The Drake Redeems Itself

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