Monday, June 23, 2008

A Canoe Brunch


I've been to Canoe many times in the past few years. (Something I had to tell my waiter, as well.) The first couple of times, about eight years ago, I was totally impressed. (But, then again, the nicest restaurant I had been to at that point in my life was a Maggiano's for a pre-Homecoming dinner.) But, my last few visits, I haven't left scheming of how soon I can go back and who I'm going to take.

Well, when I asked my Dad where he wanted to go for a Father's Day/Birthday Brunch, Canoe was his quick reply. Who am I to turn my old man down? Plus, I've never been to Canoe for brunch (and probably never would on my own) so this seemed like a good opportunity to give it a try.

We started the meal off with a basket of sweet and savory scones.

From front to back: Bacon Cheddar Chipotle, Ginger Walnut, Cranberry, and Plain

The scones were good - not amazing but certainly not terrible. I do have to wonder why they stuck in a plain scone, though. You'd think they would want to get creative with that fourth scone!

I chose to just go crazy-all-out and got the Buttermilk-Cornmeal Pancakes. I have to say, these were quite tasty and I have had many a pancake in my life. (I didn't even touch the syrup that came with them, as the fruit was plenty sweet enough.)


C-Dub got the Brioche French Toast, as he found the idea of banana-mascarpone completely irresistible. He had no complaints - especially since he stopped himself from eating every single bite in order to keep from becoming stuffed and sick later.


My Dad ordered "The Riverside" which is applewood bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and french toast. I can't say much about this, as I only snuck a bite of his hash browns (which taste like waffle fries from Chick-fil-a, strangely enough) but his plate was pretty clean at the end of the meal. (Although that doesn't mean that much for my Dad, honestly.)



My Dad's wife had the Crispy Rock Shrimp Salad, which she seemed to enjoy.

Overall, I would say it was a very pleasant brunch. There is no disputing that Canoe has a lovely view that makes for a nice Mother's Day or Easter brunch with the family. But for a casual weekend brunch, I'd choose a place like Ria's or Gato Bizco over Canoe any day.

What about you?

Canoe
4199 Paces Ferry Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30339

770.432.2663
www.canoeatl.com.

P.S. - For all those wondering what I gave my Dad for his Father's Day/Birthday gift, I gave him Ted Allen's Cookbook and David Lynch's Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness,and Creativity

3 comments:

Glue and Glitter said...

Ohman, those pancakes look out of control! The food looks awesome, but I agree...supercasual brunch is where it's at. If it weren't so far, I'd say THE GRIT.

Someone was telling me the other day that Pura Vida has a really good brunch. I'm so curious!

GrabMoL said...

Oh yeah, The Grit is awesome. I always try to go to The Grit for brunch when I am in Athens. (And I always get the same thing, too!)

Also, while we're talking about brunch in Athens, eating brunch at the bar at Five & Ten is pretty great. Love that fruit plate and endless cups of coffee!

Unknown said...

yummy photos :)
-Broderick