Glowbal Grill

Let’s start with the highlights – the complimentary Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts, 2 each. I asked for 20 more, I guess our server thought I was kidding, because they never arrived. Also yum was the Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and White Chocolate Mousse. Our server, Sam, was charming and trying very hard to make us happy (which we were). Hmmm, in retrospect, I should have left more of a tip.

Inside, the Glowbal Grill is sleek. I am always curious about how restaurants that were designed for the evening translate to the day. Here, during the day, the select seating is the outdoor covered patio. Well-heated and well-cushioned, the patio was full, and it’s January!

1079 Mainland Street
Breakfast hours: Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
www.glowbalgrill.com
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Tomahawk Restaurant

Steeped in local folklore and dressed in West Coast Native paraphernalia, the Tomahawk is still going strong after 80 years in business. Started in 1926, the Tomahawk has stayed in the family, although it has changed locations twice since then. A visit here is more about playing a part in Vancouver’s history than anything else.

They are famous for their burgers, but also for their diner breakfasts. Portions are large and a must-have is their signature Yukon-style bacon. My Yukon Breakfast claimed to come with 7 pieces, but I’m sure I had at least 10! Thankfully, my partner had room to finish my meal after his Chuck Wagon breakfast, because even after giving away 3 pieces of bacon and two pieces of toast, I still couldn’t do it.

I would have gone just to read the placemats, good for sh*ts and giggles.

1550 Philip Avenue, North Vancouver
Breakfast hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
www.tomahawkrestaurant.com
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Kolachy Co. (CLOSED)

NOTE: They are now closed.
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I needed a breakfast fix on my way to dance class this morning – something light and quick. Kolachy Co. fit the bill and was on the way. The shop is small, only a few tables inside, which I guess plays into the idea that kolachy’s are meant to be a convenient, on-the-run kind of meal.

Kolachy’s are palm-sized, whole-wheat dough balls baked with a variety of fillings. The in-store menu listed which selections were available today. From the breakfast column (available all day) I choose the Western (ham, egg, onions, peppers, cheese) and the Chorizo (chorizo, egg, tomato, peppers) – $3.50 each.

I got what I needed.

888 Beatty Street
Breakfast hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
www.kolachy.com
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Locus

Popular Main Street spot. Relaxed vibe. “Weathered” decor.

Points given for the complimentary breads and butters. The chile butter was yum with the French bread and the cinnamon butter with the raisin bread. I enjoyed my meal, the Locus Hash, especially the crispy bits of cured and brined organic bison. My partner had the Grilled Chorizo and Tomato Jam Benny. And as he puts it, “I never met a chorizo I didn’t like.”

4121 Main Street
Breakfast hours: Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
www.locusonmain.com
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The Reef (Commercial Drive)

Walking up the Drive to meet my friend I was surprised to notice that all the breakfast spots along the way were mostly empty – and this was 10:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning! Albeit the crowd had yet to arrive at The Reef, the soul-stirring sounds of reggae were already pumping through the speaker system. I’m up, I’m up!

Da menu consists of all t’ings you may expect from a Caribbean-themed restaurant. And many items are vegetarian friendly. My Jerk Pork Benny (not vegetarian friendly) was concededly mild which, for my morning stomach, was OK with me. A shout out for the citrus hollandaise, loved the lime accent. I also had the Banana Lime Coconut Smoothie – I really appreciate when someone adds their own unique spin to a standard item.

I left feeling a little lighter than when I arrived – in spirit, I mean. Yah mahn.

1018 Commercial Drive
Brunch hours: Saturday/Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
www.thereefrestaurant.com
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Café Crêpe (Robson Street)

I ended up at Café Crêpe quite unintentionally today. To be honest, it wasn’t even on my breakfast radar. However, they do have a small breakfast menu plus, of course, their extensive list of sweet and savoury crèpes. My Ham, Egg and Swiss Crêpe sufficed.

1032 Robson Street
Website
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