Review: Brew'd Awakening

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A photo posted by Sarah (@wingedsnail99) on Apr 25, 2015 at 10:31am PDT

I finally managed to get out to this cafe. It has been on my 'to-try' list since I first moved to Brandon but the Internet Cafe part of this establishment scared me off. I am not interested in the type of cafe that an 'Internet Cafe' calls to mind - dark, dingy, with rows and rows of computers from the 90s. Thankfully I gave this place a shot because it is nothing like the Internet Cafe's of old.

This cafe is bright, clean and cheerful. The decor reminds of 1950 Rock-a-billy with bright teal vinyl bench seating and primary colours. The music playing fit the theme as well. The computers available are in a circular desk and there are only about five of them. The tables are clearly designed to accommodate laptop computer users as one is board room style and almost all the booths would fit 6-8 people. There is a comfy leather couch in the back and some bistro-style metal tables near the front.

The menu is pretty standard cafe fair with the full range of espresso machine drinks available. I've been trying to limit my caffeine intake lately so I noticed that there is not much choice with regard to non-coffee 'fancy' drinks. There wasn't very many vegetarian food choices either. However the iced tea and cheese cake I had were both very good.  

However, the staff was quiet but very polite. Good service is ridiculously hard to find in Brandon so I am very glad to have had a good service experience at Brew'd Awakening. I will return!   

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Review: Azure

(Excuse the stock photo - the lighting was terrible!)

 

I've never attended a Winterlicious event before due mainly to the griping of fine dining restaurant staff about the busyness of the restaurant during this time. I always figured if I am going to drop that much money on one meal the service better be impeccable but when contacted for a complementary Winterlicious dinner for two at Azure I gladly accepted - if only to see what the hype about Winterlicious was all about.

I intentionally picked a reservation time that would be the least busy to avoid any server burnout (which means I ate supper with all the senior citizens!) Our server was friendly and we (my husband and I) really enjoyed the meal and atmosphere. We are not 'fancy' people so I went in jeans and my husband went in combats (ps. He is in the military). However, most people in the restaurant were dressed up which I found weird because the restaurant is, after all, attached to a hotel. 

The music was loud and very pop/clubby but the restaurant was well lit and remained so throughout the night. The wait staff knew who ordered what - which I appreciate because I dislike having meat meals waved around my face! There was one host guy who didn't introduce himself but walked around and talked to people - he was the only staff member that made me uncomfortable.  

On to the food!

I had the Dried Cranberry and Apple Salad which was made interesting with the addition of honeycomb and brie. My main was butternut squash risotto which was the only vegetarian option. It was heavy and slightly sickening while not tasting of butternut in the least. 

My husband had the Parsnip Bisque and the Osso Bucco. He didn't complain - which is the most anyone can expect of him.  He did state that they shouldn't have the tv tuned to CP24.

We got all three of the desserts! Cafe Mocha Chocolate cake, apple carmel cheesecake and banana walnut ice cream. The cheesecake and the banana ice cream were amazing.    

Overall, this restaurant really needs to step up their vegetarian game but the service and atmosphere made for an enjoyable evening.  


The Small Print: I was provided a complementary Winterlicious dinner for two at Azure. 

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To try in T.O.

I have completed my time in Ottawa and finally, finally, finally get to move back (and back in with my husband) to Toronto! I have missed the never ending supply of new markets, new ingredients, new restaurants, and new food people to meet! This little country girl has fallen in love with the city.

With that in mind, here is a list of things I can't wait to do/eat in Toronto!

1. Barrel-aged Cocktails: Although this concept has the potential to really rock, I feel like the commercial version will be lacking (and expensive). Perhaps I'll DIY it!

2. Hot Beans is an amazing burrito place in Kensington Market. I have been there twice (on various weekend trips to the city) and it's gosh-darn-tasty! It's also uber cheap and filling. Hot Beans is a perfect stop before walking around the market! I hope to be back regularly!

3. ONoir: This has been on my list since long before I moved to Ottawa. I hear the food is only mediocre, but the experience is awesome.  

4. The Hogtown Vegan: You had me at Pulled Unpork Poutine. The website is pretty but sparse. Check out their facebook page for more details.

5. Memories: Walking to the Junction, renting movies from Big Daddy's, ordering the Tofu Caesar Salad from The Beet, and drinking a peanut butter hot chocolate from Delight.

Here's to old memories and new traditions!

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