Abigail's Party
1685 Yew St (2 blocks up from Cornwall)
604. 739. 4677
http://www.abigailsparty.ca/
This cozy 20(ish) seat restaurant in trendy kits hits the spot for a tasty, reasonably priced brunch option. I am always on the lookout for new brunch spots that offer something a little bit different from the ordinary 2 eggs any style. I don't mind paying a little bit more, but I'd like the chef to put a spin on a classic. Abigail's does just that. Cam and I decided on this as a treat to ourselves for having to eat frozen pizza the night before (such a tough life). I had been warned about the long lines, but we ventured in on a holiday Monday at about 10am. We had no trouble getting seated right away, and there were a few more empty tables waiting for hungry, hungover kities.
I have issues when it comes to breakfast/ brunch. I want both sweet and salty on my plate. (on a side note, I love cafe Zen for this reason. I can get half a benny and half an order of waffles for practically the same price as 1 entree. warning: it is a lot of food!) Anyway, because this sweet/salty dilemma is a disorder of mine, I am constantly trying to convince Cam to order the opposite so that we can share. The 'S' word really gives him the chills. He somehow thinks that he is losing out...I haven't figured out how to convince him that it is brilliant idea! Anyway, he didn't go for the Belgian Waffles with bourbon maple syrup and brandied mascarpone crema for $9.95 (add free-range turkey sausage, double-smoked crispy bacon or Canadian bacon for $11.95). Instead, we disbanded and both went with the stronger salt craving. I had a delicious bowl of everything good in the world. I've been told that Bison meat is a very lean option when it comes to the red-meat variety. I forget to look for it when I am grocery shopping, but it caught my eye on the menu. Here is how the menu describes my dish....just try to say no to it...I dare you! "Bison Short Rib Hash: Tender, slow-cooked bison short ribs, fresh baby spinach, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, red new potatoes and two poached eggs, topped with freshly made hollandaise and served with mullti-grain toast $12.95. Hello?! You had me at tender... Well, it tasted as amazing as it sounds! I was trying to be good, so I got the hollandaise on the side. Not sure why I even bother as I was using my cold toast as a vessel to get every last morsel out of the bottom of the ramekin.
If I see the words chorizo, double-smoked, or guacamole, I know in an instant that Cam is a goner. He chose my 3rd choice; California Dungeness Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict with fresh guacamole $12.95. He added a side of Canadian bacon for $2.75. Instead of an english muffin, they made perfect muffin shaped crab cakes that the medium poached eggs sat on top of. He reluctantly gave me a bite, but I wanted MORE.
There is an online option to make a reservation, through open table, but when I tried for 9:30 I was told the only opening was for 10:30. They obviously limit the online bookings as to allow for walk in guests. If you are going with 3 or more, I would definitely make a reservation, especially on the weekend. Come patient, leave comfortably full!
I know the whole point of this endeavour is to find great spots where two can dine for under $30, and Abigail's party (without the add on's) just cuts the bill....barely.
Bison short rib hash ($12.95)
Dungeness crab cake Egg's benedict ($12.95)
