Brunch @ FARM

Cross-posted from Calgary is Awesome.

I'd written about FARM not long after it first opened about a year and a half ago. Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to eat there again since, until Tiffany invited me to there for brunch not too long ago.

I was pleased to find that a lot of things were still the same since my first visit - the focus on local producers, the chalkboard listing the day's specials, the open kitchen behind the bar, the communal "harvest table", the vintage, country-style tableware... Even its short and simple menu was barely changed, keeping the charcuterie and cheese boards and mac 'n' cheese that FARM is known for, alongside some new staples.


Of course, the new (to me) weekend brunch was a welcome addition; despite the fact that the entire menu is listed on the chalkboard, our friendly waitress went through the entire list with us, being sure to name all the local producers that had a hand in bringing us our meal that day.


I got Pig ($13), which was their name for housemade back bacon with caramelized onion and potato hash, parmesan cheese and fried egg. The bacon was delicious (hello, it's bacon, people!) and not overly salty nor greasy, the hash was very flavourful and the egg had a beautiful golden-yellow yolk.


I had a bite of Tiffany's French Toast ($12) which was actually made of a housemade brioche filled with banana and ricotta served with whipped cream and syrup. I thought it was overly sweet and indulgent and I only had a bite! I have no idea how Tiffany managed to eat the whole thing (in fact, I'm not sure if she did). She probably had a sugar-high all day.

One of the things that struck me about brunch at FARM was that the portions were quite small compared to the portions you would get at more diner/greasy spoon-type brunch places, yet ironically they still had their sharing plates at the table (like they do for supper). So if you're someone who likes a big brunch, this is not for you. But if a classy, locally-sourced, appropriately-portioned brunch sounds appealing (with excellent coffee to boot!) then FARM is definitely worth checking out.

FARM
1006 17 Avenue SW
Calgary AB T2T 0A5
(403) 245-2276
Open daily 11:30 AM-2 PM; 5 PM-Close. Sat & Sun Brunch 10:30 AM-2 PM; Charcuterie & Cheese 2 PM-5 PM (in addition to regular hours). Reservations recommended, but walk-in only for brunch. Free Corkage on Mondays. Flight Night on Wednesdays. Fondue Night on Sundays.