With the wealth of great Vancouver city eateries offering brunch menus, it would hardly seem a necessity for city dwellers to head outside the city borders for their weekend feast. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Burnaby’s EBO Restaurant and Lounge is one such place. And definitely worth the effort to get to!
[Cold fish assortment]
[Eggs Benedict with house-smoked salmon]
[Carved Prime Rib of Beef]
Their Sunday brunch ($30.95 per person, half price for 6-12 year olds, and free for kids up to 5) offers a wide range of delectables, ranging from Oceanwise-sanctioned seafood, to beautifully presented desserts prepared by Chef Romeo Maghirang, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at last year’s Quady Winery Dessert Competition. My husband and I recently had the chance to sample EBO’s brunch menu.
[Executive Chef Daniel Craig with Chef John Chang]
EBO’s kitchen is headed by Executive Chef Daniel Craig, whose team has won numerous awards over the years, including runner-up at last year’s Food Fight: The Battle for Brunch (being held this year on April 22) and a 1st Place Best of the West Award (also in 2011). EBO’s name derives from its East of Boundary location; its menu is described as refreshingly West Coast.
[Cinnamon and Orange French Toast]
[Steelhead with lobster emulsion]
[Chef John Chang preparing roti]
[Roasted pork]
[House Kim Chi]
[Fried shrimp purses]
Starting with a Mimosa, my husband and I worked our way through the “Design Your Own Omelette” area, to the seafood (sushi as well as tender, delicious Steelhead), made on the spot roti (a speciality of Chef John Chang; save room on your plate!) with curry sauce, an abundance of breakfast classics (I loved the Eggs Benny with house smoked salmon), carved prime rib, roast pork, chicken satay, charcuterie, local vegetables, and later on to the equally-impressive dessert area.
[Sacher torte]
[Eclairs, macaron, Red Velvet cake]
[Swan-shaped pineapple cream puff]
Coffee was served and a carafe left at the table. I would have preferred a stronger flavoured coffee though. The mimosa was a great start to the meal, which for us was a plate of smoked salmon, candied salmon, veggies and sushi. My husband loved the succulent rib while I found that the aforementioned roti combined beautifully with the tender Steelhead. Omelettes are light and fluffy. If you’re not a salmon fan, the bennies are also available with back bacon.
We aimed to try most of the dishes, but there were just too many! In other words, this brunch offers something for everyone, including the kids, who get their own table of colourful delights to choose from.
[A brunch selection just for kids]
[Kids desserts]
My favourite of dessert picks? I had two: the Kirsch torte, with a soft, sugary topping, and the tiny chocolate parfait, sitting in a white chocolate cup, topped with an incredibly flavourful raspberry jelly cube.
[Kirsch torte]
[Chocolate parfait with raspberry jelly]
Vegetarians can take advantage of numerous salads, cheese assortments, and of course those desserts!
The 12,000 square foot dining room has plenty of seating but I’d advise reserving ahead of time, especially if you’re making the ‘trek’ from Vancouver. As well, a private dining room can accommodate 14 guests (by reservation only and subject to either a booking fee or menu minimum).
EBO Restaurant and Lounge is located at the Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre and is adjacent to the Grand Villa Casino, 4331 Dominion Street. Sunday brunch is served from 11 am to 2 pm. Visit the website for more details.
Disclosure: We were part of a group of invited media and guests for March 11’s Sunday brunch.
