Mmm... brunch

Brunch — it’s that late-morning/early afternoon meal for which people will stand in line for a seemingly interminable amount of time for a seat, and which leaves you feeling uncomfortably overstuffed by early afternoon and throws off your whole day’s eating routine. The din of other diners at busy brunch spots can feel overwhelming, while the hustle and bustle of serving staff seems incessant.

But there’s also something both satisfying and comforting about enjoying a delicious Sunday brunch with friends and/or family. Many of us have our favourite spots for which to enjoy an egg dish, plow through a pile of pancakes or nonchalantly nibble on lunch items as we sip on a cup of joe, Caesar or mimosa. If we have to wait for a table, so be it — maybe that’s why we can’t help but linger over long-empty plates and endlessly refilled coffee cups.

No matter what style of Sunday brunch you’re searching for, there’s an eatery in town that can cater to your interests. Maybe you’ve already got a favourite Sunday spot but are looking to branch out your brunch.

Here, in no particular order, are five of the city’s best spots to munch on a brunch on a Sunday...

 

VG Restaurant & Lounge

2 LOMBARD PL.

Executive chef Tim Palmer and restaurant chef David Davyduke have joined forces for a killer cross-section of Sunday brunch options at VG Restaurant & Lounge at the Fairmont Winnipeg (formerly known as the Velvet Glove).

Thoughtfully crafted seasonal fare brings a decidedly local focus, including honey made on the hotel’s rooftop, Prairie Oyster mushrooms, Gunn’s Bakery bread and more. From classic omelettes to tuna niçoise, house-made pork sausage to perogy poutine, there’s a little something for everyone whether you’re in the mood for more breakfast-y fare or lunch-ish options.

The beverage options, meanwhile, are second to none. Check out their sparkling smoked sangria, featuring sparkling wine poured over stone fruit wine sangria that’s smoked tableside. And if their Ardbeg-laced Caesar isn’t quite what the doctor ordered, you can get yours (or a Bloody Mary) made tableside with your choice of ingredients to help cure the hair of the dog that bit ya.

 

Chaise Café & Lounge

271 PROVENCHER BLVD.

Tucked away in St. Boniface in an unassuming spot across from Provencher Park, Chaise Café & Lounge could be Winnipeg’s best-kept secret for bingeing on brunch.

Guided by owner/chef Shea Ritchie, Chaise Café & Lounge takes the thinking out of what to order for brunch, offering instead a prix-fixe brunch menu served family style — and in practically endless quantities.

That’s not an exaggeration — the ever-evolving brunch menu features a plate of scrumptious savoury items followed by a collection of sweeter offerings. Once brunchers have made their way through initial offerings, Chaise offers guests can get seconds on whatever items they’d like.

One you see, smell and taste their food, however, good luck saving space for more.

 

Clementine

123 PRINCESS ST.

From the creators of Segovia Tapas and Bar comes this downtown breakfast-and-lunch gem that’s seemingly always packed. (Reservations aren’t an option, so come early/late or be prepared to wait in the small space near the front door.)

There’s a reason it’s always elbow-to-elbow at Clementine. While many dishes — such as the squash shaksouka, mushroom chilaquiles or the Turkish eggs and fried potatoes with chickpea mayo and harissa — bring flavours many brunchers may be trying for the first time, chances are it won’t be the last.

Once folks get a taste of Clementine’s pitch-perfect Sunday brunches — including more common and exotic boozy drinks, strong (and tasty) coffee and/or a few well-chosen beers and wines — it’s a sure bet it won’t be long before the next visit.

 

Little Goat Food & Drink

2615 PORTAGE AVE.

From the creators of Bistro 7¼ comes this homey St. James eatery that’s truly a family affair.

Chef/partners Alexander Svenne and Danielle Carignane-Svenne run the kitchen and front of house, respectively, while their kids can often be seen clearing tables, washing dishes or seating guests at this homey but bustling spot.

If eggs benedict is what you’re after, Little Goat’s is among the best in the city. They also offer a wide and ever-changing range of pancakes, waffles and similarly sweet dishes as well as oatmeal, classic egg-and-sides combos and more. Seasonal drinks include a winter sangria and hot apple cider with rum — plan accordingly.

 

The Tallest Poppy

103 SHERBROOK ST.

Since moving to Sherbrook Street from Main Street in 2014, The Tallest Poppy has been the brunch spot of choice for West Enders and hipsters with hangovers — heck, their menu once even boasted the option for diners to order a slice of cold pizza and a painkiller.

And while there are still plenty of options for those suffering from the previous night’s shenanigans — including a deadly-in-a-good-way Caesar — The Tallest Poppy’s delicious cross-section of breakfast and lunch options will satisfy any appetite, including those who prefer to go meatless.

The selection is homey and hearty, and features dishes such as chicken and waffles, a beef brisket sandwich, huevos rancheros and chicken fried steak.

Just how in demand is their brunch? Proprietor Talia Syrie likely won’t be seen around The Tallest Poppy for the next couple of weekends, as she helps quarterback all manner of brunch-y goodness at Raw: Almond, the annual pop-up restaurant erected on the frozen river at The Forks, which runs until Feb. 17.

 

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