Ally Visits 2016 - Hearty Brunch at Stella's Osborne

The last morning for the visit brought us to some old stomping grounds. Stella's Cafe & Bakery started out as a single brunch and cafe spot that has blossomed into an institution in Winnipeg. Known for its fresh baked breads, delicious jams and delightful takes on breakfast and brunch cuisine, Stella's expanded from its single location to all across Winnipeg, dazzling customers at a dizzying rate. It almost seems fitting then that we go to the beginning of it all, Stella's on Osborne.

Stella's is easily found on Osborne Street in the heart of the village sharing a building with an local FM radio station and an organic grocery market. Naturally the lineup outside this building was for Stella's though, and despite the swell of hungry customers, the restaurant did well to seat us and serve us in record time. The seating itself balloons outside of the restaurant proper and includes a number of small tables in the main walking foyer for the building, a thoughtful accommodation for the hoards hungry brunch-goers. The menu itself is the usual combination of breakfast items, both the typical and the more unique, mixed in with lunch sandwich and wraps and finished off with fun rice bowls, curries and stews. And while I was marveling at the amount of selection on the menu, we were there for their breakfast and brunch items.
I have an soft spot for Salmon Benedicts and was excited by Stella's rendition of the classic dish. There is nothing better for breakfast than breaking open a soft poached egg and having it spill over on a piece of delightful salmon and chewy bread. Thankfully the version here delivers the basics and adds on some flare. Stella's uses a scone instead of the usual English muffin, giving the bread a flakier and lighter texture. Onto that is a slice of smoked salmon: fatty, meaty and slightly chewy from the smoking process; and a perfectly cooked soft poached egg. Finishing the dish is a spinach lemon and fresh dill sauce adding further body and aroma to the final product. My side of choice was the Curry Cauliflower Soup, a slightly disappointing mash of soft cauliflower and potatoes in a Indian curry flavoured soup which was served too liquid-y and under seasoned.

My dining companion went for the Mexican Breakfast, a classic breakfast combination with influences from Southern USA and Mexico. Any mix of cheese, egg and meat is a good one for me and Stella's here takes tender refried beans and layers them on top of a corn tortilla and drizzles cheddar cheese and two perfectly cooked over-easy eggs. Opting for the chorizo sausage gave us a salty and slightly spicy bite of protein to compliment the soft eggs and tender beans. Salsa and Guacamole are also served on the side to give a further kick of flavour to the already delicious dish. Make sure to use the provided toast to soak up all the tasty juices!

Stella's on Osborne the same great breakfast and brunch food that Stella's has become known for in Winnipeg. And while the lines might be long (on a weekend or holiday morning) the service is quick and the food flavourful and great enough to make easily make up for the wait. A unique and delightful Winnipeg institution that should not be missed.