Is there a meal more perfectly indulgent and utterly unique than brunch? Afterall, there are few other times when it’s socially acceptable, even encouraged, to eat whipped cream in the morning, or pair your eggs with champagne.
On top of the unique flavour combos, brunch seems to bring with it a slower pace – it’s not a breakfast quickly washed down with coffee on your way out the door to work, or a mediocre lunch speedily eaten on your break or over your computer – it’s a lazy morning meal best accompanied by friends laughing around the table. So next time you’re looking to amp up your brunch and pair it with a little retail therapy to keep the good times rolling even away from the table, check out one of the following spots all easily visited during a daytrip from Ottawa.
Mill Street Crepe Company
Located in the charming town of Almonte, this creperie offers a taste of France without having to cross the Atlantic and is a must-visit whether you prefer a savoury or sweet option for your weekend indulgence. Slice into a crepe loaded with double smoked bacon and creamy brie, enjoy a bit of a Canadian twist with mouth watering pulled pork topped with local maple syrup, or enjoy the rich hazelnut flavour from a Nutella-filled crepe.
Post-Brunch: With your body sufficiently fueled by crepes, take a post-brunch stroll down Mill Street to discover unique finds for your home and self at boutique shops like Tin Barn Market, Doree’s Habit, and Cheerfully Made Goods.
Krave Bistro
If you’re looking to take your brunch to the next level, this bistro in downtown Arnprior might be exactly what you’re searching for with options like the Royal Omelette including bacon, brie, lobster, and bearnaise sauce. On top of this more extravagant brunch, they also offer more classic breakfast options, as well as some with a bit of a twist – think breakfast tacos, crab cake bennies, and breakfast pizza.
Post-Brunch: Continue embracing the high life by spoiling yourself and upping your wardrobe game during a visit to Arnprior’s A Dash of Fab and Jade & Laney.
The Nook Creperie
Treat your tummy to a cozy trip to Paris during brunch at this creperie in downtown Pembroke. Indulge with crepes packed with things like creamy brie, caramelized onions, prosciutto, or a French toast filling. With brunch side options including a seasonal yogurt and fruit parfait, or jalapeno cheddar waffle hashbrowns (um, yes please!) and crepes spanning from traditional to unique, and sweet to savoury, your taste buds will quickly discover the joie de vie.
Post-Brunch: Keep your taste buds jumping for joy even after brunch with a visit to The Urban Gourmet Co. and continue on the cozy-train by popping into Pick-it-Fence downtown Pembroke to uncover unique home décor items, warm blanket scarves, comfy Ottawa Valley Apparel, and more.
Café Whim
With Saturday brunch options at this Smiths Falls’ café including items like the breakfast charcuterie plate (yes, you read that right) and a skillet breakfast smothered in gooey cheese, this spot is definitely perfect for a weekend indulgence. This café is particularly known for its award-winning sandwiches and pays homage to this with breakfast sandwiches and wraps available on top of the Saturday brunch options and during regular weekdays.
Post-Brunch: One of the great things about Café Whim is that it’s located in Davidson Courtyard, meaning you’re just steps away from being able to browse through unique furniture as well as new and vintage décor at The Gilded Monarch, or to look for gourmet culinary supplies and gifts at The Mercantile Gourmet Gift Shop.
Whitewater – Lakeside
The weekend brunch items change weekly at this lakeside brew pub, so there’s no guaranteeing what you can expect to see on the menu, but the key categories never change with Sweet, Meat, Egg, and Healthy specials each week. With their staples, the Full on English Breakfast and Whitewater Breakfast available every weekend and brunch bevvies like the Smoky Caesar and classic Mimosa, this is a spot for friends to come together to laugh and celebrate local flavours.
Post-Brunch: Just a short drive from this Cobden-based brew pub lies the quaint town of Renfrew, where you can shop along the main street to find your next fave look at places like A Dash of Fab and The Shoe Lounge, and indulge your sweet tooth at J&J’s Chocolate Sensations.