My kids wanted to take me out for Mother's Day Brunch. We waited a week to avoid to insane crowds and feeling like you're being rushed because the next seating is waiting for your table. Not to mention menus and prices are higher and not necessarily justified.
It started badly. The traffic was ridiculous due to a cycling event going on downtown. We spent over an hour and half trying to get to Landsdowne. We didn't make it. While stuck on Bank Street we looked over and noticed the Farm Team Cookhouse and a sign outside advertising brunch. Perfect, we were starved and sick of being stuck in traffic. Thankfully there was a parking spot right out front, they have a parking lot, but I wouldn't have to turn around.
The building is very rustic. I love the weathered wood, it makes you feel like your away at a lodge or a cabin far away from the craziness of the city. Décor is simple, but goes perfectly with that rustic country look. It was very quiet, only one other large table. We were greeted and seated right away.
We ordered our drinks. They come served in mason jars. My youngest was perplexed, she asked me if they had run out of glasses cause you don't serve drinks in jars. We all laughed. The kids thought they were cool.
It was time to order. My two oldest take after me. We ordered the eggs benedict. Two with ham, one with spinach. What makes these eggs benedict different from everyone else's is that your order comes with a side of meat. You can choose bacon or sausage Being carnivores, we were thrilled and won't ever say no to extra meat!
The two younger ones aren't into anything fancy so they ordered 2 eggs with sausage and bacon. All orders came with home fries which were really good. I was shocked that my youngest ate them all. Usually she complains she doesn't like potatoes, yet she eats fries and mashed all the time. I told her the home fries are like little square French fries. She gave me a confused looked like, "Whatever Mom." Never in a million years did I think she'd try them, but low and behold she did and loved them.
The eggs benedict were delicious. What makes me hesitate ordering them is the hollandaise sauce. Every place makes it differently and you'll either like it or hate it. This one was perfect. We were all pleasantly surprised. I'd have to say one of the best in the city based on all the others we've tried. The consistency was perfect. Not too thick, not too runny and no starchy or grainy like texture. It coated the eggs and didn't run all over the plate. The English muffins were crispy and stayed that way to the last bite. If I had to point out one thing that could be improved, it would be the spinach. A hint more seasoning or sautéing it with a bit of garlic or onion would elevate the flavour a tad more. Other than that, we were very happy with them and completely stuffed after eating the extra meat that came with them.
The girls enjoyed their eggs. One likes them sunny side up, the other scrambled. There was nothing left on their plates. That is one thing I love about my kids, they don't waste anything and they'll eat just about anything. I don't hesitate taking them out to restaurants or friend's houses for dinner. Growing up we couldn't leave the table until our plates were cleaned. To my parents, wasting food was sacrilege. If you weren't sick, you didn't dare leave the table until you finished everything on your plate. They both knew what it meant to starve having survived the after math of the first world war. I'm not quite that strict, but certainly don't condone wasting food. If they put it on their plate or they order something at a restaurant, they have to eat it all. I have no issue getting a doggy bag if they can't finish when we're out. Great to pack for lunch!
I'd say the prices were very reasonable and comparable to most breakfast places. The portions are generous and as previously mentioned, the eggs benedict come with a side of meat. At $14.00 an order, I think this is great.
We thoroughly enjoyed it and had a great Mother's Day celebration. That said, we'll definitely go back. It was great that it wasn't busy. The food was delicious and we didn't wait long, very important when out with a small child. I'm really happy we accidently ended up there.
Definitely a hidden gem you should check out!
Carm the Foodie
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