Tag Archives: breakfast

The Wallflower

I met up with my friend for brunch. My friend had arrived earlier than our arranged time and had lined up to get a table for us. When I got there 10 minutes past 11am on a Saturday, there were still people lined up and my friend had just been seated at a table. The place was jammed packed. Like the Farmer’s Apprentice, every inch of the restaurant was utilized for maximum seating. I had the seat where people would walk by and they kept bumping into the bag or coat hanging behind my chair – a bit annoying.

The interior was artsy with hand painted intricate designs on the walls. There were portrait paintings that hung close to the ceiling. Customers were hipster-ish and hippie like with tattoos, dyed hair and the guy sitting next to our table had his feet up on the booth’s seat.

My friend had Earl Grey $3.50 (comes in individual pot), and I had the Chamomile $3.50 since disappointingly, they didn’t have Rooibos. A bit pricey for just a bag of Mighty Leaf tea bag. Our tea pots were full with hot water, and with how the pots were designed, hot water spilled onto the table as our server brought the pots. Pouring into our own cups, it kept spilling from the mouth, leaving a big puddle on the table – at least on my side anyways. Although both of our pots were the exact same type, her handle on the pot was so hot that it was impossible to touch it. Sorry, my pet peeve these days – tea pots that are dysfunctional no matter how pretty they look…

It took about 35 minutes for our food to arrive. My friend ordered the Salmon Benny $13 with smoked salmon, capers, red onion and cream cheese, while I had the Classic Benny $10 with poached eggs, grilled ham, salad, English muffin, house made hollandaise sauce and diced potatoes.

I just looooooove Bennys!! This one was very good. The eggs done the way I like it. Delicious sauce, and a nice touch of greens on the side. The potatoes were nicely seasoned. It was good portion and reasonably priced. Presentation could have used a bit more umph, but it was ok.
Service was satisfactory. Would we return? Not sure…I’m not a lining-up person, nor do I like crammed places. Good Bennys though.

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Big Y Cafe

Tim Hortons on Davie

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Open 24 hours a day, this Timmy’s is always got customers going in and out, getting their Ice Cap or box of timbits. The service at this location is pretty good. They are usually friendly (depending who serves you) and food is usually standard and comes out fairly quickly. On most mornings, the line up will go out the door…so give yourself plenty of time if you’re in a hurry for your breakfast before work.

I do find the AC to be way too cold – but that’s just me…I’m always freezing…lol
Unfortunately, because of the location, you will have lots of homeless people inside, whether eating or harassing customers for change. During the day time, it’s a bit better, but I’m being soft I think, considering that other cities I’ve been to or lived had never had this kind of scene – but that’s another problem that has to do with Vancouver, not with Timmy’s, although I wish they were a bit more active in dealing with this problem.

At night, you can pretty much have over half the customers be homeless people. At the entrance you will have beggers, I’ve seen one guy throw up on the door, many that come in to use the bathroom, wander around the restaurant, many asking for change, or to even use your phone. Growing up in Calgary, I never encountered a Timmy’s like this, nor any coffee shops like it – especially when it’s suppose to be family-oriented. If I had kids, I wouldn’t want to sit around and wont be able to relax. I do tend to keep my eye on my belongings a lot more when I’m there.

Back to the food, the drinks. I used to love the Ice Cap and had it all the time. After I went through the strict health diet a few years back, and although I’m now back on a normal diet (but not unhealthy like before), I find Timmy’s drinks to be way too sweet. I like how you can customize your drinks at coffee shops like Blenz. But I guess you’re also paying for that too. There are usually promotions for many drinks at $1 which is one reason my friend likes going there, so I end up there too. They have a ridiculous number of sizes to choose from.

I no longer eat that much sweets, and never been a huge donut fan (never have been a bread fan) so no more timbits for me…

I do like their sandwiches. I usually order the Chicken salad sandwich with chicken strips, onions, celery, pimentos, mixed with mayo and black pepper, lettuce and tomato. Freshly made for $3.29 it’s a pretty good deal. I like mine toasted.

Morning breakfast sandwich with tea

Their Halloween special donut. Cute! But ohhhh so unhealthy…

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