Ensemble Tap is now open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11-2. How could we not jump at the chance to have our breakfast cooked by Top Chef Canada, Dale Mackay? Mackay actually remains an approachable and down to earth chef, despite the fact that he has certainly garnered enough attention in the last while with last year’s opening of Ensemble AND Ensemble Tap, a win on Top Chef Canada and the recipient of the Vancouver’s “Worthy 30” (a list of the city’s most accomplished and unhitched). He continues to do what chefs do best (cook) and is almost in one of the two kitchens.
I heard he was manning the stoves on Saturday so headed in to check it out, as the menu looked appealing and I’ve had several well executed meals in the past at the spot.
The room is also one that pleases. It’s vast and spacious and seats almost 150 people in the 18-seat bar, 60-seat main dining room and 60-seat mezzanine. There are some communal tables, but also corners to escape to for more privacy. Music is maintained at a level where conversation is still possible; big screens are visible but not intrusive; and there’s an upbeat vibe in the air.
And what about the brunch? These were some of the most beautifully cooked eggs I’ve had – more restaurants should sit up and take note of how to poach and fry and egg like McKay does. We ordered the steak and eggs, a 9oz hanger steak, cut perfectly against the grain, tender and flavourful, topped with a roast tomato salsa and served with perfectly seasoned home fries. The eggs Benny came atop brisket, again a lovely slice of meat and the hollandaise was just the right consistency and finished with a pleasing lemony note. The accompanying salads seemed at first a little zippy, but as we delved into the meal, the acidity paired well with the perceived fattiness of the remainder of the plate.
The coffee here is just regular brewed for now, and I do like a latte, but the brand they use made up for the lack of an espresso machine. I asked afterwards, and it is Casa del Caffe, a local company that sells to restaurants wholesale. I may have to pick some up for home from their North Vancouver coffee shop.
Service is a little more casual than dinner (perhaps the servers are still getting into the grove of the earlier mornings), but nothing is really missing other than one or two more checks for coffee and water; easily improved as I am sure it will be.
We also viewed the pancakes, as they were being eaten by a friend of food photography. Reports were for thumbs up, but I will have to sacrifice myself and head back there to ensure the quality (of course I’ll have to check the eggs again).
Lunch items such as a burger, seared Albacore tuna, an Asian salad and sausage platter are available should breakfast food not be your thing, and of course there’s a great beer selection, cocktails and their signature guava mimosa.
Brunch Menu Highlights – March
- Crispy Bacon-Spiked Pancakes with Maple Syrup Butter. $11
- Brisket Benny: Two Poached Eggs, Brisket, Charred Tomato, Hollandaise, English Muffin, Home Fries. $13
- Breakfast Pork & Beans: Poached Eggs, Pulled Pork, BBQ Beans … $12
- Ensemble Burger & Kennebek Fries. $13 Add fried egg for $1.50
- 9oz Steak & Eggs with Home Fries $22
- House Sausage Platter & Pretzel $17
- Feature Beverage: Guava Mimosa $6
View the full brunch menu.
Call 604.566.9770 or email to reserve now
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