Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.
mikecohen.ca and @mikecohencsl
From a single restaurant in 1993 to a growing international brand, Eggspectation has expanded across Canada, the United States and the Middle East. With each new location, the group stays true to its mission of delivering excellence and creativity to every guest experience.
Last summer I began travelling to Toronto a little more often for family reasons, staying in the downtown area. I was delighted to discover that just a few blocks away from where I was staying, there stood an Eggspectation locale. It is on Bay Street just inches away from an entrance to the Eaton Centre on Albert Street. Naturally, this has become a “go-to” spot for me on my subsequent trips. Most recently, I reunited with an old friend from Montreal whom I have barely seen over the past three decades. He lives an hour away in the suburb of Thornhill, but works downtown, so it was a convenient place to meet
There are more than 100 plus items on the Eggspectation menu and this place is a lot more than just breakfast. This particular location is particularly popular. On the morning we had breakfast, the dining room was packed and the seasonal patio was filling up as well.
Sazu, who has worked for Eggspectation for 23 years, was our server. I went for the All American: two free-range eggs prepared over easy with smoked bacon, thick-cut ham and sausage. It was served with their trademark Lyonnaise-style potatoes. A few weeks earlier I sat down with company President and CEO Enzo Renda at the Complexe Desjardins location (always one of my favorites) and he urged me to try the S’mores French Toast: a Brioche French toast sandwich with Nutella, mini marshmallows, strawberry, banana and Graham crackers.
My friend Michael ordered the Southwest Sunrise, sauteed red and green peppers with cheddar cheese topped with strips of freshly sliced avocado, fresh Pico de Gallo, sour cream, and fresh jalapeños.
Sazu told me that the eggs benedict items are usually the most popular items on the menu.
Enzo Renda, who works closely with his son Bennett, spends half of the year on the road building the brand. “I always envisioned being international,” he told me.
There are presently two locations in Montreal (de Maisonneuve is the other), one in Toronto, two in Ottawa and one in Richmond, BC, near Vancouver. The United States presently has 11 franchises and four more under construction. Then come four in Dubai and another in Pakistan. At one time there was a presence in New Delhi, India and Egypt.
In the United States, Eggspectation locations are open until 9 pm with complete dinner menus.
In Toronto, other faves include French crepes, Belgian waffles, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, pastas, burgers, seafood, steak and—of course—eggs benedict!
This attractive location has two entrances, one interior via an office building and another off of Albert Street. There are 90 seats inside, including 12 at the bar and 90 more on the patio.
There is handicapped access via the office building and the Albert Street entrance,
Eggspection Toronto is located at 483 Bay Street, #130. For more information, call 416-979-3447 or log on to www.eggspectation.ca. It is open from 7 am to 4 pm weekdays and 7 am to 5 pm on weekends. Franchises worldwide are available and you can get more details on the website.
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