Cravings Market Restaurant


I’ve had my eye on Cravings Market for a while. Probably since it opened quite a few years ago. Since I was in the mood for vegetarian and hubby steak, I choose a place which could accommodate both our desires. When we left our place, it was lightly snowing. More on that later.

The restaurant has an interesting format. It’s laid out like a market with stations catering to different types of cuisine. For example, salad, stir fry main course and dessert. Each diner is issued a card. Walk up to the station, order, present the card. Servers will bring it to the table. Go right to the hostess stand to pay, no need to ask for the bill at the table. They also do take out.

I had the three salad sampler with mixed vegetables, quinoa, roasted beet and mandarin with a skewer of shrimp. Hubby had the prime rib special with roasted potatoes, carrots, zucchini, yorkies and gravy. For dessert, I had tiramisu and Rosso’s decaf. The coffee was heavenly. Hubby had chocolate mousse. Everything was delicious and freshly made. Their chefs can customize your selection and cook to order. There was enough variety for even the pickiest of eaters. Even though they don’t have a kids menu, my kids could easily eat from the regular menu. Beware though, the portions are very generous.

The service was very good. I do recommend this restaurant for special occasions. It is family friendly, so there might be an element of noise if kids are there.

We stepped out to a heavy spring snowstorm. We would learn later, that many cars had gone into the ditch on highways around town. We had about 25 cm of accumulation that didn’t melt right away. We made it home safely with careful driving.

Cravings Market Restaurant Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Eative Film Cafe

I wanted to try something different for breakfast. As my sister would say, funky breakfast. I was considering a south Indian place, but it turned out that they didn’t open until 11am even though they advertised a breakfast menu on their website. In our travels through Kensington Market the previous day, we noticed the Eative Film Cafe. Japanese cafes and such seem to be on trend in Toronto these days so we were eager to check it out. We noticed the Japanese breakfast options on the menu, in addition to the classic ones.

We arrived before the horde did at 10am. Order at the counter and they deliver to your table. I was intrigued by the purple rice balls. So I chose the Tokyo omelette. I added some extra avocado. It came with a side of miso soup. I also ordered an Americano. I was quite impressed with the rice balls. I prefer a healthy breakfast. The flavour was a subtle one of wild rice. It went well with the omelette.

My sister enjoyed the Sapparo breakfast. It came with a side of coleslaw and tangy mayo. It seemed like a good combination.

This cafe is also known for its 24K gold flake ice cream, which is another item that is trendy in Toronto. They also carry cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, which is in demand. The waits are up to 3 hours at their only location in Toronto.

They also have classic breakfast, weekend brunch and Japanese street food. Well worth another visit.

Tokyo Omelette
Roasted Seaweed, Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Mushroom, Sun Dried Tomato, Grilled Onion, Avocado served with Japanese Onigiri (Multigrain Purple Rice Ball) & Miso Soup

Sapporo Breakfast
Tamago Yaki (Rolled Scrambled Egg), 2 Sausages, 2 Onigiri (Purple Rice Ball with Seaweed), Miso Soup, House Salad

24K gold covered ice cream

A selection of Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes

Eative Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

OEB Breakfast Co.

I’m sorry… to make you wait. I’ve been waiting to write this post since… oh about October when I finally got around to checking out OEB Breakfast Co. at their downtown Calgary location. I’ve always wanted to go to their original location up Edmonton Trail, but never patient enough to play the waiting game. But I’m so glad that I did. That is, wait to go downtown.

First off, they are using the NoWait app. I love this app. Secured my spot in line just before we drove out the door. As we waited patiently for our table, I felt sorry for the walkins, just looking for a decent breakfast. No lineup in sight, to be told that the wait would be an hour.

The decor was most interesting. They got cracking on the egg motif. There was an egg shaped seating arrangement that I swear was straight out of Mork and Mindy. We were seated at the end of a long table that was made for sharing. I wouldn’t go for an intimate conversation unless you wanted to be best buddies with your neighbors.

The menu was more interesting. Think gourmet + breakfast. Lobster? Check. Crab? Check? Peking Duck? Check. Rabbit? Check. It sounds a like a who’s who of the best gourmet dining in town. I settled, I really did. For the croque madam. I’ll come back for the lobster next time, I promise.

The service was fast as my dish got served before I could figure out what to order for my next visit. It was very tasty with a rich hollandaise sauce. The richness of the dish was offset by the fruit plate on the side.

Our server was friendly, but as I commented to hubby, that this was a truly indulgent breakfast and not one to take lightly. Farewell for now, and next time I will be back with some foodie friends in tow.

Croque Madame
Sunny side eggs, brioche, tartufata, San Daniele prosciutto, Manchego cheese, fresh fruit

Menu, partial

OEB Breakfast Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Red’s in Ramsay

Feeling hungry after a session at the climbing gym, hubby and I decided to check out Red’s in Ramsay. It is really hard to find a brunch spot on weekends in Calgary, but Red’s uses the NoWait app which piqued my interest. It worked out really well for us. We arrived; we were seated ahead of a few other parties that were waiting. I wish that busy restaurants would use this more often. You don’t have to be at the restaurant to reserve your place in line.  It’s real time, unlike Open Table.

I dug into one of the specials of the day, turkey and bacon on marble rye with creamy chicken and vegetable soup. I found the food pretty average, but it was enough to satisfy a climbing appetite. Service was friendly, but a little spotty as they were busy. Nice location and definitely a neighborhood eatery.

Turkey and bacon sandwich with creamy chicken and vegetable soup
Turkey and bacon sandwich with creamy chicken and vegetable soup

Red's in Ramsay Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato