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Eggs Benedict Day brings out creativity in Vancouver chefs

Pulled pork, dungeness crab, corned beef, gluten-free...

Long gone are the days of an eggs benedict simply being composed of two English muffins, two poached eggs, two pieces of back bacon and hollandaise sauce. As everything else evolves, so too has the popular breakfast item. 

As if one needs an excuse to get their daily dose of eggs benedict, there is actually a national holiday that celebrates the egg dish, and it falls on April 16.  It is no longer just a Sunday brunch treat paired with a Caesar and a coffee, but rather an “any day of the week” indulgence. 

In an effort to find some delicious versions of the dish, whether unique or traditional, I have spent the last week sampling some around town. While I hardly put a dent on Vancouver’s eggs benedict scene, below are some restaurants that are serving it up for breakfast and/or brunch.

SAVE ON MEATS @saveonmeatsdine

Like a beacon of light, the glowing meat sign drew me in.

Mark Brand has gained a lot of attention for Save On Meats, both positive and negative. Whether you support him or not, there's no denying that the diner is providing affordable comfort food to Vancouverites from all demographic. This includes some tasty eggs benedicts, that pair well with a spicy Caesar. 

Corned Beef Eggs Benny ($8.95)

Save On Meats Corned Beef Egg Benny

Save On Meats Corned Beef Egg Benny

The corned beef on this dish is incredible, and unlike any corned beef that I’ve tasted in the past. The meat is sliced thick and cooked perfectly, adding textural contrast to the otherwise “soft” dish. The saltiness of the meat pairs beautifully with the creamy and tangy hollandaise sauce.

Would I order it on Eggs Benedict Day? I’d be crazy not to.  

West Coast Eggs Benny ($10.95)

Save On Meats West Coast Egg Benny

Nix the salmon lox bagel with cream cheese and opt for an English muffin with salmon blanketed in hollandaise sauce. 

For an eggs benny, this dish felt quite healthy - minus the homemade hashbrowns sitting in between each half, and the hollandaise sauce on top. The salmon was fresh and stood up against the sauce, which warranted it extra points on the tastiness scale.

Would I order it on Eggs Benedict Day? You bet.

HERONS AT THE FAIRMONT WATERFRONT @fairmontwf

Herons at Fairmont Waterfront

A great location; a rooftop apiary; engraved cutlery; Ocean Wise seafood. Enough said.  

Dungeness Crab Eggs Benny ($25)

Fairmont Herons Dungeness Crab Eggs Benny 

There is nothing more Vancouver than eggs benedict that utilizes our West Coast abundance of fresh, sustainable seafood. 

This may not be the first thing that I’d like to eat in the morning but after a mini yogurt parfait and a delicious, healthy energy drink made from rooftop honey, acai berry, Echinacea and prune juice, I was ready to dig in. I liked the flavours in this benny, even though aesthetically, with all neutral colors, it isn’t the most appealing. The hashbrown was a nice side dish with crispy strands of potato and cheese weaved in to the middle, while the skewer of fruit added a touch of color.

Would I order it on Eggs Benedict Day? Yes, but I’d split it with a friend and get waffles or French Toast as the second dish to ease my stomach in to the morning seafood while satisfying my sweet and savory tooth.

Traditional Eggs Benny ($21)

Fairmont Herons Traditional Eggs Benny

For a traditional eggs benny this was pretty sub-par, with one measly piece of ham that went almost unnoticed against the organic egg and rich hollandaise sauce. For four dollars more I would definitely opt for the Dungeness crab eggs benny. 

Would I order it on Eggs Benedict Day? That price is a bit high for a traditional benny, even if it is the Fairmont. 

COMMUNE CAFÉ @communecafe

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