Ritz-Carlton Sunday Brunch

[dchua]

Just wondering if anyone has had the $79 Ritz-Carlton Sunday Brunch, and thoughts? I know it does include all-inclusive Mimosa and Bellini bar, so that goes a way towards that price, but what kind of food? Can't find a menu or photos on the website.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Propert...

[Food Tourist]

It doesn't include any alcohol in the price, but the brand new "Bon Vivant" Sunday brunch buffet (11-4 pm, though they cleared everything by 3:30) at Stock at Trump Hotel is excellent. Less variety than Ritz (based on everyone's photos on this thread) but high quality. Tomahawk roast was aged to tender perfection. Truffled mac'n'cheese in individual dishes was also al dente perfection. Cold seafood: plump fresh oysters (excellent quality and taste - west coast huge Kumamoto), mussels, clams, shrimp, smoked salmon. Strange salty individually-dished quinoa salad was the only misstep. 4 cheeses and 3 charcuterie meats included one fantastic duck prosciutto (we assumed -- the irk was that NOTHING was labelled anywhere other than the dessert/chocolate cart which is well-labelled -- had to flag down staff to ask what everything was!) There were also 2 gorgeous quiches (chicken & leek; spinach), sausages & bacon, omelette station (with friendly, helpful chef and some unusual ingredients), one green salad, and a vast array of viennoiserie, berries, cakes, tarts, macarons, and many chocolate cart selections that normally cost an arm and a leg! (Sadly, the snickers candy bars ran out long before we were ready for dessert and they weren't able to reStock them.) Granted, some of the sweets and some of the savouries (like quinoa, and some of the seafood) were average. But the roast beef and kumamotos and chocolate truffles more than made up the value. They should consider adding another meat (poultry or fish) to the hot table, and another type of salad or two to the cold table.

Bon Vivant brunch is $49 plus alcoholic drinks (the charming server said juice and coffee were included, though at the end we were handed a bill for fresh grapefruit juice $7; coffee $5 and chamomile tea $7 - they removed them from the bill when questioned). Live music is questionable - 2 older guys playing mostly Neil Young and Tom Petty - the music otherwise is LOUD 80s rock ("Love Bites" by Def Leppard; "In the Air Tonight" etc.) Demographic seemed to include a birthday party ("cake" was a chocolate champagne "bottle" with candle on the plate), young Russian models, older people, etc. Skip the valet parking and use the unlimited unmetered free street parking just outside the lobby on Adelaide eastbound.

[millygirl]

Putting this on my list....thanks Food Tourist.

We've been wanting to check out the new hotel and this sounds like the perfect way to do it.

[Food Tourist]

For $42 including alcohol -- and if you want a lovely Sunday drive to a destination with a lovely lakefront location, amazing view, and ice skating rink beneath -- drive to Spencers at the Waterfront in Burlington for the biggest buffet outside of Las Vegas, with high quality food and drinks. Ask to be seated in the Observatory - all glass, spectacular views.

[jlunar]

Hmn. Sounds awesome! Might have to do that some time for shiggles.

[jennjen18]

So one fine Sunday afternoon, @dchua and I and another mate went to said Brunch and had an awesome time. Pictures are located here --> http://www.flickr.com/photos/29242611...

It seems that the buffet's offerings change from time to time. It's a bit different from what KSR indicated earlier .. instead of herbed chicken, it was stuffed chicken leg with gorgonzola, and the carving station had beef wellington.. and yes, the post-meal beverages (tea/coffee/espresso) were also included in the price.

[jennjen18]

Not sure if you follow Khao San Road, but they tweeted pics of their visit this past weekend:
https://twitter.com/khaosanroadTO/status/257572339154317312
https://twitter.com/khaosanroadTO/sta...

[jlunar]

Oooh! THanks for the data, jennjen! Pastry chef from Tokyo... wonder if the desserts will be as crazy awesome as the stuff I remember at the JR stations, even!

[dchua]

Thanks jennjen18! The two pics definitely looked great. Still wish there was more info on what kind of food or description or reviews from folk! At $100 (with tax & tip) for brunch, I just want a better idea of what I'll be getting.

[caitlink]

Does anyone know of pricing for children? Thx.

[Flexitarian]

U can find out in 1 min by phone!

[num nums]

It's right on the page linked to by the OP:
Children 7-12 – half price / 6 and under – complimentary

[julesrules]

It's on the link - 7-12 half price, 6 and under free.

[KhaoSanRoad]

while its pricy at $80, it turns out to be good value if you compare it to a dinner at the same price point. when i was there they had:

all inclusive bellinis
all inclusive espressos drinks (iirc)
3 quality cheeses
omelet station
cold lobster tails
raw oysters
raw clams
smoked trout
smoked salmon
breads, bagels, croissants
fresh fruit
beet salad
mushroom salad
candied nuts
eggs benedict
roast beef
herbed roast chicken
poached salmon
and a few other things

but the best part was the desserts! so save room :)

[jennjen18]

Hey KSR - does the Breakfast option seem like what you had? http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Propert...

[jennjen18]

Hmm, NM -- seems like that's just a standard breakfast menu ..

[KhaoSanRoad]

yeah, not that. buit lots of crossover.

i forgot to mention they have some cold cuts like prosciutto also included.

Oh, and excellent cold shrimp (I think U15s)

[julesrules]

Yes I think my stragety would be to hit the cold seafood and not get distracted by boring roast meat, ubiquitous eggs benny, bread etc.

[juliewong]

Knowing the Ritz Carlton the brunch will likely be outstanding however for $80 +++ you would like to know what is being served. Perhaps calling ahead they could share what is on the menu. I have always had great service if that helps.