Monday, April 30, 2012

Restaurant review catch up: Fabarnak

519 Church St.


Trendy, comfortable ambiance, cheap, good eats AND part of an interesting social project at the Church Street community centre that "helps people with employment barriers to gain work experience under the guidance of a professional team of chefs and front-of house staff."



We went to this cool, laid back cafe for a Saturday morning brunch (the only day brunch is served). The menu selections were not vast, but they were well executed and priced.The menu is 60-per cent sourced from local farmers, which means its definitely food you can feel good about. It has also already been expanded and changed since I was there and the new additions (pulled lamb benny! Peruvian tacu tacu?!) The dinner menu was also inexpensive and served everything from beet and edamame salad for $5 or $9 to beef brisket for $12 or $17.

The brunch choices included some unique twists on classics. I had a Monte Cristo with Gruyere and back bacon, served with mildly spiced home fries alongside a homemade tomato and beet ketchup for $10. A huge and totally satisfying portion, which now reminds me it's also what I had at the Westerly for brunch, but I promise it's not my go-to brunch meal---must remember to review some of my fave huevos rancheros! Anyway, it was good, but didn't hold together as well as the one from the Westerly, a little flimsy, but still tasty! The only thing is the plate was a little bare without a nice little green salad, but I forgive.


My friend tried the Southern grits -- cold water shrimp, sausage, smoked tomato sauce, corn grits, cheddar cheese and topped with a fried egg. An interesting take on breakfast for $10, but a little heavy on shrimp taste and light on sausage.


The price, portion size, ethical motto and especially the ever-changing menu definitely have me wanting to return to Fabarnak for a casual meal very soon.


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