Brunch in Banff - The Juniper Hotel & Bistro

After a weekend of hiking, I was ready for a hungry man's breakfast! I stumbled out of bed, and into the bistro for the most beautiful stack of waffles I have ever seen. Honestly it was artwork, with it's almost structural, perfectly cooked waffles, layers of fresh fruit, curls of lemon zest and cloud of marscapone/creme fraiche hovering on top....u

It was both indulgent and light at the same time. A new favourite.

http://thejuniper.com/
Check out the map here.

Sakana Grill - New Year, New Service!

After a stressful work week my nerosis tend to emerge. But last week, Sakana Grill & it's staff managed to put each of these at ease.Paranoia:Upon reading previous reviews, I admit to being a bit weary to book here for a business lunch, but Sakana Grill was accomodating. I reserved in advance (and followed up twice) to ensure lunch hour seating for a group of 10 collegues. I also showed up 10 minutes in advance, which prompted staff to setup the table very quickly. Perfection: Our server (Kathy) was great, managing random drink orders, allergies, & special requests kindly. The chef surprised us with a complimentary spicy tuna roll to tie us over while deciding on orders. The sashimi was thick-cut and fresh! ("Sakana Special Sashimi) The rolls (Stampeder, Geisha, Rainbow, Dynamite, etc) were a hit in presentation, taste & size. Timely arrival of dishes made for a great social atmosphere, where everyone always had something to pick off of.Approval:Part way through the lunch one of the staff stopped in to show off an impromtu card trick. The meal was rounded out with complimentary dessert (frozen grape skewers) and pocky for the ladies. The foodie persona (which exists solely in my head) was ecstatic to receive accolades for my choice in dining experience at the Sakana Grill.

John's Breakfast & Lunch - Breakfast Blues :(

It was a sunny Sunday morning and my Urbanspoon app pointed me in the direction of John's as we were looking for a quick breakfast in the NW. We arrived and were fortunate to get patio seating right away....or so we thought. We quickly ordered, the menu items are all very reasonably priced, with the specials being around $8 for a loaded omelet (which my guest ordered) while I opted for the Eggs Benedict (~$9). We waited, then waited some more and had almost reached our 50min breaking point to walk away, when our food FINALLY showed up. Maybe it would have been understandable if the servers actually acknowledged us during our wait time, but seriously though, we ordered EGGS! And the special nonetheless! I likely could have pulled off grocery shopping plus made my own eggs in the same time period (note this is hypothetical seeing as I was extremely lazy that day). The food itself, was ok but unfortunately not worth the 50 minute wait.