The Hoof Cafe

Happy Valentine's Day!

Enjoyed a nice brunch with the boyfriend in Toronto's newly opened, The Hoof Cafe (Sister restaurant of The Black Hoof across the street). Judging the restaurant from outside, it looked a little small and the architectural design was minimal. We quickly stepped into the narrow doorway and was greeted by a room full of happy customers. I quickly glanced around, all 25 or so seatings were occupied. While there was a suggested 30 minute wait, the girl took down my number and in less than 15 minutes, we received a call and joined the other fellow customers at the bar. Space was rather tight but what the heck, as long as the foods good right? Aged wood counter, whitewash bar, rustic cabinetry with chipped paint, French country style was the theme.

After studying the menu from the chalk board, we opted for the Suckling Pig Benny ($13) and Brioche French Toast ($9) with a Slab of Foie Gras (+$14). While my Rooibos tea ($4) steeping away, I watched the waitress make the Hoof Ceasar ($8) one after another--house infused pink peppercorn vodka, a shot of marmite syrup, a dash of dehydrated horseradish and Clamato. Our pieces of art arrived in front and were ready to devour them. Succulent shredded pig paired with a creamy house relish and perfectly poached egg on a biscuit, and to cut the richness with a side lemon arugula salad, how can this get any better? Well it can! Sweetness meets savoury from the french toast and foie gras topped with slivers of apple married with a nice peach and ginger preserve. I guarantee you, you'll be in heaven!

Its a definite must to come back here. Unfortunately, they sold out of the upscale version of Timbits, beignets filled with bone marrow and cherry jam, thats my excuse to go back.