Brunching is slowly infiltrating sleepy Vancouver. Sure, we may be light years away from the boozy all-day brunches that are all the rage amongst our southern neighbours down in LA, or the Leafs out East that offer a smorgasbord of brunching options, from the pancake lovers’ diners to the Benedict connoisseurs’ fine dining establishments. But our beauty of a backyard can trump Manhattan’s pop-up DJ/dance party brunching any day. How? You may ask…
You just can’t beat our market-to-table fresh, local ingredients. Check out some of the top brunch spots in Vancouver that back up that claim (pair with a few stiff Caesars for best results)…
Oakwood
Why They’re The Best: Comfort Breaky Food
We crave their unique, quality coziness-on-a-plate on rainy mornings, with brunching favourites that include criminally delicious confit tuna benedict smothered in dill hollandaise; luscious lemon mascarpone French toast drenched in blueberry compote (for the sweet tooth); and succulent maple confit pork belly with rich scrambled eggs. The majority of dishes are paired with Oakwood’s famous home fries that will be consumed in a matter of moments. (You’ll be suspicious of your neighbour, when realistically it was all you who scarfed those down in a quiet denial.)
Twisted Fork Bistro
Why They’re The Best: Consistency Is the Name of Their Game
These guys do brunch unfailingly, serving it up 7 days a week from morning to well into the afternoon. All-stars include the heavenly gruyere baked eggs (with crispy bacon goodness); the zippy chorizo frittata loaded with creamy brie cheese, fresh, bright basil and caramelized onions; or the classic eggs benny (pick and choose your fave fillers). The dishes are all served up with a generous heap of rosti and baked beans. Come hungry. Leave ready for an afternoon nap… on a hammock in the sun, preferably.
The Red Wagon
Why They’re The Best: Homemade Cookin’
Humbly dubbing themselves a ‘Blue Collar Bistro’, the lads at the Red Wagon whip up a mean brunch menu that rivals some of Vancouver’s finest. Try their super trucker (2 eggs done your way, 2 hit-the-spot pulled pork pancakes, crispy, pleasurable pork belly, home fries and toast) on a grumbly empty stomach, or chip away at it with an amigo; or opt for the chilaquiles (2 eggs, fresh corn tortilla chips, sizzling salsa verde, feta and crema, topped off with red onions). The Red Wagon team whips up their maple bacon in-house, as well as their smoked brie and their piperade, which is a sinister slow cooked pepper and onion medley with goat cheese and tomato sauce that’s jammed generously into their omelets for full mouth-watering effect. They had us at goat cheese…
Nero Waffle Bar
Why They’re The Best: They Whip Up Waffles Well (Nuff Said)
The authentically made, aromatic Belgian waffle is just too good to pass up as you stroll down Robson Street like Toucan Sam. Just follow your nose… Nero serves up fresh, homemade Brussels and Liege waffles that are to die for, baked fresh (duh!) and made with local, all natural ingredients. Devour your waffle nude, or add layers of fresh fruit, whipped cream… you can also go big or go home with Belgian waffles and Belgian chocolate (pause for reaction)… and many more deliciously decadent options that will make your toes curl.
Stay tuned for Part Two of our Best Brunch Spots Series….
Have you brunched at one of these hotspots? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.