Table ($21 per person min. two people) which is a breakfast experience not to be missed.
The tapas-style offering features a staggering array of small plates including Spanish potato omelets dates stuffed with Serrano and Manchego in a pomegranate molasses salt cod and potato croquettes with lemon aioli a salad of fresh baby greens with apple slices toasted walnut and Manchego crispy baby creamer potatoes in a smoked paprika ketchup — stay with me the list goes on — plus “Huevos Benedictine” a delectable eggs benny on grilled sourdough with sliced Serrano ham topped with a tomato blood orange hollandaise and lastly the salty-sweet magic of tortitas in the form of olive oil and chocolate chip pancakes topped with dulche de leche and whipped cream.
Like any fine chef’s tasting this brunch leads you down a truly decadent culinary path — it’s a mouthwatering exploration of breakfast at its finest.
BORGO
(818 16 Ave. S.W.)
First off let it be known that my girlfriend swears by the featured frittatas at Borgo. On my maiden voyage I went with the ricotta and caramelized onion-filled crespelle (crepes) with a brown butter and sage maple syrup slices of crisp prosciutto and a refreshing salad ($16). This dish is absolutely stellar. I was sold from my first bite of this all-star combination. The cheese and onion filling melts in your mouth and the syrup adds the perfect hit of sweetness. A little salty goodness from the prosciutto along with a crisp bite of salad makes for a perfect plate. As a bonus the latte was excellent as was the “Orzo” — a drink of steamed milk with barley ($2.50).
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Wurst ( 2437 4 St. S.W.)
I was always a huge fan of the brunch at Wurst and from what I hear it’s returning. Stay tuned.
Cassis Bistro ( 105-2505 17th Ave. S.W.)
From croque madames to quiche de jour — this small but succinct brunch menu will cure your morning craving for French delights.
Palomino ( 109 7 Ave. S.W.)
Even though you can’t make reservations at The Palomino Smokehouse it usually isn’t lined up. I love the peanut butter and banana French toast and the Palomino bennies with either beef brisket or pulled pork.
