I'm far from being a baller but for one reason or another, I've been having some pretty ballin' brunches lately.
Within the last month, I've had Splendido's new Sunday brunch once and The Ritz-Carlton's Market Brunch twice. This is not normal behaviour. Trust me.
I took my parents to The Ritz-Carlton (Twitter: @RitzCarlton, Facebook: The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto) for Mother's Day brunch yesterday (I took them to Splendido last year.) A couple of weeks ago, I showed my Mom some photos of the brunch at The Ritz Carlton that I had when I went with my friend Gizelle. I also told my Mom, as best as I could in Cantonese, that the brunch was "total baller!" with unlimited oysters, shrimps, fresh lobster tails, and an all-inclusive mimosa, bellini and prosecco bar. She was instantly sold and asked if I could take here there for Mother's Day. Why, of course! So I immediately phoned The Ritz-Carlton to make a reservation but I guess we weren't the only ones with the idea as I was placed on a waiting list. Luckily, a few days before Mother's Day I got a phone call from them informing me of a seating at 2:30 pm. Although I prefer something earlier I wasn't going to pass this up. Noooo way.
So here we are! Below are some photos of The Ritz-Carlton's Market Buffet Brunch that I took during my first visit. Let me tell you straight up that contrary to what you see in the photos below (i.e. on a normal Sunday) the restaurant was packed solid yesterday. And I thought there was a larger variety of baked goods, antipastis, cheese and desserts yesterday (perhaps this is because it is $89 pp for Mother's Day whereas normally it is $79).
Seafood Display
Lobster Tails & Shrimps
PEI Mussels
Shucked Oysters
Sushi Selections & Traditional Condiments
Omelette Station
Eggs Any Style
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Cold Cuts
Selection of Niagara Ham Charcuterie
Smoked Fish & Salmon
Lemon, Pickled Onion & Capers
Bakery Selections
Croissants & Vienosseries
Bread Baskets, Grissinis, Olives & Crackers
Flatbread, Savory Pies & Tarts
Cheeses
Selection of Local and International Cheeses
Baked Brie & Condiments
Soup of the Day
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Salads
Seasonal Salads with Dressings and Toppings
Selection of Antipastis
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Entrees
Chef’s Choice Fish & Game Meat with Accompanying Sauce
Seasonal Vegetable and Starch
Chef’s Choice Carving Station with Condiments
Looking into TOCA's kitchen from the dining room.
Desserts
Pancakes & Mini French Pastries
Caramels, Truffles & Pralines
Seasonal Fruits & Berries
Chocolate Fountain or Creperie
Macaroons, Pate de Fruit
Cakes, Sweet Breads & Fruit Tart
Both my parents and I loved our Mother's Day brunch experience at The Ritz-Carlton; the food was excellent and our server was very nice and attentive. Even though we had a later seating, there was no shortage of food whatsoever. Everything was constantly being replenished.
My Mom and I were so stuffed from our brunch we didn't even bother with dinner. I honestly think we ate several pounds of seafood + baked goods + desserts. As for my Dad, he was still able to have instant noodles for dinner. I was baffled. Anyway...
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Me & Mom at The Ritz-Carlton lobby (not sure why we look so pale here...)
