When I moved to Toronto Dundas West was a desolate strip, with a few Portuguese bakeries, but few noteworthy restaurants. One of the few saving graces for the brunch inclined on a Sunday stroll was the salivation inducing Saving Grace. For the last ten years Saving Grace has been fostering line-ups so long that a waitlist needed to be implemented.
I vividly remember my first brunch experience there. Polenta waffles, served with a sweet and zesty lime sour cream and a pomegranate coulis. As far as brunch goes, I would definitely put myself down as a savory savourer– I typically find pancakes too flat, and waffles too cloying. But these waffles were perfect. Five years ago everything about Saving Grace seemed perfect—from the eclectic details such as the vintage collection of sugar spoons and salt & pepper shakers, to the small dining space that fostered an intimate environment and amplified the exotic aromas of India that mingled o so well with the smell of freshly fried eggs and bacon.
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I will not criticize a restaurant for their wait; popularity should never result in condemnation. I will, however, say that after a lengthy wait good service would remedy any ill feelings resulting from low blood sugar. Though the room was small the single server seemed incapable of effectively managing her tables. Coffee cups longed to be filled, and her attentions were very divided. Poor, overextended service has been a long-standing problem at Saving Grace. For a venue that is nearly constantly packed to the gills, it is about time that they step up their service. A customer should not feel as though asking for condiments or a refill is a burden.
Now maybe I’ve become jaded, or maybe just spoiled, but on my last visit to Saving Grace I felt as though they had lost their spark. Perhaps Saving Grace’s popularity has led to a bit of culinary laziness on their part. It seemed to me that Saving Grace was lacking grace and serving up grease.
The French toast with a coconut-walnut praline (9$) was tasty if a forkful managed to combine the dish’s different elements, but it was nothing to mmmm at. The presentation was lack luster; in fact, I would go as far as to say the presentation was unappetizing. The dish lacked colour and looked as though the chef poured some granola on some slices of well-greased baguette.
I would like to say that the under delivery on the French toast special was a one off, but their standard French toast with caramelized onions, apples, and emmental cheese was also lacking luster (8.75$). It had all the right ingredients, but failed in the delivery. The bread was under egged and over greased. The caramelized onions were more sautéed than caramelized, and the apple slices were undercooked and too thickly sliced. With a few tweaks this dish could have been fantastic.
The Rajistani eggs (9$) are a great Saving Grace classic that combines Indian flavours with a brunch classic: scrambled eggs. The scrambled eggs are served with spicy red onions, chickpea masala, and a spicy paratha (a flat bread similar to a chapatti). Similar to the coconut French toast, this dish finds its own when you manage to take a bite that combines all the flavours of the dish together. I would not recommend this the Rajistani eggs for a stomach that’s ailing from a hangover.
Ultimately, a decent brunch with innovative combinations inspired from unusual sources. A long wait. Poor service. Good ambience.
SERVICE 2½/5
AMBIANCE 4/5
PRESENTATION 3/5
TASTE 3½/5
PRICE $$
HOURS Monday to Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00am – 3:00pm.
LOCATION, LOCATION 907 Dundas Street West
Tags: brunch, caramelized onions, dundas street west, eggs, french toast, indian inspired brunch, restaurant review, saving grace, toronto
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