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| - I honestly can't believe that in all my years in Toronto and all my heavy partying right next door at Velvet Underground, that I have NEVER been here prior to this weekend. It's been there for years.
Epicure Cafe has a name that scares some people away, I think. When I think of the name, which I have from time to time when considering options on Queen W, I think like weird mustards and tiny plates and quail eggs.
They have a diverse menu, including a brunch menu. You can really get anything you want. They have a stocked bar and were happy to accommodate our group of three adults and one toddler who is BOSS.
The reasons why it gets 5 stars are as follows:
1) For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel I was the target of the immense down town-specific "child hate" that seems to be plaguing Toronto. They welcomed us in, they interacted with the Beeb, they had high chairs and were otherwise receptive to him as opposed to dismissive and "ugh, are you kidding me? a kid?" the way a lot of places down town are. And you know what? I KNOW. Believe it or not, despite being a down town breeder, I don't actually enjoy always being in places with kids and admit that they definitely ruin the vibe sometimes BUT it's Sunday morning. RELAX.
2) I had, hands down, the BEST hamburger of my life. It had two kinds of cheese and barbeque sauce on it. When I told the waitress I needed it so well done that you could build a house foundation with it, she didn't even flinch. And they really delivered on it. The fries were delicious and everyone else really enjoyed their mains as well. I don't remember what they were, because I was momentarily making love to a small piece of beef. [Cue visual]
3) The staff were really fantastic. I wish I knew the server's name on Sunday am. She was so great. The prices are also totally reasonable and the neighbourhood is conducive to post-brunch shopping or whatever you'd like.
What a lovely surprise. Will definitely be back. And highly recommend to other down town families with small kids.
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