Spring is brunch season, and it’s a great meal to enjoy out as a family. Not only is it more affordable, kids tend to be awake during the late morning - and who doesn’t love a stack of pancakes? If you’re looking for some new places to go, here are some you may not thought of before.
1. The Beltliner. The Beltliner diner is wonderfully family-friendly - beside the beautifully restored Memorial Park, and the sandstone library in it, it’s a perfect weekend destination. Grown-ups will love the crisp fried chicken on waffles, and kids will adore the chocolate chip pancakes and fun cereal. The Beltliner is located at 243, 12 Avenue SW. Phone: 587-955-1555; Website: thebeltliner.com; Twitter: @TheBeltliner.
2. Alforno Bakery & Café. Alforno, the new bakery and café by the Teatro group, opened earlier this year on the downtown side of the Peace Bridge. It offers coffee and pastries, as well as more substantial meals. And with counter service, the wait is minimal. It’s a great place to stop if you’re out on a bike ride. Alforno Bakery & Café is located at 222, 7 Street SW. Phone: 403-454-0308; Website: alforno.ca; Twitter: @AlfornoBakery.
3. Sidewalk Citizen Bakery (in the Simmons Building). Sidewalk Citizen bakes some of the best pastries in Calgary - with counter service and sunny tables overlooking the river, it’s great for families. You can eat as much or as little as you like. And grown-ups can wash it all down with Phil & Sebastian Coffee, which is on the same level. When it’s nice out, it’s the perfect destination by foot or bike. Sidewalk Citizen (in the Simmons Building) is located at 618 Confluence Way SE. Phone: 403-457-2245; Website: sidewalkcitizenbakery.com; Twitter: @SidewalkSimmons.
4. River Café. The iconic River Café is gorgeous in the Spring and summer. If it’s out of your budget for dinner, brunch is the perfect opportunity to experience it. Park across Memorial Drive or by Eau Claire Market and take a walk through Prince’s Island Park. River Café is located on Prince’s Island. Phone: 403-261-7670; Website: www.river-cafe.com; Twitter: @RiverCafeYYC.
5. The Nash. The Nash, in the iconic National Hotel in Inglewood, is a great, sunny brunch spot with a wide range of dishes and house-made bread and butter. While you digest, take a stroll and visit the shops up and down 9th Avenue. The Nash is located at 925, 11 Street SE. Phone: 403-984-3365; Website: thenashyyc.com; Twitter: @thenashyyc.
Julie is a food editor for ParentsCanada, a best-selling cookbook author, food writer, cooking instructor, and the food and nutrition columnist on the Calgary Eyeopener on CBC Radio. For more information, visit dinnerwithjulie.com. And be sure to check out her and Elizabeth Chorney-Booth’s website, rollingspoon.com, or on Twitter, @RollingSpoon, exploring their mutual love of music and food.
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