The first hallmark of a great brunch is when it seems impossible to decide what to get because everything on the menu sounds so damn good. At The Flying Pig, where they've recently launched a new brunch menu, you'll want to order a drink, enjoy the complimentary banana bread that arrives at your table, and settle in for your key eating decisions.
Of course, you'll first have to decide if you'll be whetting your appetite with a cup of coffee, a mimosa, a smoothie, Gramma's Bloody Caesar, or their signature Bacon Bourbon Sour. It's a tough call - I went for the Caesar, and it was a great call.
Gramma’s Bloody Caesar at The Flying Pig. Photo by Lindsay William-Ross.
Brunch options at The Flying Pig hit all the right comfort notes, spanning to include plenty for brunchers with a sweet tooth, such as a vanilla waffle with fresh fruit and berries or a buttermilk pancake with banana brulée and bourbon maple syrup.
Then there's the Brioche French Toast, which has now become my personal standard-bearer for French Toast. Two insanely thick slabs of brioche bread get their eggy custard dip then are crisped to a golden brown perfection, stacked, loaded with an oozy blueberry-blackberry compote, then are treated to a powdered sugar dusting and crowned with fresh whipped cream.
French Toast at The Flying Pig. Photo by Lindsay William-Ross.
Because life is all about balance, the savoury side of the menu aims to please the yang to the yin of the aforementioned masterful French Toast. You can keep it traditional with things like the Country Style Breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, greens, and toast) or a Classic Benny. Heads up that The Flying Pig rocks a weekly Benny special, too, that your server will outline for you.
Brunch sophisticates may be drawn to the Wild Mushroom, Asparagus, and Chevre Frittata, but since I can't seem to shake a recent trip to Paris from my sense memory, the Croque Madame was calling my name. Served on sourdough with over easy eggs, shaved ham, and melty gruyere, the Croque is a fun way to get a little bistro into your brunch, and bridge breakfast with lunch-ier fare.
Signature Corned Beef Hash at The Flying Pig. Photo by Lindsay William-Ross.
Lastly from the "Brekkie" side, The Flying Pig's Signature Corned Beef Hash is a decadent meld of corned beef, Lyonnaise-style potatoes (think plenty of golden, crispy, crunchy bits) a cheddar gratin, and a pair of fried eggs. A trip into the oven to melt the cheese makes the yolks too firm for fans of a runny yolk - my tip would be to request the eggs hang out on the side and you can do the final assembly at your table. You'll want that creamy yolk to team up with the meat and potatoes as you make your way through this savoury brunch hit.
Croque Madame at The Flying Pig. Photo by Lindsay William-Ross.
Now, if you are taking on brunch as a group - or a very ambitious duo - The Flying Pig does something pretty wicked with their brunch "platters." Your server will have the info on what is in the mix the weekend you're there, but in general you'll find a sweet, a savoury, a bit of meat and eggs, and some greens, all served up platter-style for sharing around the table. This is a win for both the hungry and the indecisive.
For those who veer towards the lunch side of a brunch menu (who are you?) The Flying Pig has you covered with salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, pasta, fried chicken and more.
The Flying Pig serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays as well as select holiday long weekends. They have locations in Vancouver in Yaletown, Olympic Village, and Gastown, as well as a restaurant in Victoria, if you're Island-bound.
