Bacon Caesar: Bacon-infused vodka, clamato

We always enjoy a French-inspired meal at Tableau Bar and Bistro, a spot that’s become a Coal Harbour fixture for delicious dining, late night drinks and brunch.

Tableau Bar and Bistro brunch-3

Due to high demand, the bistro recently decided to open its doors for brunch on Saturdays as well, and invited us out to enjoy a fancy late-morning feast on their covered street side patio.

With a much-needed break in Vancouver’s summery heat (and forest-fire smoke!), the patio proved just the ticket for relaxing al fresco dining, with a view into the charming restaurant through the front windows.

1181: Gin, elderflower, lemonade, sparkling wine
[The patio-sipping 1181: Gin, elderflower, lemonade, sparkling wine]

There’s a choice of three brunch cocktails (bacon caesars, mimosas, 1811’s), but if you’re not imbibing, try their coffee drinks made with 49th Parallel Coffee, loose-leaf teas or freshly-squeezed orange juice.

Croissant, carrot cake muffin, pain au chocolate

Tableau’s patisserie basket includes a flaky croissant, pain au chocolat, muffins and danish, perfect for nibbling in between brunch favourites such as croque monsieur (made into a madame with the addition of a free-range egg on top), frittatas, chicken and waffles, and other brunch staples created with French flair courtesy of Quebec native Executive Chef Marc-André Choquette.

Mushrooms on toast: Fried egg, creamy mushrooms, toasted brioche
[Mushrooms on toast: Fried egg, creamy mushrooms, toasted brioche]

My husband enjoyed the mushrooms on toast (a house favourite) served on a toasted brioche, topped with creamy mushrooms, a fried egg and nicely-seasoned jus while I found the madame a decadent highlight of our meal, rich yet not greasy.

Croque-Madame, free-range egg, frites
[Croque Madame, free-range egg, frites]

A selection of cheese made its way to our table served with dried fruits, pickled veggies and a basket of toasted bread slices. You can mix and match from an assortment of local meats and (local and imported) cheeses to create a cheese, charcuterie, or combination plate for sharing.

Fresh cheese selection: Camembert, goat's, manchego
[Fresh cheese selection: Camembert, goat, manchego]

Spaëtzle, pork belly, mushrooms, kale, egg
[Daily special: Spaëtzle, pork belly, mushrooms, kale, egg]

Seafood lovers will be happy to find a few oyster selections (east and west coast) on the brunch menu as well as Steelhead trout.

Pistachio & olive oil cake, Saskatoon berry compote, yogurt gelée, pistachio meringue
[Pistachio and olive oil cake, Saskatoon berry compote, yogurt gelée, pistachio meringue]

A thoughtful dessert menu will leave you choosing between lemon tart, crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and our favourite discovery, pistachio and olive oil cake, a light, flavourful way to cap a meal, served with yogurt gellée, Saskatoon berry compote and pistachio meringue bites.

Berry financier with almond puff, fresh fruits, strawberry sorbet
[Berry financier with almond puff, fresh fruits, strawberry sorbet]

We also saved some room for a very tasty berry financier with almond puff, fresh fruit and house-made strawberry sorbet (the daily special on the weekend of our visit).

Marc-André Choquette, Executive Sous Chef Henry Wong and their team have come up with a lovely menu using local ingredients that’s sure to please your weekend cravings.

Tableau Bar and Bistro brunch-1

Tableau Bar and Bistro is open for lunch, afternoon snacks and drinks (2:30 to 5:30 pm), dinner, weekend brunch (10:30 am to 2:30 pm) and late night drinks (Friday and Saturday until 11 pm). Find Tableau at 1181 Melville Street in Vancouver.

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