Located in the heart of the Entertainment District, Thoroughbred Food & Drink (@ThoroughbredTO) has just launched their brunch service. I dropped by for their lunch service shortly after they opened last summer and loved what was coming out of the kitchen. So when we were invited to check out their brunch, I didn’t have to think twice. And once again, we were thoroughly impressed.
Thoroughbred is brought to us by co-owners Chef Ariel Coplan (who has spent time working at George and David Lee’s Splendido), Jacob Fox (maître d’) and Robin Kemp (General Manager). Rest assured, you’ll be in good hands.
The restaurant is located in a great space with the bar area (complete with a dj station) taking up the first floor while the second floor features a more intimate dining experience which can seat up to 35 guests. A private room is also available on the second floor which features a Chef’s Table overlooking the open concept kitchen.
For brunch, we were seated on the sunny second floor dining room. I loved the decor with the exposed brick walls, hanging Edison bulb pendant lights and grey tables. Very warm and inviting!
We started our meal off with a Caes’ & Desist – gin, tequila or vodka with clamato, celery juice, worcestershire, habanero sauce, horseradish & pickles ($13). I decided to go with gin to change it up. It was a tasty caesar – nice and spicy with a delicious pickle skewer.
A drink that caught our eye was the Foie Gras Macchiato ($7). I just couldn’t resist! Made with foie gras infused milk and served in a caramel-rimmed cup, it was rich, thick and incredibly decadent! It would make for a great dessert.
With dishes like the filet ‘o giggy fish sandwich and brussel sprout caesar, you’ll definitely have a difficult time narrowing down what to order. The first dish we decided on was the Pig’s Face Breakfast Sandwich – bacon, cheese, fried egg ($11). Needless to say, it was a very indulgent breakfast.
The sandwich consists of pig’s head that has been ground and flattened into a patty and then fried to give it a crisp exterior. Paired with the bacon, cheese sauce and gooey fried egg yolk which enveloped the sandwich, it was a messy and satisfying dish.
Up next was the Reuben Benny – veal tongue, sauerkraut, hollandaise ($8). Thick cut slices of tender veal tongue, crunchy sauerkraut, a perfectly poached egg and hollandaise on carrot spice bread – what’s not to love? If you’re a fan of reubens, this is breakfast version is a no-brainer!
Since the mains don’t come with sides (and the prices reflect this), we supplemented our orders with the two sides on the menu. While the Cotechino & Rapini ($4) doesn’t exactly shout brunch, it was a really delicious side dish. I loved the bitterness of the rapini paired with the cotechnio sausage. The dollops of the hot sauce and sprinkling of parm tied it all together.
The other side offered is the Potato Wedges ($4). I’m normally not a fan of thicker cut potatoes but these were wonderfully done. Extra crispy, just how I like ‘em.
To end off the meal, we had the Pancake Party – huckleberry & creme fraiche ($6). You can add duck confit for an extra $5 but we did without. It turned out to be my favourite dish of the meal. Crispy on the outside with a light, fluffy interior. With a drizzling of maple syrup and reduced huckleberry sauce, these pancakes were absolute perfection!
Brunch is offered every Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm. With a deliciously inventive menu, you won’t be disappointed!
*This was a complimentary meal. The opinions in the post, as always, are my own.*
the pancakes look divine!!
This is making me hungry!