O'somae
O'somae is a brunch spot with delectable brunch boxes of chicken waffles and avocado toast along with duck and crab-cake eggs Benedict.
The boxes, which come packed with brunch foods and are best enjoyed in a park, went viral on TikTok thanks to spots like Light Cafe, but O’somae is providing some competition.
Those flocking to the restaurant can enjoy the one-of-a-kind wall mural. Created by artist Adrianne Chan, a Toronto illustrator and artist, the butterfly wings have Sailor Moon and her sailor scouts on one side and a bunch of bunnies on the other.
The boxes are sold out by the afternoon most days and come in four options of duck confit, avocado toast, a standard farmer's breakfast and chicken waffles, for which the crispy fried chicken is generously breaded in-house.
They all come with Cajun home fries, house salad and fresh fruits in a small cardboard pizza box.
Coming with two nicely sized pieces of boneless chicken thigh, four pieces of fluffy waffle (the batter is made here) and the various sides, the chicken waffles ($18) is a large breakfast for one or a lighter shareable picnic for two.
Maple syrup, as well as a homemade berry chutney that's definitely not just a standard blueberry jam thanks to a few added ingredients, are also provided.
I'm told one of the most popular of the boxes is the Farmer's Breakfast ($15). The standard homestyle breaky is a safe bet for newcomers.
It'll get you two eggs any style, a strip of bacon, sausage, slices of toasted sourdough and a chipotle bean salad. Made with white kidney beans, chipotle mayo, sunflower seeds and a few other add-ons, the dip goes well with anything in the box.
There are also four types of eggs Benny on the menu including a crab cake option ($20). This one comes with two eggs (poached to your liking), snow crab claws and sliced avocado on a pair of pan-seared crab cakes, topped with a creamy Bearnaise.
The crab claws taste fresh and have a slight sweetness to them while the patties of minced crab meat they come with add a lot of richness.
A few breakfast poutines also add to the list of offerings. The one we try pairs hand-cut Yukon fries with a generous helping of shredded duck confit made from duck fat and stock. After marinating for hours, the duck is prepared on the stove with some pear and a mix of rosemary and other fresh herbs. The rich and salty dish comes covered in sriracha ($14), with the caramelized pears there for a bit of added freshness.
One of the fusion iced teas will be a refreshing add-on to brunch. Coming in flavours like herbs and berries and orange passion with orange papaya flakes, passionfruit, lemongrass, honey and green tea, they're made with loose leaf tea from Social.
Herbs and berries ($6) is one of the most popular and has raspberries, gooseberries, lemongrass, butterfly pea, rosebud blossoms and honey in place of sugar.
O'Somae offers a unique menu when it comes to brunch drawing people in, most famously for their well-filled brunch boxes that are best enjoyed at Riverdale Park, just a five-minute walk up the street.
Fareen Karim