Symposium Cafe feels like the embodiment of the "Canadian Dream". Imagine taking a stroll (or driving your minivan) from your suburban home on a Sunday morning, and ending up at this restaurant. Oh look, right next to you, the rolling green hills of a golf club. You are greeted with average-tasting North American brunch items, but also the smiles of servers that soaked in the essence of Canadian friendliness.
If there's one word for Symposium, it's cozy. It's situated in a cozy plaza on the edge of a cozy suburb. It's got a big, bright, cozy feeling inside with high ceilings and great decor. Large groups can sit very comfortably. Even the people are cozy. Speaking of the people, they are the reason this Symposium is my go-to place for large brunch groups.
Exhibit 1: I've never been told no when I call in to book a group of 10-20 people for brunch. We've also never been rushed out of the restaurant. Now, I don't know if it's because they never seem that busy, but hey, it works to my advantage!
Exhibit 2: One time, the manager very kindly called me back after I made a reservation and informed me another large group had booked at the same time. It's not that they can't accommodate us, he was worried that we would get our food a little slower because the kitchen has to handle two large table orders at once. So he asked if we'd like to move our reservation by 30 mins, which we did. Good Service 101: this is it.
Exhibit 3: I've never had to wait an unreasonable amount of time for my food. Whether it was 2 people or 16 people, the food came at a reasonably staggered pace.
Exhibit 4: They're all really nice. Like they actually want you to be there. Amazing.
Food? Well, like I said, It's average. My pants are not blown off but I'm not angry at my plate either. Plus, they have the calorie count on the menu for all you macro counters out there. I've never been here for dinner, but the brunch prices are aligned with my expectations for brunch food. Things range from $8-$20 with a beverage option at $1.95 (e.g. tea, coffee, americano, latte, hot chocolate, etc). If you want alcohol, they've got a nice, long list of cocktails and a nice, tall wall of liquor bottles.
No, their eggs are not the smoothest, their waffles are not the fluffiest. Their benedicts are not the most impressive and their lattes are way too sweet and don't taste enough like coffee. BUT, I have and I will come back to Symposium again and again. No, their food is not the best, but where else can I book in a party of 10+ for brunch with such ease and comfort? Nowhere.
(75/100) - 2017