Communal No More

The Pitch

A couple of months ago, we were approached for a comped meal at Old Montreal's Communion, a restaurant we have tried for brunch and drinks in the past.  For various reasons, we could not free ourselves until this cool fall weekend, which is a pity as Communion's spacious, attractive terrace had by now closed for the season.

tagged:  BRUNCH

The Mood

Located on de la Commune street, just past what is considered "tourist" territory, this four-year-old spot boasts a warm, nouveau-rustic interior.  The dining room was pretty full around noon; then quieted down as our brunch progressed.  We particularly enjoyed the ambient electronic music playing in the background; as we're certain the rest of the young crowd did.

tagged:  GROOVY TUNES

The Food

As the name suggests, the idea behind the food here is to share.  Previously, we recall large brunches for two served on stone slabs.  Alas, these have been replaced by a very short list of been-there-done-that single-person plates revolving around pancakes and eggs.  Don't let the seemingly excessive prices put you off though; the fare is quite refined and plates come with breads, coffee and fresh OJ (which was upgraded to a mimosa in our case).

$20

$20

English Breakfast

"2 fried eggs, smoked bacon, sausage, blood pudding, baked beans, potatoes, roasted tomato".  Perfectly-fried sunny side up eggs sat on a bed of potatoes; tender with crispy fried edges. We loved the thick-cut smoky bacon, but the highlight was the sausage with its sweet crispy casing and mild juicy filling.

$17

$17

Eggs Benedict, Spinach

"served with hollandaise, potatoes, herb salad, fresh fruit".  Mild hollandaise, same tasty potatoes as above, light salad, meh fruit.  The star here was the excellently-poached egg; just firmed up whites holding a rich runny yolk inside… right the way we like it!

tagged:  GREAT VALUE IS THERE ANOTHER MENU?

The Verdict

In conclusion, yes the menu is limited and predictable, but there is a certain level of sophistication and precision at work in the kitchen.  That being said, we feel Communion lost its "communal" aspect when those brunches for two went out the window, causing a bit of an identity crisis.  Maybe a return visit for dinner will change our perception, but for now we'll grade their brunches a notch above average.

tagged:  PLAN B.

Price per person:  $18.50