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May 18, 2007
Breakfast in Yaletown
Eateries are serving more than just good looks.
RYAN NADEL
Whether it's a bagel on the way to work or waffles on the weekend,
there is something special about going out for breakfast –
a certain luxury to making the time in the morning to dine out.
In Vancouver, there are few neighborhoods better suited to luxury
and enjoyment than Yaletown. It's home to some of the trendiest
spots in the city and, whether your penchant is for a Jewish-style
deli or French-style café, Yaletown is your place.
A unique spot to fill the urge for a fresh bagel oozing with cream
cheese (choose from plain, lox, dill, roasted garlic or sundried
tomato) or hot rugelah straight from the oven is Phat (Pretty Hot
and Tasty), at 1055 Mainland St. This Yaletown deli is where yuppie
meets bubbe; the eatery carries a full breakfast menu served all
day. Prices range from $6.50 for scrambled eggs on a bagel to $9
for a smoked salmon and cream cheese benny, or, for the less halachically
minded, a shrimp benny. All baked goods are made on location.
Phat's owner, William Kaminski, takes a trademark stance behind
the counter, relaying the feeling of the tough guy deli owner with
a warm Jewish heart. Originally from Toronto, his passion for both
food and hockey are clear. The walls of the deli are decorated with
hockey memorabilia and he talks emphatically about his bagels and
lattes. However, the brightly colored décor and techno music
remind patrons that they are in Yaletown, not in 1950s Montreal.
Phat is the place to go for a casual breakfast and to get a subtle
dose of traditional Jewish atmosphere. For a different flavor, in
both food and atmosphere, walk down the street a bit to Browns Restaurant
Bar at 1165 Mainland. Browns meets the expectation of what a classic
Yaletown restaurant should be: dark walls, a flashy bar and a heated
patio. Booths line the interior walls, creating privacy for each
table. Oversized family portraits of the owner's family line the
far wall, creating a dichotomy between family-oriented restaurant
and trendy hot spot.
This establishment serves up a creative breakfast menu. The menu,
only available on weekends, does not try to hide the demographic
to which it appeals. Hannah's Hang-over Burger, an all beef patty
with a fried egg on top, is just what the doctor ordered after a
Saturday night out in the Yaletown bars. And the cinnamon raisin
French toast with fresh baked raisin bread and brandied bananas
speaks to the heart of many brunch-goers. The wagamama breakfast
bowl, udon noodles in Asian broth with chicken wontons, also stands
out from the average breakfast menu.
Prices range from $8 for the French toast to $11 for the burger.
Breakfast is served from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekends. If the weather
is good, expect a wait for the patio.
Those seeking a more classic breakfast experience should look no
further than Provence Marinaside, 1177 Marinaside Cres. This upscale
restaurant sits on the edge of Yaletown, overlooking False Creek.
It is urban living at its height. The warm ambience and relaxed
atmosphere are ideal for breakfast on a slow morning.
The highlight of the breakfast menu at Provence is the Belgian waffles.
They are topped with sautéed raspberries and fresh whipped
cream. Another highlight is the French toasted baguette with maple
syrup and whipped cream. The menu also offers a full selection of
omelettes and eggs benedict in various forms. All egg dishes are
served with potatoes and fresh fruit. Provence receives its baked
goods fresh from a local bakery, while muffins and biscotti are
made in house.
Prices range from $8 for the seasonal fruit salad and yogurt to
$22 for the crab and lobster omelette. There is also an extensive
brunch menu offered on weekends, divided into different categories,
including sweet, eggs and savory. A unique feature that Provence
offers is the ability to have all items on the menu to go.
And, although the interior is tasteful and not overcrowded, if one
can negotiate a seat on the patio on a sunny day, breakfast could
easily turn into lunch as you watch the boats and people go by.
Ryan Nadel is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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