brunch for a dozen 30+40somethings

[prima]

Looking for an idea for a stagette brunch.

Right now, I've got Globe Earth, Globe Bistro, Dakota Tavern, the Drake and the Boiler House on the list.

Are there any other places that could handle a group of 12?

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Globe
124 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M4K1N1, CA

The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

Dakota Tavern
249 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

Boiler House
55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A3C4, CA

Boiler House
55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A3C4, CA

Earth
1055 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W, CA

[prima]

Thanks, everyone. ;-).

Turns out this Chowhound has been out-voted by people who don't post on Chowhound! Anyone have any experiences with the brunch buffet at the Boiler House, that are positive, that they'd like to share ? ;-)

from the website:
The Boiler House is such a unique and magical location that serving anything less than the best would be wrong. Executive Chef Andre Walker sources the best vegetables, aged meats and freshest seafood available. The cuisine is contemporary Canadian and that is reflected in the offerings. Fresh fish from Canada’s 3 oceans, steaks and meats from Ontario through the Alberta grasslands and local farmed vegetables as often as the seasons allow. Couple ingredients like these with a skilled kitchen team and dedicated servers, and every meal becomes a memorable occasion.

BRUNCH

Sunday Brunch should be something special yet easily managed. With door-stop bus service and lots of municipal parking, The Boiler House brunch is easily accessed. Strolling through the cobblestoned walking area to reach The Boiler House patio or dining room, is a delight for late-rising couples and those with families.

Voted Best Brunch by Toronto Life magazine, the Sunday live Jazz brunch features an upscale all-you-can-eat buffet with...

Peel-and-eat shrimp
Roast station
Waffle station
Omelet station
Eggs Benedict
Farmer's sausage and bacon
Smoked salmon
Various salads
Fresh fruit
Hot lunch items
House made pies, cakes, cookies and pastries

...and of course, fabulous music!

Only $24.95 per person.
$12.95 for kids 12 and under.

[JennaBean]

The music was the highlight. Everthing else IMO was meh at best. I wouldn't spend my money there when there are so many other options.

[prima]

You read that I was out-voted, right? ;-) I don't have a choice! ;-D

That being said, I wasn't asking about meh experiences. I was asking about positive experiences!

I'm sure someone, somewhere, has found at least one good thing to eat at Boiler House buffet. But maybe they're not brave enough to admit it to a pack of Chowhounds! ;-)

I'm glad some Chowhounds were brave enough, in a previous thread, to admit some food at Mandarin can hit the spot. And chances of something decent or good to eat increase when you know what to hit and what to miss. Knowledge is power. ;-)

[JennaBean]

I think that's kinda my point. I don't remember one thing that I really enjoyed. I'm sorry. Good luck!

[prima]

Thanks. ;-)

[jlunar]

I had a poached egg with a yolk that was this beautiful intense orange colour. Not all eggs were like that though. Umn. If I have time to dig up some photos, I'll let you know if I remember anything else...

[prima]

Thanks ;-) Maybe I'll bring my camera!

[wano]

Mildred Pierce!

[iMarilyn]

Closed several years ago!

[wano]

Mildred's Temple Kitchen, sorry I still call it by the previous name.

[prima]

Brunch at the Boiler House worked out fine for our group. Everything was refreshed frequently and quality was a little better than most 3 or 4 star hotel buffets.

Eggs benedict had slightly soggy English muffins, but better than I anticipated hollandaise. Hashbrowns were the previously frozen cubes, but deep-fried and crispy. Bacon and sausage were your typical quality. Didn't try the pan-fried perogies, mixed vegetables or peel & eat shrimp. Potato salad, made with grainy mustard and dill was quite good- looked and tasted a lot like the one Pusateri's sells. Pesto farfalle salad was pretty good for a pasta salad. Greek village salad was ok save the winter tomatoes, which can be said for almost every Village salad in Toronto in January. The roast beef was rare, and a decent cut. My friends that waited for waffles and omelettes at the waffle and omelette stations enjoyed them. The dessert squares were very fresh and better than I expected. I tried a scoop of some sort of layered trifle with a layer of crushed meringue, brownie, and cream cheese icing, which was actually pretty tasty.

Not a place I might choose to visit frequently, but it was decent value for $26 all you can eat, and the private room on the 2nd floor worked well for our group. Servers were courteous and friendly.

[The Macallan 18]

Have had great brunch experiences at L'Ouvrier on Dundas. Would be perfect for a group of fun girls!

[prima]

It's on my list, next time I'm organizing a brunch ;-) Thanks The Macallan 18!

[Full tummy]

What other brunch buffets would you prefer? Please share...

[iMarilyn]

You'll never get a table for 12 at the Dakota unless you're first in line as they don't take reservations. I've gone as much as 30 minutes before they open and there's a line.

[Splendid Wine Snob]

Marben

[estufarian]

Earth Rosedale has a private room (regular menu) that certainly holds 10 - maybe 12 - if you're particularly rowdy or agoraphobic!

[JennaBean]

Le Select!

[1sweetpea]

What about Beast? You could go with One in Yorkville. I'd also recommend Lai Wah Heen. Le Select is a nice choice, but can be noisy. Origin does brunch, and has private rooms, if you're so inclined. C5 might also be a good option for a group of 12.

[JennaBean]

I love Beast but I think you'd have a hard time getting 12 people in there and they don't take reservatio iirc.

[TorontoJo]

Lola's Kitchen!

[prima]

Thanks, TorontoJo ;-) Haven't been there for a while!
http://lolaskitchen.ca/category/menu/...

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Lola's Kitchen
634 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G3, CA