Fox on John (Western)

Fox on John is located at 106 John St. at Adelaide, in the Toronto downtown core. It's part of the Fox and Fiddle chain with seven locations in Canada, five of which are in Toronto proper. Fox on John serves a higher-end weekend brunch. It's $60 with included Cava Brut, but we're both rigid non-drinkers, so thankfully there's an alcohol-free $50 option. There's an excessive automatic 20% gratuity added. Was absolutely packed... reservations are definitely required. Interior is very noisy because of this, so it’s possibly better to get the patio if it's available, as we did. Ordering is from the wait staff from a QR-code menu. We both noted that the glasses for the water or wine smelled odd so I don't think they're giving a rinse cycle... cutting corners to keep up with the volume? As with other sit down AYCEs at bars, you’re dependent on how packed it is and may not be able to get through it with enough food if you need multiple orders. There's also the matter of portion control because at buffets you can put out exactly how much you want, whereas at sit-downs you're dependent on whatever is allotted otherwise.

Mishy love the Classic Benedict, which had just about the best peameal bacon I've ever tasted, although she did note and without looking at the menu that it was on a butter croissant rather than a an English muffin. Steak and eggs was fantastic with a very passable six to eight ounce steak that was quite tasty and not tough, and the egg was quite good. I loved the salmon Benedict with its smoked salmon and hint of mustard flavour.

Truffle honey ricotta Belgian waffle was heavenly with a wonderful creamy flavour, possibly from ricotta being mixed in the whipped cream topping, although Mishy thought it was a strange flavour but I loved it. Sausage patty was delicious, and had a lovely custom sauce which I cannot completely identify but it was very good. Breakfast poutine is made with tater tots, and was fantastic, especially the gravy and cheese curds which were exemplary... wish all poutines were this good!

The standard waffles are served with coconut ice cream... one of my favourites. There is some caramel sauce on top which Mishy did not like as a flavour combination, but I didn't mind it that much, although I would prefer coconut ice cream on its own. Veggie omelette Mishy said was boring, although, well,  it's a veggie omelette so I don't know what she was expecting. It was quite tasty with peppers and onions, so had enough interesting flavours for me. All in all it was excellent and I was satisfied for the rest of the day; I did end up getting just enough during the timeframe allotted. The price wasn’t bad considering the inclusion of steak, smoked salmon and other goodies.

Rating 8.5 / 10