In 1895, the English author Guy Beringer — tired of slogging through the “purgatory of those Sabbatarian early” Sunday dinners and wanting to “prolong” his Saturday nights — coined the phrase “brunch,” which he deemed to take place on Sundays “between 12 and half-past.” It took a while to catch on across the pond, but today we sit happily in his delicious debt at Rosewood Foods, which may have perfected his priceless portmanteau.
We arrive just after 11 a.m. — a bit early for Beringer’s tastes, but a good call on our part, since it’s nearly packed. It’s a walk-up-and-order place, and my eyes struggle to look away from the Lox & Egg Sandwich (with pastrami-spice cured salmon and caramelized onion), or even the more basic Breakfast Sandwich. But when a brunch place has a Breakfast Bowl, you get the freakin’ Breakfast Bowl (with scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, charred tomato salsa and chicken sausage) …and some Lemony Butter Pancakes on the side. We chat and laugh like we have our whole lives — or at least the rest of the day — ahead of us, ready for a lazy, stuffed-full Sunday afternoon. It’s what Beringer would have wanted! — Cory Schachtel
Rosewood Foods
Downtown | #101, 10150 100 St NW, Edmonton | 780.757.8030 | rosewoodfoods.com
Let’s face it, brunch is pretty awesome, no matter where you go. Eggs. Pancakes. Waffles. Fruit. Sauces. Bacon. But, a Sunday brunch at Happy & Olive stands out because of the little details. Chicken and Waffles comes with a coleslaw that’s covered in spicy sauce. The French Toast is laden with bananas, as well as a scattering of spiced cashews. This Crestwood space is great for people watching, the coffee-refill offers are plentiful, and there are one or two fine details added to each and every dish that push them from “great” to “excellent.” — Steven Sandor
Happy & Olive
Crestwood | 9640 142 St NW, Edmonton | 825.401.4958 | happyandolive.ca
Does the term “greasy spoon” apply to places that aren’t, well, greasy? If we’re talking about a go-to brunch spot that doesn’t break the bank and can be reliably trusted to come correct with the eggs, bacon and hash any day of the week, then Old Strathcona’s Pip certainly fits the bill. With bright, chic decor and a beanie-clad clientele, Pip has become a staple brunch spot for the Whyte Avenue cool crowd looking to ease their Sunday morning hangxiety. But even if you’re not in need of a hot-hollandaise infusion to mend what ails you, Pip is a culinary delight. Think buttered Blue Crab Eggs Benny with those deep orange yolks, dill-infused hollandaise on fresh sourdough toast and cast-iron Dutch pancakes (drool). If this is what a hipster’s greasy spoon looks like, slap on my beanie and sign me up. — Jesse Cole
PIP
Strathcona | 10335 83 Ave NW, Edmonton | 780.760.4747 | pipyeg.com
