Why Sunday Brunch in Victoria Is Worth the Early Alarm
Sunday brunch at Sugar Summit Drive runs once a week, 10am to 2pm, and it books up faster than any other service we run. We started it in the second year, mostly because Claire wanted an excuse to make egg dishes and pastries in the same service. It has been the same format ever since.
What the menu looks like
The brunch menu is shorter than the dinner menu: four or five savoury dishes, two or three sweet dishes, and the pastry counter running alongside. The cardamom French toast has been on the menu since the beginning and is not going anywhere. It is thick-cut brioche soaked overnight in a cardamom and vanilla custard, cooked until the crust is properly caramelised, and served with stone fruit compote and whipped cream.
The savoury side changes more often. Right now there is a soft-scrambled egg dish with summer herbs and a smear of cultured butter on sourdough, a smoked salmon plate with house-pickled cucumbers and creme fraiche, and a rotating grain bowl that Claire adjusts based on what is in the kitchen.
The Caesars situation
We take our Caesars seriously. The base is built from scratch: Worcestershire, anchovy, fresh horseradish, a small amount of hot sauce, and Clamato. The rim is celery salt. The garnish is a pickled bean from the kitchen garden, a celery stalk, and a lemon wedge. Available with or without vodka.
We have had guests tell us it is the best Caesar in Victoria. We are not going to argue with that, but we will say that the secret is the fresh horseradish and not being shy with the anchovy.
How to actually get a table
Brunch books up by Thursday most weeks, sometimes Wednesday. The best way to guarantee a spot is to book online or call us at the start of the week. We hold a small number of walk-in spots at the counter, but on a sunny Sunday in summer those go fast.
If you cannot get a reservation, the pastry counter is open from 8am and you can grab a tart or a galette to go. It is not the same as sitting down, but it is something.
Brunch runs every Sunday, 10am to 2pm. Reservations at +1 (250) 384-7162 or online. The cardamom French toast is $19 and worth every cent.