top 10 favorite brunch dishes

Brunch, oh glorious brunch - one of my favorite weekend past times. The lazy, late-in-the-morning (early afternoon if you were out the night before) meal where it is always encouraged to indulge. With the warmer weather having finally arrived there's no excuse to stay cooped up inside all day. The sun is shining and it's time to rendevous with friends and explore this city! I've done some taste testing on behalf of all brunchers out there, and here are a few of my most crave-worthy, hangover-curing, indulgently luxurious brunch dishes:

1. Veda's Choice @ Mildred's Temple Kitchen (A decadent, modern take on eggs benny - served on a croissant with smoked salmon and a fresh frisee salad)

Tip: Go early-ish, around 10am when they open. The later you wait, the more Liberty Villagers have awoken and are also looking to be fed. If you do have to wait, get a coffee from Balzacs and browse around West Elm - an enjoyable way to kill time.

2. Yogurt & Granola Parfait @ Portland Variety (The chef makes a mango/papaya fruit puree that runs through the parfait in delicious ribbons - way better than the typical yogurt and granola)

Tip: Located on the stylish King West strip, this is a fun spot to plan for a brunch with girlfriends)

3. The Stockyard @ The Stockyards (An epic breakfast sandwich with a deep fried poached egg served on the most amazing house-made biscuit - sure to cure any morning haziness)

Tip: You can buy biscuits to bring home and enjoy the next morning for breakfast.

4. Brisket Eggs Benedict @ Barque (Smokehouse, bbq flavor all twisted up in a breakfast dish. They substitute the typical english muffin with sweet cornbread which changes everything - in the best way)

Tip: The caesar is rimmed with candied bacon! And they have the coolest kitschy coffee mugs.

5. The Ossington Massive @ The Lakeview (Come hungry, leave happy. Everything you want in a breakfast, all on one plate, and for some crazy cheap price. They also have the biggest menu, so everyone is sure to find something they'll love)

Tip: They have $3 mimosas and $4 ceasars, enough said. 

6. Blueberry Pancakes @ Mildred's Temple Kitchen (The best pancakes ever. A must-eat for any serious brunch lover. They are fluffy and filled with fresh blueberries and served drowning in whipped cream, maple syrup and blueberry sauce)

Tip: I don't think it's on the menu but you can order a single pancake as a side dish if you want to balance your savoury main with a sweet bite.

7. Chicken & Waffles @ The Drake Hotel (A humongous decadent breakfast item that they've managed to perfect. The chicken is moist, it's served with a sour cherry compote and topped off with marscapone whipped cream.)

Tip: If the weather is nice sit up in the Sky Yard. And make sure to check out the General Store next door when you're finished. 

8. Daily Donuts @ The Saint Tavern (The flavor changes, but each variety I've had is better then the last. Served warm, the mini donut holes are perfect to start off a meal with a hot cup of coffee)

9. Breakfast Poutine @ Hank's (It's a little out of our neighborhood, but it's worth it. If you're a true Canadian and love poutine like me, the breakfast version is just as good as you imagine)

Tip: The St. Lawrence Market is around the corner, so be sure to plan a visit into your day. 

10. Anything @ Mitzi's Cafe (This place is a hidden gem, a couple blocks east of Roncesvalles, it's nestled amongst residential houses and has the sweetest little garden patio. The menu changes daily and is influenced by seasonal fruit and veg. It always feels special to score a seat on the patio and everything we've ever had is memorably delicious.)

And incase you missed the round-up of some of my favorite restaurant dishes, check it out here!

Cheers to mimosas for breakfast & Happy brunching!