Blue Fox Breakfast

Breakfast is the most remarkably versatile meal of the day. Sweet and savory flavors mix together and create tantalizing dishes that make the stomach rumble. Despite my rather strong dislike of mornings, I truly enjoy a good breakfast restaurant. While in Victoria with my sister recently I was lucky enough to discover the Blue Fox Café. We arrived as they opened and were surprised to see the small crowd waiting outside. Somehow I believed that 8 am on a Sunday would be quiet, but the café was filled with good cheer and alluring smells.  

We were seated right away and offered organic coffee or a variety of teas. In retrospect I wish I had sampled the red chili mocha, but my earl grey tea was still delicious. The menu is filled with mouthwatering choices such as the Moroccan Chicken Benny (Moroccan spiced chicken breast, mushrooms, onions, sweet apple chutney, and hollandaise) and the Oranges del Sol French toast (cinnamon scented toast, vanilla velvet sour cream sauce, triple sec syrup, and fresh orange segments). When it came time to make a decision, my sister Tamra and I both went for the Huevos Rancheros. It can be somewhat risky ordering Mexican food in the Pacific Northwest, but the Blue Fox Café definitely impressed me.

Two fresh over easy eggs with beautiful dark orange yolks covered in spicy refritos, melted cheddar and jack cheese, avocado, and salsa; served with pan-fried potatoes and the option of chicken breast or pulled pork. I chose the pulled pork and was impressed by the large amount of food brought to us. The flavors were perfect, albeit less spicy than I would prefer. The pulled pork was rich in flavor although next time I may try the chicken, or just stick with the huevos on their own. The meal was filling and I was very sad to leave some of the delicious potatoes on my plate. Luckily the café serves breakfast all day so I can return without time constraints. For any breakfast lover, this is one restaurant not to miss.
   

Brunch at Ensemble Tap

I have never been much of a breakfast person. Despite my love of most breakfast food, not to mention my addiction to bacon, it just didn’t seem worth it to wake up early and eat. Which is why brunch is one of the best creations ever. Recently I received a coupon for a free mimosa with brunch at Ensemble Tap on Smithe. I visited the original Ensemble last year and was excited to try the new restaurant (and get my free mimosa). 

First of all, the mimosa was amazing! They come in guava flavor as well as orange and were delicious and perfect for brunch. I ordered the pulled pork with barbeque beans and was amazed by the depth of flavor in the bowl. The only problem was that the beans and pork were so well flavored that I couldn’t taste the poached eggs.  Despite this, the dish was excellent. I was lucky enough to have my mom as my brunch buddy and she ordered the three farm eggs with bacon. Despite the comparative simplicity of her meal, the eggs were amazing and had vibrant yellow yolks. Her plate also came with the best sourdough toast I have tasted at a restaurant. 

Overall the meal was excellent. There were some small imperfections, but I strongly believe that Ensemble Tap will become a popular new brunch place. And since I left with a new mimosa coupon, I definitely intend to visit again.