Blue on Water

I would definitely say that I brunch more when the weather is nice. So, now that you can enjoy a stroll downtown without 10 layers of clothing, it's a great opportunity to check out another wonderful downtown St. John's restaraunt. Off I went to Blue on Water, it's a great bar and restaraunt on Water Street. I've been there in the evening for drinks, and this was not my first visit for brunch either.

My dining companion and I arrived around 11:00 am and were seated in the bar pretty quickly. We were given menus and ordered our drinks. I must say, their brunch drinks were very inticing, but I didn't cave and order a mimosa...this time.

Our attendant was really nice, and the atomosphere was fun. It's sort of like a sport bar (soccer was playing in the background), but more modern and light. We both ordered the tranditional eggs Benedict with ham, although there was an eggs benny that included pickled beets - I will have to return to try that, as I love beets!

I will not lie when I say, that our brunch arrived within 15 minutes! Probably less than that, because I wasn't keeping track of the time, and we were both shocked with the speed which we received our meal. I was famished and dug right in. The hollandaise was definitely homemade, it had a great texture and was delicious, in hindsight, I probably should have ordered a little extra. The egg was perfectly poached soft, and the ham was delicious, it was sliced ham too, not a ham steak. Of course, the base was a toasted English muffin, this eggs benny had it going on. What else was I liking? The homestyle tater hashbrowns, they were crispy outside and moist inside. I especially appreciated the side of ketchup that arrived on the plate - it was a sweet touch! I won't venture to say that these hashbrowns beat out the Hungry Heart Cafe's (they had sweet and white potato hashbrowns, if you recall), but they were super tasty.

It was a very enjoyable brunch, and although we were served very quickly, we were not rushed out the door, and the longest part of the whole experience was waiting for our bill! Which by the way was $15.00.

I would definitely recommend a visit to Blue on Water for brunch. I know I will be returning, and I may have to review them again if I try the picked beets eggs benny. Blue on Water - you're delicious! Here's a 4.5/5!

Happy Eggs Benedict Day!

I was informed by a friend and reader that today, April 16, is Eggs Benedict Day! Finally! A holiday I can get on board with. Naturally, I thought, "I need to have Eggs Benedict on this momentus day!" However, that plan was not going to happen. Unfortunately, in St. John's, there are not a lot of places that serve Eggs Benedict on weekdays, and there are even fewer places that serve breakfast all day - this severely limited my options for eating Eggs Benedict on a Thursday evening. Between work and other committments, it does not appear that Eggs Benedict is in my plan for this wonderful, glorious, delicious, holiday. I will celebrate this weekend.

As I cannot enjoy the wonders of hollandaise today, I will instead share one of my favorite videos of Gordon Ramsey making his delicious Eggs Benedict - he makes it look so easy! Maybe I should have taken to the stove!

Happy Eggs Benedict Day!

Milestones

I was encouraged to try Milestones from a friend. They heard from an acquaintance, that although Milestones is a chain, they made their own hollandaise sauce - being the eggs Benedict snob that I am, my friend thought that was very important information to pass along - I agree, that is important!

Regardless of being a chain (and pressing my luck, as every other chain I've tried thus far has since closed it's door in downtown St. John's), I headed to Milestones. I would just like to put a little disclaimer in here for fans of Milestones - I'm sorry if they close after I've reviewed them. That is not my intention, I promise.

I made my way to Milestones around noon, without a reservation, as there were only two of us, and was seated right away. I will mention that Milestones has a lounge and a dining room, my brunch buddy and I chose the dining room, as it was quieter and more comfortable. For those looking to sit in the lounge, I will say that it was significantly louder than the dining room, and had more of a pub atmosphere.

Let me just take a moment to describe how beautiful Milestones is. Now, I've never eaten at a Milestones chain before, so maybe they all look like this, but I really enjoyed the use of wooden archways, chic lighting, and range of seating. You could sit in a booth, table by the big windows, or at the bar, the design was very modern, and pretty elegant. I think the next time I visit Milestones will be in the evening, to really get the full effect of the windows and lighting.

Anyway, I ordered the classic eggs Benedict, although there were multiple options - but you have to be consistent. At Milestones, the eggs Benedict comes with ham, poached egg and hollandaise on an English muffin, and I chose to try their home fries. 

Well, the plating matched the chic decor. I dug in right away, and tried this famous house made hollandaise. I wasn't a fan. It was a bit runny, and although you could see specks of cayenne, all I could taste was lemon. After eating one half of the eggs benny (the eggs were poached perfectly soft, by the way). I really didn't want to try the other half. Maybe I wasn't that hungry, or maybe I just wasn't feeling myself, but I just wasn't digging the texture or lemony taste. I actually asked the server if the hollandaise was yogurt based, as I wasn't getting the same richness that one expects from hollandaise. The server was sure it was not yogurt, and I'm sure she was right, it was the lemon juice, which was not only throwing off the taste, but the consistency. Speaking of taste, those hashbrowns...I'll give Milestones this, it wasn't the same deep fried hashbrowns that you see everywhere. These were more potato wedges than anything, but they had a kick. When you put the spiced potato with the lemony hollandaise, I wasn't feeling it. 

Regardless of decor and service, I was not a fan of Milestones. I have no doubt that the hollandaise was made in house, and because of that, I may try their eggs Benedict again - as everytime you make it, it can be different. But for now, it definitely wasn't one of my favorite eggs benny experiences. 

Milestones is getting ranked closer to the bottom with a 2/5.

Wedgewood Cafe

With the early signs of Spring, it's time for me to spring into action and start blogging more! So, with that mind, a friend and I headed to Wedgewood Café for some eggs benny on a Saturday morning. I've never been to Wedgewood Café before, but I heard a few things about them. They've been nestled at the end of a strip mall on Elizabeth Avenue for years, and regardless of living in that area for many years, I had never visited there.

Without making a reservation, we arrived at 11:00 am for some brunch. We were seated immediately, with our drink order taken fairly quickly. I will admit, I was expecting a more cozy vibe, but what I found was a bit - cool. The walls were light, with random pieces of art, all the tables looked exactly the same, with chairs that you found at Tim Horton's about 10 years ago. It wasn't the most inviting for a café, I was expecting a few booths, some tablecloths with some flowers on the table, maybe warm colors and some jazz playing in the background - but I guess décor has nothing to do with food, right? 

I ordered the classic eggs benny, with soft poached eggs, and within 15 minutes, it was before me! How speedy! It looked pretty good. The hashbrowns were those classic, deep fried hashbrowns, the same you see almost everywhere, but I was happy that they were not drenched in seasoning salt. The eggs Benedict itself was made on a croissant, with half a slice of black forest ham on one half and crispy bacon on the other. Both sides were topped with a poached egg and hollandaise. The hollandaise was a good consistency, but it was pretty standard (although the menu does state it's house made - so A+ for that), but there was not enough of it on the plate! I was happy to see the eggs were actually poached soft, there's nothing more disappointing that looking forward to that runny yolk and getting hard poached! It was interesting to get two types of meat with one order, I was not aware that I would be getting bacon on one half of my eggs Benedict. It was like getting to try two for the price of one! With that being said, the bacon was incredibly salty, and due to crispness, it kept breaking apart and I rarely got to taste all layers together, overall the bacon ended up being more frustrating than tasty. However, the black forest ham was good. I think if I ever return, I will ask for only ham. Imagine, asking to hold the bacon!  

Overall, it was good eggs benny. It didn't wow me, as some other places have, but it was good. I'm not trying to be mean, but maybe the bar has been raised as to what's considered good eggs benny? I would definitely go back, it would be a nice place to go with a few friends, for a quick meal, but not somewhere I'd bring an out of town visitor. It was also priced well at $11.49, including coffee, so that's a plus!

I think I will give Wedgewood Café...3.5/5.

Travel Special - The Oyster Bar

Since graduating from university and getting an 'adult' job, I've been fortunate enough to do some traveling. I will be the first to admit that I have a travel bug - and if I had the means to travel more often, I would be writing a travel blog as well.

Recently, I made my first voyage to New York City - I'm totally hooked on the magic and wonder of that city, and I will be going back again! It was magical, it was Christmastime, it was exciting, it was all-consuming! I could spend this entire post discussing just things that I seen, and boy did I see everything you possibly could in a 6-day vacation, instead I will talk about Eggs Benedict in New York City.

On my last day in the Big Apple, my group headed to Grand Central Station to check out the wonders that is trains - there are no trains in Newfoundland, and that makes me very sad. For a girl who loves architecture, history, and the Mad Men era, Grand Central Station was mind blowing! 

After exploring Grand Central, getting a black and white cookie ("look to the cookie"), taking a short subway ride, and then exploring somemore, my travel buddies and I were pretty hungry, so naturally, we had to check out the Oyster Bar Restaurant in Grand Central.

Let me just say, the only way I could have been happier dining here, is if I was dressed up and Don Draper would have asked if he could join me for a cocktail - seriously! We were seated really quickly, and inside is just as beautiful as the outside! You could really feel the charm and excitement of Grand Central Station, but you wouldn't even know you were in a train station if you didn't see commuters buzzing past the big glass windows. I remember our waiter was so nice, we definitely looked ridiculous, underdressed, and wet (it was actually pouring that day in NYC), but he was really nice. We each got a round of drinks and placed our order. Now, if you're in a hurry to see your next attraction, I would not recommend dining here. The entire time I was in New York City, everywhere we dined (restaurant and fast food) was super speedy, but here, you sit back and take in the moment. I didn't mind, I was at the Oyster Bar!! 

Eventually, the order arrived. It was no short of stunning. Oh what did I order, you ask? Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. I should have also mentioned that if you're not a seafood lover, then the menu is limited - but if you're an eggs benny lover, you won't be disappointed. 

Smothered in hollandaise, you will find a perfectly poached egg, and delicious, smokey, salmon, with a side of asparagus - I was in heaven. The English muffin was nicely toasted, but that smoked salmon was the main attraction. I practically inhaled the first half, and slowed down to enjoy the flavour a bit more with the second. It was the perfect end to a perfect Christmastime trip to Manhattan! What was the price? I don't know! I want to say $18.00 USD, but the bill came out, and everyone was on the same bill, I threw some cash in the middle of the table, I didn't even look. Who cares? I'm at the Oyster Bar! In New York City! 

I can't give this delicious meal a rating, but I will encourage you to check out the Oyster Bar Restaurant, and I will be on the hunt for smoked salmon eggs benny in St. John's! 

The Bagel Cafe

Well, needless to say, it's been a crazy fall, and i haven't had much time for eating eggs benny, let alone blogging! But, its a new year, and I'm going to try to promise more frequent blogging! 

Whats the first review of 2015? Why, it's everyone's favorite breakfast joint, The Bagel Cafe. Located on Duckworth Street in St. John's, the Bagel Cafe is (now, with the closing of Cora's and Smitty's) the only place to get eggs benny all day long in the downtown core! That's right, two of the chains that I reviewed in 2014 are now closed, lets hope that has everything to do with the development of local businesses and nothing to do with my blog! 

So, The Bagel Cafe. This is a great spot. It's a pretty unique place, and I ask everyone who visits to take a few moments to check out their funky wall decals, because they're pretty awesome. They're a fun blend of Newfoundland, hippie, jungle and general foolishness. I mean, really, where else can you get a jam jam in the fruit bowl? I arrived with a few friends, and they were super busy, but that's okay, we didn't have to wait long in the freezing cold. One thing I hate about the Bagel Cafe is their size. The porch is super small, and there are literally tables everywhere, so there isn't much room for waiting, or paying your bill. But space is limited in a downtown business. 

When we were seated, we received our coffee fairly quickly, and our waitress took our orders. Of course, I went for the traditional eggs benny, but they have so many options, including smoked salmon, spinach, and more! The cost of eggs benny is a bit steep at The Bagel Cafe, ranging from $15.99 to $16.99 (I don't think there's one more expensive than that). But, you literally get a mound of food. I've eaten at Bagel Cafe numerous times before, as it has been a frequented location by a few girlfriends and I after a night on the town. 

The plate is heaping. One thing I enjoy is that all their eggs benny come on your choice of bagel, I ordered multigrain. The ham is thickly cut, topped with perfectly poached eggs and covered in a layer of hollandaise, then to top it off, bacon slices! Really! Bacon! With eggs benny! You can't top that! Sometimes the bagel can become a bit soggy, but that's a trade off for the bacon! For the price, you also get a mountain of hashbrowns. Now, they are deep fried, and a bit greasy, but everything can;t be perfect. Overall, it's pretty good. The hollandaise, I suspect, is homemade. It's very rich with a good consistency, so I can't complain about that. They often tend to pile the hollandaise on, so you don't often need to request an extra side.  

Overall, the Bagel Cafe has a great eggs benny. It is on the expensive side for deep fried hashbrowns, but the portion is massive. While the atmosphere is fun, I always hate that I'm basically sitting with a stranger while eating, as the tables are so close together. I often hit at least three people with my bags or coat while I'm trying to pay at the counter too, but again, when you're that busy, who needs a hallway when you can fit more tables? As for the food, I must say, the eggs benny is very good! I can't complain, as I keep going back! Bagel Cafe, here's a 4.5/5!

The Duke of Duckworth

My apologies for the lack of blogs - I have been busy with work and family, and there hasn't been a lot of time for brunching - but I'm back!



Famously known as the stomping grounds of Jake on Republic of Doyle, and more importantly, somewhere I spent many days during graduate school, the Duke of Duckworth isn't all beer, and fish and chips, they actually have a pretty tasty brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday's. A friend and I headed down for brunch on a beautiful Sunday morning and literally waited for The Duke to open at 11:00 am to have brunch. For those who have never been to The Duke, it's a small, English style pub, that is often frequented by locals to eat, drink beer, and watch sports. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the decorations even better - who wouldn't want to drink at a bar with a Jester lamp?



After picking a seat perfectly situated to watch the soccer match, the waiter/bartender wasted no time giving us our menus and had a cup of coffee placed in front of us. I was quickly enticed to order a Caesar after I spotted one being delivered to a nearby table, which was definitely a very good decision for Sunday brunch at a bar. We both ordered eggs benny, and after placing the order, I really hoped the eggs were poached soft, as the waiter didn't ask our preference.

The order did not take long, and immediately I could tell the hollandaise was homemade, it wasn't as creamy as I would have liked (and there wasn't enough for my liking either), but you could taste the black pepper and it was good. I hoped that my soft poached egg would add some richness to the sauce - it didn't, because the eggs were poached medium. Sad. The English muffin was very lightly toasted, and instead of a ham steak, there was about 4 pieces of thinly sliced deli ham. The ham had been been fried and had been seasoned with pepper. I must say, I did enjoy the flavor. The hashbrowns were superb! They were pan fried with pieces of onion and I would suspect some bacon fat. If I were to guess further, they may have been pan fried in a cast iron skillet, as it just had delicious flavour that only cast iron can create. Definitely not your typical deep fried hashbrowns, but I have come to the conclusion that deep fried hashbrowns does not necessarily mean good - it can just mean greasy! So, I did enjoy the hashbrowns, as is, with no ketchup, or extra hollandaise.



Overall, how does the Duke of Duckworth rank in eggs Benedict? Not bad, I must say. I did enjoy the meal, it was full of flavor. The English muffin could have been toasted a bit more, and I wish the waiter asked if I preferred a soft poached egg, as that would have added to the richness of the hollandaise. I definitely give props to the homemade hollandaise, however there needed to be more of it! For $12.99, it was a pretty good price for a pretty good meal, and the Caesar, well, who can mess that up?



The Duke of Duckworth, I give you a 3/5. Not bad for a bar!