Forage

I’m beginning to wonder if I have a lot of (hotel) travelling in my near future. You’ve heard me say it before and I’ll say it again – I love hotel restaurants! Is this weird? Am I the only one? I love the mixed crowd of locals and tourists, especially the tourists. I can feel their excited anticipation of yet another day of adventure, open to whatever unfolds. There always seems to be a heightened sense of lightness and fun in these types of establishments. Forage was no different.

Forage is located in the Listel Hotel, taking space from what used to be O’Douls. Though they are not known for their location, but instead for their food philosophy. They were recently given the “Green Award” from Vancouver Magazine. They emphasize sustainability by using locally-sourced food products, enacting energy and water conservation principles, and composting. Though, the only aspect we are able to see is the food. And it is beauteous.

My friend knew right away that she wanted the Turkey Sausage Hash. I had trouble choosing as I wanted to try several dishes, and after talking my friend into sharing breakfast dessert, I went with the Seafood Chowder, so that I would have room for the Pumpkin Brioche French Toast. My plan worked perfectly.

1300 Robson Street
Breakfast hours:
Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Saturday/Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Brunch hours:
Saturday/Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
www.foragevancouver.com
Photos

Commune Café

I was on my way from here to there this morning, running errands on foot, and Commune Café was in between my destinations – sort of. As I sat waiting for my meal watching the busy vehicle morning commuter traffic on both Seymour and Nelson Streets, it struck me how different the restaurant would feel if it were situated overlooking a park or the water. Those settings would serve to amplify its simplicity in design and clean aesthetic.

The idea behind the Commune Café is to bring people together, which is why, obviously, the seating area is monopolized by a communal table. I guess I wasn’t feeling communal today as I settled myself into one of the four booths instead. My Corned Beef Hash was enough to share, however. A substantial amount of potatoes with a generous sprinkling of corned beef, caramelized onions, and steamed kale, topped with two poached eggs and hollandaise.

Full up, I was ready to hit the pavement again and carry on to my next stop.

1002 Seymour Street
Breakfast hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
communecafe.ca
Photos

Solly’s Bagelry

I wanted a quick breakfast today, so I walked over to the nearby Solly’s Bagelry (there are three locations around town). They identify themselves as a homestyle Jewish bakery and deli, their specialty being bagels - boiled and baked in the traditional way. I prefer these type of bagels - the soft, chewy, dense texture with the crusty exterior.

Breakfast options are several different egg-wiches. My Roasted Veggie Eggel consisted of onions, peppers, and mushrooms over scrambled eggs topped with melted cheddar, my choice of bagel (always sesame). If I had been thinking clearly, I would have added a shmear of cream cheese. I also opted for a potato latke for an extra $1.50.

The thought kept popping into my head that this would be good hangover food.

368 West 7th Avenue
Breakfast hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
www.sollysbagelry.com
Photos

Scandilicious

Even though the hundredth monkey effect has been “discredited” by scientists, I think a study of local eateries proves otherwise. Why is it that so many of the same type of fooderie pop up at the same general time? Recently, Vancouver has had its taco phenomenon, a fired-oven pizza phase, and now waffles. Five new spots have opened in the last several months, Scandilicious being one of them.

Putting sweet or savoury options atop freshly baked waffles has always been a good idea. I went sweet and savoury by ordering the Valhalla – a Brussels waffle with maple bacon jam, back bacon, bacon bits, and maple syrup. The housemade maple bacon jam was the kicker with subtle spicy heat making it the perfect breakfast dish. They also had some sweet spread options I was eager to try – such as peanut butter caramel or gingerbread spice – however I was already so satisfied, I decided to wait for another time.

I foresee a lot of waffles in my near future.

1340 Commercial Drive
Breakfast hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
www.scandilicious.com
Photos

The Snug Café (Bowen Island)

I am currently writing a book (not breakfast related – though maybe one day), and for that reason among others, I recently moved to Bowen Island. I still operate my business in Vancouver and spend half my week in the city, then I return home to peaceful, spacious, tree-filled Bowen Island.

Today a friend came to visit and we spent the day experiencing many of the highlights Bowen has to offer, starting with breakfast at The Snug. This locals-filled, cozy spot is always busy and chatty. Ordering is done first at the front, and when I chose The Royal (scrambled eggs with salmon, cream cheese, and dill), the owner proclaimed my good taste (and it was good tasting). Then help yourself to the self-serve coffee and tea station, your choice of bagged or loose teas, and grab a seat.

After soaking up the friendly vibes, head out, as we did, and enjoy the 1.5 hour walk around Killarney Lake. On your way back, visit the Knick Knack Nook (thrift store), and then hike up the hill to have a beverage or snack at Artisan Eats. Explore the little shops and galleries, before slowly making your way back through the village and onto the ferry. A most pleasant day for locals and visitors alike.

445 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island
Breakfast hours: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Daily
www.snugcafe.ca
Photos

Argo Café

Walking through the front door, I felt like I had stepped into a time capsule. The Argo is an authentic old school diner open since the 50s, and it still has the same formica countertops and fluorescent lighting. Reminiscent of a humble “working man’s” eatery, the majority of the booths were full up with construction workers from local sites, and elbowed up to the counter were guys reading newspapers. When asked what I wanted to drink, I actually felt a bit silly asking if they had any herbal tea, the request seemed so at odds with the place.

Because the lunch menu changes almost daily, there are no printed menus, only chalkboards on the walls. And while the breakfast offerings were typical greasy spoon, the cooking was not. The kitchen here knows how to cook. My flapjacks were fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, just the way I love them. My friend’s sunny-up eggs were perfectly done.

The staff here are completely unaffected and easy-going. And they did manage to find me some green tea, bless them.

1836 Ontario Street
Breakfast hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Note: cash only
www.argocafe.ca
Photos

Hot Chocolate Festival 2013

This falls a little outside the realm of breakfast, however, for the last few weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, several bakeries, cafés, and chocolatiers have been participating in the 3rd annual Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, hosted by City Food Magazine. There were over 60 flavours available, I had the opportunity to try eight different offerings, and was so impressed by the diversity and creativity, I wanted to give the artisans and the event a small shout-out.

While I enjoyed each chocolatey concoction for its own uniqueness, there were a few standouts. The owner at Leonidas shared her brainchild, which wasn’t even on the festival menu. The Boho consisted of dark chocolate with turmeric, pepper, peppermint, and honey. It sounds a little strange, but it was outstanding. Imagine earthy, spicy mint chocolate. Not surprisingly, Thierry Chocolaterie produced a divine drink, the Oh Canada!, maple pecan hot chocolate. The other that made me swoon was Beaucoup Bakery’s Joy + Salt, salted caramel milk hot chocolate.

Looking forward to trying more at next year’s event.

For descriptions of the others, visit Photos.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2013