Noms!: Lady Marmalade’s breakfast wins

Columns November 13, 2013

Lady Marmalade offers a delicious all-day breakfast menu, filled with Mexican-inspired foods with a healthy twist. Organic tofu scrambles, spinach waffles, and avocados all over the place: Lady Marmalade definitely has one of the most intriguing breakfast menus I have ever seen.

Get real with Lady Marmalade’s take on the classic club (photo by Patrick Hallihan/Nexus).

Located downtown on Johnson Street, Lady Marmalade is in a very unassuming little space. While it is a bit small inside, the atmosphere is quite warm and comfortable. The restaurant’s dŽcor style is one that seems to be growing in popularity among many restaurants, utilizing bright colours and a seemingly random assortment of decorations that somehow form a solid theme in the end. Honestly, I quite like the inside, especially the different types of salt and pepper shakers at each table.

Myself and the lovely lady accompanying me (actually, she invited me; semantics matter) were quickly seated by a friendly staff member, who brought us waters immediately, gave us menus, and took our drink orders. The sky had been torn asunder that day, bringing down the watery wrath of the heavens, so we both opted for something warm to thaw our hands.

The good sir quickly returned with our drinks and took our orders. I have to give props to Lady Marmalade for their attentive staff and quick service.

I ordered The Real Club, which featured the typical items found on a club sandwich along with avocado and chipotle mayo. My compatriot had the Sweet Buttermilk Waffles with a side of bacon (because it’s bacon).

We chatted and sipped our drinks, with our waiter coming by once or twice to give us refills before the drinks ran out. The wait was not long, however, and we dug in.

My club sandwich was fantastic. The first few bites tasted somewhat like BBQ potato chips, likely the work of the chipotle mayo. The chicken was well cooked, the bacon real. Add in just enough of a bite from the chipotle, all on quality breadÉ delicious.

My sandwich also came with a coconut squash soup. Given the cold weather, it was a fantastic side, though I might try something different next time to see what else they come up with.

The waffles were very tasty as well, golden brown and topped with caramelized peaches, other fruit, and whipped cream.

Lady Marmalade offers a very unique take on a number of classic breakfast items, and I think it is well worth the visit on that merit alone. The food is quite good, and affordable. Unfortunately, the portions aren’t particularly large, but they are enough for a solid breakfast.

My club and soup was about $13, the waffles running closer to $12, and drinks were $2.50 with free refills.

So next time you find yourself wandering the streets of downtown in the early hours, go to Lady Marmalade and enjoy their unique Mexican-inspired breakfasts