Eggstatic
Eggstatic isn't just the name of this brunch place, it's also how I left feeling after a meal here.
The restaurant serves up dishes with a distinct Middle Eastern backbone, topped with perfectly executed eggs of various styles.
The place has a rustic and homey vibe with a big front window, happy graphics and a wall of frying pans and spatulas.
Shakshuka ($13.79) is a contender for some of the best in the city at first bite, sweet with a chunky yet velvety texture thanks to feta and two delicate poached eggs.
House pita is provided for dipping, pickles on the side rounding out the Middle Eastern flavours.
The Eggstatic Tomato Jacket ($15.89) is actually the logo of the restaurant, apparently an ancient Asian recipe. A tomato is stuffed with two eggs, smoky beef bacon, sauteed mushrooms, Swiss and parmesan then baked for a melty, hearty breakfast.
Protos Optimus ($16.99) is another signature dish here, a bed of silky house hummus layered with fava beans, tomato sauce, crispy little house falafel and a funny side up egg served with a fan of house pita.
The Crispy Chicken Benedict ($14.89) is one of five bennies and appropriately named, with fried chicken breast that's super crispy and crunchy. Poached eggs tear at the touch of a knife and hollandaise is rich and satiny. Accompanying home-style potatoes and house salad are both solid.
Biscoff Lotus Pancakes ($15.79) are just the start of a wondrous waffle and pancake menu, thick and fluffy flapjacks topped with ground and crumbled Belgian Lotus biscuits, strawberries, a few generous scoops of vanilla ice cream, strawberries, and a peanut butter sauce that ties everything together.
There are also mixed berries, akkawi and pistachio, and cinnamon banana pancakes, as well as shakshuka waffles and fried chicken waffles.
To wash it all down, there are signature Eggstatic options like lemonades, smoothies and shakes, as well as fresh local juices. Rufino is used for all espresso-based drinks.
Eggstatic serves this epic breakfast menu six days a week from early morning until late afternoon, and also deals in catering.
Hector Vasquez