Last Sunday I brunched with friends at Cafe Belong on the grounds of Evergreen Brickworks…it’s the second time I’ve been there and the food is way too delish not to write about. If you are unfamiliar with Evergreen Brickworks, it’s a unique community environment center that inspires visitors to live, work, and play more sustainably – open year round in the heart of Toronto’s Don Valley. On the grounds, deteriorating heritage buildings have been turned into a global showcase for green design and urban sustainability. In the middle of the property is where you will find Cafe Belong, light and airy from the massive floor to ceiling windows.

Staying within the theme of Evergreen Brickworks, everything the resto does is organic, local and sustainable – meaning the most tasty, clean and fresh meals you can think of. Another thing that makes this spot unique is that the menus change seasonally and are adapted to feature and reflect the best local ingredients around. For winter brunch, you can expect to find the yummy St. Lawrence Salad, Smoked Trout, gargantuan French Toast, Croque-Ravine, Grilled Hanger, Mussels, and communal sharing meals in either vegetarian, meat, fish, or chef’s choice…just to name a few options. And of course, the usual side brunch options of eggs done the way you desire, thick strips of meaty bacon, homemade/in-house buttermilk biscuits, etc.

Organic greens, Quinoa, Nuts (not shown here), Fruit and Goat Cheese (not shown here) with Browned Butter Vinaigrette – Small $14, Large $18

French Toast with Apple Cinnamon Compote & Warm Organic Maple Syrup $16

Croque-Ravine: a Maple Glazed Ham, Caramelized Onions and Toscano Grilled Cheese Sandwich Topped with Steamed & Butterd Greens $23

Pulled Port Hash with Poached Eggs & Hollandaise $20

If you like to spice up your brunch with some alcoholic bevys, Cafe Belong has some great options like:

The Breakfast Martini – Tangeray No. 10 Gin, Cointreau, Lemon Juice, and Orange Marmalade $13.25

Champagne Punch –Marashcino Liquor, Sherry, Lemon Juice, Soda and Sparkling Wine  $10.00

Renata’s Rum Punch –Kraken Rum, Rhubarb Bitters, Apple Cider, Sugar, Lime Juice, Angostura Bitters, Clove and Nutmeg $9

Winter Mojito –Bacardi 8 year Rum, Ginger Beer, Lime Juice, Cranberries and Mint $10.00

Sangre Peruana – Pisco, Noilly Pratt, Tomato Juice, Angostura Bitters and Simple Syrup $9.50

And if alcohol isn’t your thing, they have amazing fresh juices (which is to be expected), superb coffee/espresso and unique homemade sodas. I am beyond obsessed with their ginger soda…it is to die for. In Winter months the restaurant isn’t as busy but during Spring and Summer it is necessary to make reservations if you are dining in as it gets extremely busy for brunch on the weekends.

Food item prices for brunch range from $14 for the salad up to $80 for the communal platters. Majority of the plate options are in and around the $17-20 mark. You can view all their menus on the website www.cafebelong.ca

Cafe dining hours : M-F 11:30-10pm, Sat & Sun 11-10

Grab & Go Service: M-F 8-4, Sat 8-5, Sun 9-5

Cafe Belong  550 Bayview Avenue Toronto (Evergreen Brickworks) 416.901.8234

XO,

S