BREAKFAST AT CEREZO CAFE AND BAR - Renfrew

It is my birthday, and I management to get the day off from work. So what to do when it is your birthday and have a free day to do whatever? Pig out on food, of course. One of friends is on mat leave so she was able to join me for breakfast. I wanted to try breakfast at Cerezo for a while now, but I just haven't had time. Today is the day, and what a way to start the day as I grow a year older. Located on Edmonton Trail, this little gem is a little deceiving since it is converted house. There is a small parking at the back of the house. Upon entering, you get the feel of an old cozy home. The restaurant is all open with the bar in the middle. The kitchen is on another level.

Japanese cuisine seems to be my go-to when I go out, or there is just too many good Japanese places to try. Cerezo is cherry tree in Spanish which seems kind of fitting for this place since they do Japanese tapas. However, I read somewhere that this cafe is Italian-Japanese fusion but I didn't see any Italian inspirations in the day menu. Cerezo offers a Japanese fusion day (brunch menu) menu till 4pm. Then after 4pm, it is Japanese tapas - which I have to try one day because I'm curious on what they have on their menu. There was one other table occupied with I got there at 10:30am, and my friend was running late. I had time to peruse the menu and ordered a drink. The server was attentive and checked on us frequently.

Matcha Latte $5

This is a typical matcha latte - nothing special about it. It taste like all the others. I like the tall tea cup it comes in but not the price for the size.

Sukiyaki Beef Benny with Caramelized Potatoes $16.50

This is one of my favourite benny - the other being duck from a place not in Calgary (can't remember where). The beef was thinly sliced, tender, covered in nice sauce. The homemade bun (as stated - I didn't ask) was nicely toasted. The server didn't actually ask how I like my eggs poached, but they were soft. Once I broke the eggs, the yolks oozed out covering beef adding a creamy texture. There were some sprouts between the egg and beef that didn't really add anything. The Hollandaise sauce supposedly had yuzu and miso favours, but I didn't really taste it. What was interesting was that, my friend and I kept smelling saffron-turmeric but not really taste it. We figured it out halfway through was what was lightly sprinkled on the sides of the plates. The caramelized potato slices were very good. The presentation of the potato slices on the plate was appealing and unique. It looks like they give you a whole potato. Anyways, the potatoes was crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. It also comes with a spicy mayo dipping sauce.

Carrot Cake (don't remember the price as my friend ordered it)

My friend loves to eat and has been known to over-order all the time. She also always want to see the dessert menu no matter the time of day. There were three dessert available, and she was torn between the green tea matcha creme brulee and carrot cake. The other option was tiramisu. She usually makes up her mind under pressure so she went for the carrot cake when the server ask if she decided yet. The carrot cake was a good choice. It was really moist with a cream cheese icing. It was served with berries, vanilla bean ice cream, and matchstick Granny Smith apples on top of the slice. The apple sticks gives it a little crunch and uniqueness in presentation.

Overall, this is a good place to start the day of food. I'm glad that my friend and her baby were able to enjoy this with me. I know I will be back for more brunch items and dinner. However, I have to remember that this place closes on Mondays. I'm curious if they open up the back yard too when the weather is nice. It would be very cool.

Cerezo Cafe and Bar
1002 Edmonton Trail NE
403-250-8894