Breakfast – Page 19

May 5, 2013

Blue Vinny Diner – Stephen Avenue Calgary

Nothing beats a breakfast on the weekend, diner style! We found ourselves at Blue Vinny Diner one weekend morning, and we walked in and thought the place must be new, as the waitress was running around like mad, they ran out of tons of things on the menu, and it almost appeared they didn’t know the menus yet. I guess they’ve been opened for a bit, but it just didn’t feel like it! This restaurant is located right on Stephens Avenue, so foot traffic is at an ideal place.

Once we got seated and what not, we ordered some tea, and we were ready to order. I ordered their Perogy Bowl which was exactly as it sounded, a bowl of perogies with bacon and sour cream. They had quite a few pieces in the bowl and the toppings didn’t overwhelm the perogies either. I enjoyed my perogies and I ate the entire thing! The bacon was nice and smoked and it was perfect, tasty and crunchy!

The other item we ordered from the menu was the Vinny’s Breakfast which was 6oz of Rib Eye steak, 2 sunny side eggs with hashbrown and toast! This was a big and filling breakfast, and best of all, it was super tasty!

We really enjoyed the modern diner experience here! The people were friendly and the food was tasty! So, there’s no complaints from me here!

Blue Vinny Diner

105 – 8th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 263-3880

April 21, 2013

Crossroads Market – Vietnamese Deli

I decided I wanted to check out vintage things and so I ended up at Crossroads Market which is a place I like to go time to time. I went there as I heard they had a new grand re-opening, so I wanted to check it out. It was really quite fun, and as it was still cold, not all the fresh produce markets was out in full force. However, the newer side was bright and offers a lot more food concessions. I just got hungry during our visit and went to stop by at Vietnamese Deli which oddly isn’t even listed as one of the food vendors. Regardless, I ate there and it was okay… but I hate to say… there’s a reason why they had no line!

I ordered a Chicken Sub as Vietnamese subs are one of my absolute favourite things to eat! They did prepare it in front of me but of course, it was just the assembly part of making it – which is fair as all other sub places are like that as well. There wasn’t a ton of meat or flavour, but it was a decent sub. It was loaded with peanut sauce – which I think was most of the flavour. It was then topped with the typical toppings of onions, cilantro, cucumber and pickled carrots. It was still good, but not the best out there!

My other half ordered the Beef Sub, I know, we’re so original… but it was like a late lunch/snack kind of deal. His actually had a lot more flavour so it was better. His sub had a lot more peanuts though, which I had to switch back after eating 1/4 of the entire sub. I don’t do too much peanuts, but I’m glad I’m not deadly allergic to them, as it wasn’t advertised anywhere!

I think next time I’m back, I’ll try something else as there are tons of other options, and considering it wasn’t the BEST sub. However, prices here are much more cheaper than elsewhere for Vietnamese subs and even their pho soups!

April 12, 2013April 12, 2013

Blondes Diner – Calgary 4th Street

The most wonderful meal for me is breakfast – and my favourite place to enjoy breakfasts are at diners. I love them, old style, new style or even no style! I first heard about Blondes Diner from watching TV actually… on Top Chef Canada, they have a chef that’s a contestant on the show. Right away, I knew I had to try this diner! The location of this diner is right on 4th street and I believe it use to be a Greek restaurant at this location. It’s easy to find and quite spacious inside. Parking is a little trickier, but that’s the area!

We went in on a Sunday, relatively late in the afternoon – for sure past noon. There was still a line up for a table which is a good sign! The service was casual, but it wasn’t slow! By the time we got to our table, our waitress came right away. It was a awful weather outside, so I decided to have a nice cup of Hot Chocolate which I enjoyed thoroughly! I wish it was a tad bigger because I was almost done my hot chocolate by the time my lunch got to the table. Well, maybe I was just enjoying it too much! 🙂

Looking around the restaurant, it was really clean and modern. There were seats with plastic chairs and some cozy chairs! I was fortunate enough to sit by the window in the cozy chairs! It was a really relaxing experience at Blondes, and that’s something I love!

I love coconut, and so when I saw it on the menu, I knew I had to try their Crispy Crepe which the menu describes it as coconut frangipane, seasonal compote, whipped creme fraiche! It turns out as a delicious thin crepe with shredded coconut filling inside, and topped with pineapple compote! Wow, this was such a delight to have and something I wouldn’t mind having again and again!

We didn’t know what else to order, and thankfully they had a delicious sounding featured breakfast! This breakfast was a hot beef sandwich with a side of chickpea salad. The hot beef was full of flavour and it sat on a nice thick toast with tons of gravy on top. The chickpea salad was so refreshing and would be an awesome side for a summers night!

Overall, we had a great time here! It was fun and exiting and a nice modern take on a diner and more upscale. With that said, it’s just a nice breakfast/brunch/lunch place instead of a diner! But, worth it was worth the visit!

Blondes Diner

2005 B 4th St SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 474-3867

March 24, 2013

Wildernest Dream Cafe – Calgary

Breakfast is always a nice treat, and I found myself at Wildernest Dream Cafe one Sunday morning. It was great, it wasn’t super busy, but it was comfortable. There was street parking right outside, and on Sundays, it’s complimentary! The location is like a little house and even the inside, it’s partitioned into little seating areas as well, kind of like a little house. It’s really a unique place to be, as you know it was once someone’s home, and now it’s been recreated to a restaurant/cafe.

Once we were seated, the waitress came up to us not long afterwards and asked us if we knew what we wanted to drink. I ordered their Chai Latte, and it came after quite a long wait. However, it was a good one. It was more on the sweeter side instead of a spicy chai. This is alright with me, since I’m fully aware there are a few kinds of chai.

My other half ordered a Hot Spiced Cider which is typically something I don’t order as it’s normally as it’s normally just heated up apple juice with a cinnamon stick – and it’s no different here. It wasn’t bad, but it’s just nothing special.

I ordered the Salmon Eggs Benedict which has always been one of my “go-to” breakfasts if I see it. This one was done a little differently, as they use what they call “potato latkes” instead of the traditional English Muffin for the base of the eggs Benedict. When I think about potato latkes, I think about light and fluffy potato pancakes, but these ones were just a little different. It wasn’t bad at all, but it was quite different. The Pacific Salmon, they were really generous with the portions of that, and topped with their homemade hollandise sauce. Overall, I loved the plate – and I especially loved their hashbrowns!

My husband ordered the Hawaiian Breakfast Wrap only because that was my second choice, and it is weird of me to order 2 breakfasts sometimes. I love anything with pineapples in it, and this was no exception. We shared the 2 orders, and this wrap was delightful! It was hot with scrambled eggs with pineapples, red and green peppers, bacon and cheese all wrapped up into a large wrap! We even ordered a side of their Chicken Sausage which was like a meatloaf cut into strips. The concept was fantastic and the plate just works!

Overall, we had a fabulous time here. I think during a weekday or Saturday, I would utilize the parking lot right beside the cafe as it would be much simpler. The food is really good, and the prices are quite reasonable. The prices for the sides are a tad costly, but the portions are fairly large too! I think I would be back if I’m in the area. We ended up spending the day at Fort Calgary and then the Calgary Zoo, so the location was fantastic! Another great thing about this cafe, they offer Gluten Free options and tons of it too!

Wildernest Dream Cafe

1309 9 Avenue Southeast
(403) 265-3663

March 23, 2013March 23, 2013

Galaxie Diner Calgary

I have always loved diners, and when I heard there was one I haven’t been to before, I knew I had to go there as soon as I can. This is near the beltline, in a residential area – but down this street is historic looking and full of food venues. Once I saw the “diner” sign, I knew I found the place – and I was right!

I sat down and was greeted immediately. I ordered a cup of hot chocolate, and it came in a large mug – which I really liked. It stayed warm for a long time as well, and it was quite tasty.

For the meal, I actually ordered the Galaxie French Toast and it looked delicious. To make it better, it taste even better! It’s a plate with 2 delicious pieces of French Toast with toasted coconut, then topped with grilled banana. This breakfast is really a great treat!

My husband ordered the most delicious breakfast of all! I have never had a better Montreal Smoked Meat Hash yet. This fantastic breakfast has tons of smoked meat mixed with their delicious hashbrown, garlicky mushrooms, sauteed onions, banana peppers and cheese, topped with eggs and toast. I love how this plate of hash has a nice heat (kick) and it’s very memorable.

Overall, this place is a cute little place that does fill up quite quickly. It’s worth the wait if you’re a tad late and they do turn tables really quickly. The food tastes so delicious that you just gobble it up quickly! I will be back here again before some other locations!

Galaxie Diner
1413 11 St SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 228-0001