Two Chefs and a Table is a relatively new-ish restaurant in Railtown, right on the not-so-gentrified corner of Gore and Alexander Streets. The 'hood might be a bit rough around the edges, but it's just a few blocks from my apartment, so I'm eager to welcome in a new neighbourhood eatery.

It's got gigantically huge windows that let in a ton of light, a few small tables and one giant communal table (hence the latter half name of the restaurant). I had been dropping hints about going for a while now and when the option of a Saturday brunch out with friends was mentioned, I took control and our destination was set.

We arrived shortly after 10am (it's when they open) and got their signature table since there were five of us. I had already spent the morning perusing their brunch menu online so I wasn't surprised at the reasonable prices and the nice variety of items on the menu. As for the room itself, it was beautiful and airy. White and black was the main theme and there was a great mural of a tree and roots on one wall along with a few fancy light fixtures. My hopes were high.

Our friendly server mentioned that the apple pancakes was her favourite pick, but it all went over our heads, as we all had eggs on the brain. Next time, for sure. After she took our order, she brought over the largest French Press I had ever seen. This brunch was off to a mighty fine start! When we quickly drained our coffee, she had another one ready for our table. When I looked at the bar counter, I saw a line up of presses just waiting for other guests. It was a nice touch.

When our plates arrived, everything looked good. Two of my friends chose the smoked salmon Benedict ($9.50), another picked the autumn vegetable omelet ($9) and another had the Monsieur Andres breakfast ($10) which was a tasty little sandwich full of cured meats, cheese, an over-easy egg and hollandaise. I chose the regular ol' Benedict with honey ham. But plain it wasn't. The poached eggs were cooked as I had specified ("medium well") and the hollandaise sauce was rich and flavourful. The "kitchen potatoes" weren't fancy, but were crusty on the outside and creamy on the inside and much like the home fries from my kitchen.

All of us agreed that this brunch was a great start to the morning. The only thing I would have liked to see was a fresh jam or homemade compote to go alongside the toast. Seeing those ubiquitous little plastic containers of Kraft strawberry jam and peanut butter reminds me only of greasy, cheap diner food, and seemed out of place coming from a restaurant that prides itself on local and seasonal ingredients.

By the time we left, the bistro was hopping with other tables. It's great to find a new breakfast place in Vancouver, but finding a great one within walking distance? Um, perfection! With reasonable prices, a beautifully cozy room, great food and good portions, I definitely will try out Two Chefs and a Table for lunch or dinner sometime soon. Coming back for those apple pancakes? A given.

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Two Chefs and a Table
305 Alexander St.
Vancouver, BC
(778) 233-1303

Jeannette Ordas is a Vancouver-based Web Designer and Food Blogger who is probably right now thinking about what she'll make for dinner.

In brunch elsewhere:

• More Than Just Coffee at The Coastal Cafe, Halifax 
• Taloola Cafe, Windsor

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