April 27 2016

Chef Brad Horen died March 6 after a brief illness. Brad was a graduate of NAIT Culinary and was in the midst of a successful career — Shaw Conference Centre, Calgary’s Catch, Victoria’s Laurel Point Inn and most recently chef at the Manteo Resort in Kelowna. Brad was a leading culinary talent. He was the Canadian Chefs Federation’s Chef of the year 2007, Western Living Magazine’s 2008 Foodie of the Year, captain of the Canadian Culinary Olympic Tea and mentor to countless young cooks. Brad Horen is survived by his wife Junko; daughters Hana and Ana; his mother Barb and sister Deb.

Brendan Brewster died March 6 three months shy of his 38th birthday. Fellow bartender Tarquin Melnyk knew him well, having brought Brendan to Edmonton to work with him at the Manor Café a few years back. “Brendan was the modern incarnation of Jerry Thomas, the barman poet. He was thoughtful and articulate and sweet; he had the ability to transfer enthusiasm.” He is survived by family and a legion of colleagues, protégés and friends. Brandon Brewster once said that his greatest asset as a bartender was the ability to create regulars. That would be an asset for any human being. Brandon, we miss you.

Madison’s Grill in the Union Bank Inn (10053 Jasper Avenue, 780-401-2222, unionbankinn.com) has two exceptional Mother’s Day Brunches: a la carte in the Grill, with seatings at 10:30am and 12:30pm. Their Eggs Benedict are fabulous. They usually serve breakfast only in the Grill so this is special. As well there is a sumptuous buffet in the Giverny Ballroom, with three seatings, 10am, 12pm and 2pm. See the menus online and call 780-401-2222 or email madisons@unionbankinn.com for reservations.

Le Ronde in the Chateau Lacombe has a fabulous brunch every Sunday but Mother’s Day is really something; a terrific spot for families with roaming balloon artists and a photo booth along with that million dollar view. Omelette station, a carvery, fresh and delish. http://www.chateaulacombe.com/laronde-restaurant.html#Mothers_Day

Ampersand 27 on Whyte Avenue has amazing food, several of their brunch items made the TomatoTop 100 this year. They have some really great brunch cocktails; try the Aperol elderberry concoction. ampersand27.com

Pampa for brunch! Five spit-roasted Brazilian-style meats and fresh fruit, cheeses, black bean stew, grilled pineapple on the lavish salad bar, bespoke omelette station, and feature desserts. For moms that prefer to sleep in they offer Mother’s Day dinner, Sunday May 8, from 4pm-8pm with 10 charcoal-roasted meats and smoked ham carved tableside side along with the 50 plus item salad bar and feature drinks and desserts http://pampasteakhouse.com/

Get Cooking, the cooking studio on MacEwan campus offers a special cook with your mom class on May 8, $139+ GST, www.getcookingedmonton.com/cooking-classes/event-registration/?ee=608

El Cortez off Whyte on Gateway Boulevard is a place you normally associate with late night; a good choice for the less traditional mom. We’re loving their Mexican-influenced breakfast dishes by chef Lindsay Porter. Mains include huevos rancheros; chilaquiles with verde cream, peppers onions, eggs, queso and chorizo; a breakfast burrito, avocado and bacon torta and cinnamon, corn and saskatoon berry French toast. Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-2:pm. http://www.elcortezcantina.com

Workshop Eatery (way down south in Ellerslie) is another casual spot with a tasty brunch menu. It’s relaxed and fun with delicious egg dishes and a burger on the menu. theworkshopeatery.com/

Let’s not forget Culina Cafe at Muttart, always lovely.
Reservations will be essential for Mother’s Day. http://www.culinafamily.com/

Didn’t make a reso? Try the Sugarbowl for takeaway, the best cinnamon bun in town and coffee. thesugarbowl.org