When I think of the Drake Hotel, I think of a man wearing a collared shirt that is unbuttoned exposing his collection of gold chains. His female companion is wearing a Jacob skirt and a halter top from Le Chateau and they are ready to drink Vodka and Red Bull until the break of dawn.
All that the Drake Hotel needed for me to have a new perspective was to offer food and sunlight. I most recently ate brunch at the Drake cafe, where I was served by a very attentive, very charming waiter. Our table was clean with enough space for four diners, and even though there were only three of us, we were not cast off to a smaller table.
I ordered an orange juice ($4.00) which was refreshing, if a bit warm. The lemon water was also refreshing and was refilled quite regularly. The wait staff make your experience personal and our waiter Christopher was willing to offer recommendations to members of our party who were not sure what to order. They also bring you mini croissants with their house-made jam, which they will tell you is a secret recipe. You will find yourself licking your butter knife because it is that delicious. "The Drake will sell you small jars of their house-made jam," notes our waiter Christopher.
I decided to start my meal with a mixed green salad ($3.00) which was lightly dressed with a vinaigrette that was peppery and a nice compliment to the subtle flavour of the mixed greens.
For the main dish, I chose the Huevos Rancheros ($14.00) which consist of chipotle and pork braised black beans atop a quesadilla with sour cream. On the side are eggs served sunny side up and lime, which together create a flavour combination that works. The smokiness of the beans matched with the acidity of the lime and sharpness of the quesadilla make for a wonderful pairing. My only criticism would be that the sour cream was too much. Instead of a small dollop, there was a large blob, creating more of a soupy consistency which is not typical of Huevos Rancheros. Despite technical setbacks, the flavours shined, making this one of the more memorable brunch experiences of recent memory.
Other members of my party ate just as well. John remarked, "The Eggs Caleb were very good, even though I am typically not a fan of salmon." Getting past the notion that someone who is typically not a fan of eating salmon getting salmon, it is a stellar review on his part. Eggs Caleb ($13.00) consist of Stadtländer smoked salmon, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce. Served on the side are 'BBQ French Fries' which I can say are some of the best french fries I have eaten in the city of Toronto.
Lastly, the third member of our party ordered the 'Drake Burger' ($11.00) which may sound like a departure (come on Sam, its brunch), but it was suggested by our courteous waiter and she was intrigued. The Drake Cafe offers what they call "Lunch-y Things" which is where you will get your sandwiches, burgers and Cobb salad (yes, even a Cobb salad). Sam described the burger as well cooked, with bacon that was the crispness she enjoys with a light Russian dressing that brings the whole burger together. The burger is made with Cumbrae’s ground chuck and comes with bacon, aged white cheddar and Russian dressing. You can get either salad or 'BBQ French Fries' on the side, but you can also get half salad and half fries (yes, options!).
The Drake offers a variety of options and polite service. If you are looking for a bagel and a coffee or a Caesar and Eggs Benedict, they have it. The food is delicious and despite the stigma attached to the Drake, this hungry reviewer was left completely satisfied.
The Drake Hotel - Drake Cafe
15-20/person
1150 QUEEN STREET W
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Lakeview Lunch Lacklustre
When you wake up late for brunch, you have to expect that you'll have to wait in line wherever you go. You also have to expect a little bit of a wait once you've been seated because the establishment is probably busy by the time you get there. These are some things that I have learned over the past year or so.
However, a patron (lets call him Kevin) should not have to wait for an hour and thirty minutes for his food. He should also not be so hungry that he has to resort to eating from the peanut butter packages. Also, when one orders cranberry juice, that person should get cranberry juice, not cran-banana (which is not good FYI).
When we receive our food, our waitress isn't very apologetic. It is at this moment that it is pretty clear that the Lakeview Lunch is a hipster hangout and we should be so lucky to be seen there.
As for the food, I decided to get something called a "Hillbilly Omelette." The omelette consisted of cornbeef, sausage, and potatoes. The omelette was overcooked, leaving a very crunchy mass of uncomplimentary flavours mingling. It was as unappetizing as that reads. However, when one was as hungry as I was, you strive to finish. It was a marathon of sorts. The homefries (or fried discs of potato) were good, insofar as they were fried potatoes. My toast could not be qualified as such, because it was bread that was probably toasted for half a second.
The only element that made eating my meal possible was the half of a bottle of Tabasco. It really stands to the quality of the food when you have to use hot sauce to mask the flavours of the restaurants food.
Don't waste your time. You will waste a lot of it.
Lakeview Lunch
1132 Dundas West, at Ossington
$10-20
However, a patron (lets call him Kevin) should not have to wait for an hour and thirty minutes for his food. He should also not be so hungry that he has to resort to eating from the peanut butter packages. Also, when one orders cranberry juice, that person should get cranberry juice, not cran-banana (which is not good FYI).
When we receive our food, our waitress isn't very apologetic. It is at this moment that it is pretty clear that the Lakeview Lunch is a hipster hangout and we should be so lucky to be seen there.
As for the food, I decided to get something called a "Hillbilly Omelette." The omelette consisted of cornbeef, sausage, and potatoes. The omelette was overcooked, leaving a very crunchy mass of uncomplimentary flavours mingling. It was as unappetizing as that reads. However, when one was as hungry as I was, you strive to finish. It was a marathon of sorts. The homefries (or fried discs of potato) were good, insofar as they were fried potatoes. My toast could not be qualified as such, because it was bread that was probably toasted for half a second.
The only element that made eating my meal possible was the half of a bottle of Tabasco. It really stands to the quality of the food when you have to use hot sauce to mask the flavours of the restaurants food.
Don't waste your time. You will waste a lot of it.
Lakeview Lunch
1132 Dundas West, at Ossington
$10-20
Bar Hair-talia
Don't get me wrong. I love hair when it is on someone's head, chest or even on unmentionable areas of a body. These are all places where hair should be. However, at Bar Italia, not only does your fruit come with sweetened cheese, but it comes with a bit of hair mixed in.
Bar Italia looks great. It is a bar during the evening and a restaurant during the day. The resto-bar offers an italian take on breakfast, insofar as it offers a plate of breakfast foods that are
Italian (well, the sausage was Italian).
Eggs are pretty standard and they come poached unless otherwise stated. Homefries are very lightly mixed with herbs to a point where they could easily be done without. They do nothing to enhance the flavour of the potato, therefore this reviewer suggests they try again.
The sausage was cooked well and it wasn't bland. It was by far the highlight of the meal. There weren't any greens on the plate, so I chose to get a green salad on the side. It was a mixed green salad, dressed with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. It was refreshing and large for the price that was paid (2.50).
Unfortunately, nothing was amazing and while I would have been able to give Bar Italia an okay review up until this point, I was served fruit with a bit of hair. The hair was obviously there at the top and had my plate been looked at briefly, it could have easily been switched out. Although, I am glad it did get sent out, because it is this lack of regard for their quality of food that makes it very easy for me to warn brunchers from heading to Bar Italia.
Stay away. College St has much better options.
Bar Italia
582 College St.
$15-20
Bar Italia looks great. It is a bar during the evening and a restaurant during the day. The resto-bar offers an italian take on breakfast, insofar as it offers a plate of breakfast foods that are
Italian (well, the sausage was Italian).
Eggs are pretty standard and they come poached unless otherwise stated. Homefries are very lightly mixed with herbs to a point where they could easily be done without. They do nothing to enhance the flavour of the potato, therefore this reviewer suggests they try again.
The sausage was cooked well and it wasn't bland. It was by far the highlight of the meal. There weren't any greens on the plate, so I chose to get a green salad on the side. It was a mixed green salad, dressed with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. It was refreshing and large for the price that was paid (2.50).
Unfortunately, nothing was amazing and while I would have been able to give Bar Italia an okay review up until this point, I was served fruit with a bit of hair. The hair was obviously there at the top and had my plate been looked at briefly, it could have easily been switched out. Although, I am glad it did get sent out, because it is this lack of regard for their quality of food that makes it very easy for me to warn brunchers from heading to Bar Italia.
Stay away. College St has much better options.
Bar Italia
582 College St.
$15-20
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Maggies
Think of the slowest service you've ever had. Now multiply that time by 3, and you have your wait time for your order to be taken. Now take that same number, and you have the amount of time it takes to actually get your food. Lastly, take that same number again, and that is how long it takes for you to get your bill.
The problem with Maggies isn't its food, because the "Maggie Supreme" is a delicious combination of pancakes, eggs, meat and fruit that will fill any hungry traveller. To drink, all Maggies brunch specials come with coffee or tea, but to get that refilled is wishful thinking, especially if they are busy, which they usually are.
Maggies has very limited space, and while most small places would play up being cozy and small (especially on College), Maggies decides to cover its walls with pretentious art that haven't changed in a year and cram as much seating inside making it hard to navigate. So, what is it, have the owners stopped caring? Are numbers the important thing, or are they letting their food speak for itself?
On food alone, Maggies is great. Sausage is spiced and cooked to perfection, eggs are cooked well, and fruit is fresh and a perfect accompaniment to most of their dishes. However, a dining experience has to be more than just good food.
I'd recommend picking an old favourite if you're torn between the old hangout and Maggies. At the end of the day, at Maggies you wait too long for food that isn't amazing, but passes for good. While you may end up full, on a Sunday morning, if you have more important things to do, Maggie's is not the way to go. By the time you get your bill, it is nearly lunch.
With Boom and Kalendar on the same stretch, Maggies is making it really easy to just walk by. What used to be fast and friendly service, has transformed into slow and uninterested.
Price: $15-25
Maggie's
400 College St
The problem with Maggies isn't its food, because the "Maggie Supreme" is a delicious combination of pancakes, eggs, meat and fruit that will fill any hungry traveller. To drink, all Maggies brunch specials come with coffee or tea, but to get that refilled is wishful thinking, especially if they are busy, which they usually are.
Maggies has very limited space, and while most small places would play up being cozy and small (especially on College), Maggies decides to cover its walls with pretentious art that haven't changed in a year and cram as much seating inside making it hard to navigate. So, what is it, have the owners stopped caring? Are numbers the important thing, or are they letting their food speak for itself?
On food alone, Maggies is great. Sausage is spiced and cooked to perfection, eggs are cooked well, and fruit is fresh and a perfect accompaniment to most of their dishes. However, a dining experience has to be more than just good food.
I'd recommend picking an old favourite if you're torn between the old hangout and Maggies. At the end of the day, at Maggies you wait too long for food that isn't amazing, but passes for good. While you may end up full, on a Sunday morning, if you have more important things to do, Maggie's is not the way to go. By the time you get your bill, it is nearly lunch.
With Boom and Kalendar on the same stretch, Maggies is making it really easy to just walk by. What used to be fast and friendly service, has transformed into slow and uninterested.
Price: $15-25
Maggie's
400 College St
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Hot House Cafe
Famous in the city of Toronto for its brunch buffet, Hot House was easily one of my earlier choices for a brunch fix. A lover of food, and moreso buffets, Hot House comes out strong offering a diverse selection of breakfast and lunch cuisine. Options range from a pancake and waffle station, to a roast beef carving station. While you are there, get yourself an omelette made to your liking with a wide variety of fillings.
Coupled with smooth Jazz, and beautiful (yet not overwhelming) decor, Hot House's brunch buffet really hits the mark.
You will easily go up for seconds and thirds, because there is so much to choose from. Even if it is too much, you won't have to worry because you'll definitely want to go again and again.
Brunch is 18.95 for all you can eat, but beverages are separate and are your average selection of juice, coffee and tea.
While those watching their figures may only make this an annual trip, it is well worth it, and eventually you'll give up your new years resolution and make it a regular event.
Price: $25-35
Coupled with smooth Jazz, and beautiful (yet not overwhelming) decor, Hot House's brunch buffet really hits the mark.
You will easily go up for seconds and thirds, because there is so much to choose from. Even if it is too much, you won't have to worry because you'll definitely want to go again and again.
Brunch is 18.95 for all you can eat, but beverages are separate and are your average selection of juice, coffee and tea.
While those watching their figures may only make this an annual trip, it is well worth it, and eventually you'll give up your new years resolution and make it a regular event.
Price: $25-35
Monday, April 30, 2007
Universal Grill
Think of Cheers, but for brunch.
Located at the corner of Dupont and Shaw St. (1071 Shaw St. ), locals and not-so locals flock to this establishment for their simple, yet elegant take on breakfast and brunch.
Rotating specials, and old favourites are featured on the Sunday menu.
Patrons looking for something light can try the yogurt with fruit and granola. A mixture of berries and a light yogurt are paired with delicious granola and raspberry preserves. A decadent choice for the light bruncher. I have enjoyed (plenty of times) the Huevos Rancheros. Topped on a tortilla are beans in sauce, fried eggs, cheese and crispy tortilla strips. It is just the perfect amount of spice, and for the more adventurous, you can ask for their spicy sauce that packs a punch, and tastes fantastic. On the side of the dish are guacamole and sour cream, and this dish goes perfectly matched with a side of their spicy chorizo.
If you are looking for more of a homestyle breakfast, the Universal Grill offers cheesy scrambled eggs. Smooth and silky scrambled eggs are topped with cheddar cheese, and are served with a side of 'spuds' and toast.
Free refills are given on coffee, and for those who don't drink coffee, there are always different juices every week to indulge in. My personal favourite is the apple cranberry. For those looking for a sweet treat to drink, it might not be for you, but the apple cranberry offers a bittersweet combination that is thirst quenching and a perfect start to any day.
The waitresses are attentive, and the service is quick and friendly. Go there enough, and they remember your order :)
Price: $15-25 (including coffee or small juice)
Located at the corner of Dupont and Shaw St. (1071 Shaw St. ), locals and not-so locals flock to this establishment for their simple, yet elegant take on breakfast and brunch.
Rotating specials, and old favourites are featured on the Sunday menu.
Patrons looking for something light can try the yogurt with fruit and granola. A mixture of berries and a light yogurt are paired with delicious granola and raspberry preserves. A decadent choice for the light bruncher. I have enjoyed (plenty of times) the Huevos Rancheros. Topped on a tortilla are beans in sauce, fried eggs, cheese and crispy tortilla strips. It is just the perfect amount of spice, and for the more adventurous, you can ask for their spicy sauce that packs a punch, and tastes fantastic. On the side of the dish are guacamole and sour cream, and this dish goes perfectly matched with a side of their spicy chorizo.
If you are looking for more of a homestyle breakfast, the Universal Grill offers cheesy scrambled eggs. Smooth and silky scrambled eggs are topped with cheddar cheese, and are served with a side of 'spuds' and toast.
Free refills are given on coffee, and for those who don't drink coffee, there are always different juices every week to indulge in. My personal favourite is the apple cranberry. For those looking for a sweet treat to drink, it might not be for you, but the apple cranberry offers a bittersweet combination that is thirst quenching and a perfect start to any day.
The waitresses are attentive, and the service is quick and friendly. Go there enough, and they remember your order :)
Price: $15-25 (including coffee or small juice)
Boom!
On a sunny sunday morning, you can expect any brunch location with a patio to be packed to the sidewalks. While an abundance of patrons does not indicate that the food is great, Boom! is in a category all to its own. Boom, at 808 College St. is home to fresh ingredients, quick service (but not too quick), and an ever-increasing menu that pleases even the most picky of eaters.
On my first visit, I had an omelette with bacon, tomato and swiss cheese. The bacon was not too crispy, the egg was fluffy, and while the tomato itself had an off-taste to it, I thought that overall it was one of the better omelettes that I've tried. Since my first visit, I have had the pleasure of trying Boom's egg benedict, which is traditional benny with ham, poached eggs, and a very creamy and well-seasoned hollandaise sauce. Most dishes will come with a side of Boom frites, which is just a pretentious way of saying that it comes with home fries. Pretentious or not, the hint of garlic and seasoning that they are rubbed in is quite good, but not unlike something you could find in your local grocer's freezer.
First time Boom-goers should prepare for a line if you arrive at any time past 10 am. College St. has a series of brunch regulars that flock to Boom! early, so expect a wait if you wake up late from a night of heavy drinking. However, stick around and wait, because you'll be glad you did.
Price: $15-25per person (includes coffee or juice)
On my first visit, I had an omelette with bacon, tomato and swiss cheese. The bacon was not too crispy, the egg was fluffy, and while the tomato itself had an off-taste to it, I thought that overall it was one of the better omelettes that I've tried. Since my first visit, I have had the pleasure of trying Boom's egg benedict, which is traditional benny with ham, poached eggs, and a very creamy and well-seasoned hollandaise sauce. Most dishes will come with a side of Boom frites, which is just a pretentious way of saying that it comes with home fries. Pretentious or not, the hint of garlic and seasoning that they are rubbed in is quite good, but not unlike something you could find in your local grocer's freezer.
First time Boom-goers should prepare for a line if you arrive at any time past 10 am. College St. has a series of brunch regulars that flock to Boom! early, so expect a wait if you wake up late from a night of heavy drinking. However, stick around and wait, because you'll be glad you did.
Price: $15-25per person (includes coffee or juice)
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