“Everyone runs around trying to find a place where they still serve breakfast because eating breakfast, even if it’s 5 o’clock in the afternoon, is a sign that the day has just begun and good things can still happen. Having lunch is like throwing in the towel.”

Jonathan Goldstein, Lenny Bruce is Dead

I think one of my favourite meal treats just might be a cozy Saturday morning breakfast at home with my wife.  Freshly brewed coffee for dipping a home-baked rusk or two.  A bowl of hot creamy wheat porridge sweetened with a spoon of crystallized honey.  Perhaps a few slices of toast with a soft poached egg, maple-glazed crispy bacon and sweet basil pesto on the side.  Or else some home-made vanilla waffles with fruit slices, berry compote and a healthy dollop of whipped cream!  On those days it’s only a matter of time before we’re sent spiralling into a food coma, forcing the rest of the day to be spent lazing with a book or playing board games.  Admittedly, this idealistic Saturday start-up is a rarity in our home.  Perhaps that’s why it remains one of my favourite treats!

Since moving to Canada I’ve learnt that another popular meal is “breakfast for supper”.  I’m still not sure about this one.  Although when we have had this for dinner it is strangely satisfying, and perhaps even decadent, because the natural progression is to fall into bed after these “breakfasts”.  That seldom happens after those rare Saturday morning indulgences I referred to before!

Another real treat is going out for a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast.  Best enjoyed with family or close friends, this is arguably my next favourite breakfast meal pleasure.

Here is a list of our favourite breakfast go-to spots in Calgary.

We love these locations because their great food, service and “atmos-feel” enrich our connection encounters with our brekkie-buddies.  And that, after all, was the reason for meeting here in the first place!

Alforno Bakery and Café:

• My hot beverage of choice: London fog
• My breakfast of choice: Smashed avocado (or) Eggs benedict – mushroom and brie
• Location: West Eau Claire SW (Downtown)
• Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-9pm; Saturdays 8am-9pm; Sundays 8am-5pm; Holidays 9am-4pm
• Parking: paid street parking
• Accessibility: wheelchair-friendly; cyclist-friendly (including access to free air!)
• Atmos-feel: fresh, light, spacious, welcoming
• Seating: adequate, comfortable and varied seating
• Food: fantastic freshly baked goods, sandwiches, breakfasts, lunches, dinner and desserts made on the premises
• Wi-Fi: free
• Additional offerings: fireplace; outdoor patio (heated); bar
• Website: http://alforno.ca/
• IG: @alfornoyyc

Bro’Kin Yolk:

• My hot beverage of choice: Latte
• My breakfast of choice: Chicken & waffles (or) Short rib hash
• Location: Creekside NW & Mahogany SE
• Hours: Daily 7.30am-3pm
• Parking: Free; shared parking lot
• Accessibility: wheelchair-friendly
• Atmos-feel: clean, light, always a-buzz with activity
• Seating: adequate; mixed booths and tables
• Food: breakfast, lunch, coffee
• Wi-Fi: Free
• Additional offerings: patio (seasonal)
• Website: https://www.brokinyolk.ca/#home-section
• IG: @brokinyolk
• Note: weekend wait times can be very long; consider using their waitlist feature

Dairy Lane:

• My hot beverage of choice: Hot chocolate
• My breakfast of choice: Stuffed french toast – sweet (or) Avocado toast
• Location: Kensington NW
• Hours: Daily 8am-9pm; holiday hours may vary
• Parking: free neighbourhood parking – be aware of zone restrictions
• Accessibility: wheelchair-friendly
• Atmos-feel: warm, cozy, personal, always busy
• Seating: limited tables
• Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Wi-Fi: not available
• Additional offerings: patio (seasonal)
• Website: http://www.dairylanecafe.ca/
• IG: @dairylane_yyc

OEB:

• My hot beverage of choice: regular drip coffee
• My breakfast of choice: The Soul-in-a-bowl (or) French toast trifle
• Location: Downtown; Bridgeland NE; Mission SW; Edmonton; Vancouver; Scottsdale
• Hours: Times vary; consult per location
• Parking: paid street parking
• Accessibility: wheelchair-friendly
• Atmos-feel: bustling, vibey
• Seating: booths and tables
• Food: extensive breakfast-focussed soul-food menu
• Wi-Fi: Free
• Additional offerings: none needed since the menu and food are exceptional!
• Website: http://eatoeb.com/
• IG: @oeb_breakfast
• Note: weekend wait times can be very long; consider using their waitlist feature

Patisserie du Soleil Bakery & Cafe:

• My hot beverage of choice: Truffle hot chocolate
• My breakfast of choice: Breakfast poutine (or) Banana bread french toast
• Location: Woodbine SW
• Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm; Sun 7am-4pm; Holidays closed
• Parking: general parking lot, free
• Accessibility: wheelchair-friendly
• Atmos-feel: open, clean, friendly
• Seating: adequate
• Food: traditional and signature French pastries; breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches & entrees
• Wi-Fi: Free
• Additional offerings: patio (seasonal); cyclist-friendly; beer & wine available; external catering services & wholesale
• Website: https://www.patisseriedusoleil.com/
• IG: @patisserieyyc
• Note: easy access to Fish Creek Park makes this a great refreshment stop for cyclists and Park-goers!

Red’s Diners:

• My hot beverage of choice:
• My breakfast of choice: Breakfast poutine (or) Banana bread French toast
• Location: 4^th Street SW; Kensington NW; and Ramsay SE
• Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat & Sun 7am-4pm
• Parking: paid and free neighbourhood parking – be aware of zone restrictions
• Accessibility: wheelchair-friendly
• Atmos-feel: diner- / farm-style, vibey
• Seating:
• Food: breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads
• Wi-Fi: Free
• Additional offerings: each location is independently owned so visit and discover your unique favourite!
• Website: http://redsdiner.com/
• IG: @redson4th @redsdinerkensington @redsdinerinramsay
• Note: weekend wait times can be very long; consider using the NoWait App to reserve a place in line.

Look out for more upcoming destinations we have on our list to explore from the spring.  I’m sure you’d be interested in reading about my favourite Go-to Calgary coffee hide-outs, my favourite ice cream escapes, or my 2018 Asian food favourites in Calgary’s northeast.

In the meantime share your favourite brekkie spot with us in the reply section below so we can also get in on the good stuff happening in and even beyond Calgary.