I knew when I dragged my old bones out of bed on this Holiday Monday that it would be best to allow a professional to feed me breakfast.
All of my usual brekkie joints were closed today, but I remembered Cora had taken over the old Smitty's location in the venerable Ambassador Hotel on 106 st. and I had yet to try it.
I strolled in about 2PM, well after any breakfast rush and was seated right away, the restaurant being almost empty.
I was handed a menu and had my drink order taken as I was seated by a very friendly and efficient server.
I took a while with the menu, which is vast and creative.
In the end I went with a Chorizo and Goat Cheese Crepeomelette, with sundried tomatoes and topped with Hollandaise. The "crepeomelette" is quite self explanatory, essentially an omellete rolled up in a crepe.
I had a book with me and did some reading while enjoying my coffee, which was very good.
My food arrived very quickly, as I was only one of 3 people in the restaurant by this time.
The plate looked great, so I snapped a couple of pics and then dug in. The crepeomellette was served with Cora's potatoes, which were savoury and delicious. Crisp on the outside, tender inside. They required no salt or pepper, and I didn't even open the ketchup. It was not needed.
There was also some fresh fruit as a garnish, with strawberry, pineapple and cantaloupe.
The main portion was delicious. Lots of flavour and texture with each ingredient in harmony.
If I had to complain about something, as I so often do, I would want a bigger, spicier flavour profile in the Chorizo.
The portion was large, but the plate was clean when it was all over.
I will not have to eat again today.
The restaurant itself is bright, welcoming and impeccably clean. The staff are friendly and professional, and my meal was excellent.
This is premium breakfast fare, and you will pay a bit more for it. The median price for a main appears to be around $15 - $16, with some items higher.
However the quality and the freshness of the food is very high, and in the portions I saw, still good value.
Cora is on par with other boutique breakfast restaurants in town and perhaps a bit above for food.
There is a very good reason Cora has been sweeping across Canada, is a top choice in whatever market that they are in.
I will be back. read more