The breakfast special (not called ‘Special’ on the menu) I chose came with back bacon. I was expecting flat discs of pig, but instead received four thick hunks of hog. Nice surprise. Unfortunately, the back bacon was quite dry, necessitating a sip of beverage after each bite.

The strip bacon (which came in 4 or 5 slices, we couldn’t decide) was well-done, but somehow not crispy. It was rated unevenly by the table, one side saying ‘yay’, the other saying ‘nay’. The ham was reportedly very nice, though a little under-grilled.

Man, are we finicky. But then again, that’s the point of being a connoisseur.

The potatoes were very good. They came in chopped-up chunks and were cooked nicely, but sort of tasted like buttery grill instead of potatoes. A quick evisceration of egg solves that problem, allowing the yolk to get in the mix. The toast and eggs themselves were good, but uniformly un-amazing. My eggs came with odd dimples in them which didn’t affect the taste at all, but just made me grin. My over-easy came over-easy and the over-hards came over-hard.

The coffee was a little weak, but better than the standard diner fare I’ve previously described as coming from a giant vat under the city which most diners tap into. It was served in glass chalice-like cups which I always appreciate.

We veritably drained the establishment of every drop of hot sauce they had. They gave us a couple types: Louisiana and Billy Bob. The two must be related, I swear.

Fun fact: on a Sunday at 10am they will not serve shooters (breakfast shots) but cocktails are just fine.

One of the uglier places we’ve been to, they serve up a perfectly adequate breakfast. The location is good because there’s not a lot of competition in the area, and if you add the fact that they’re a Pembina Hwy institution (more than 30 years under their belt), it’s understandable why they have a large clientele.

February 3 2008

Garwood Grill

435 Pembina Hwy

Breakfast 2 eggs, toast & hash browns  $4.95 

with ham, sausage or bacon (back or strip)  $5.75

Add 2 more eggs for $1.50

Coffee & taxes extra.

This restaurant would be better named “The Beige Place” because, man, they sure love beige. There’s three distinct shades of beige used in the paint, as well as the hanging light fixtures. Who has beige stained glass? An abundance of fake plants and truly gaudy artwork distract from the beige, but not much.

If you can get past the artwork and the oddly-shaped dining area, the food is actually pretty good. Pretty good, but not great. The Garwood Grill has been recommended to me so many times, but I’m honestly not quite sure why.

First off though, it must be said that the service was excellent. They took my large reservation no problem and compensated for us with extra tables quickly. Our orders came swiftly (even though it was busy) and our coffees were never left wanting.

Caesars for breakfast!

Hey Google! Breakfast reviews in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada by Leif Norman and Andrew McMonagle. We are the  Breakfast Connoisseurs Join us for Restaurant Reviews!

Weekly breakfast reviews in

Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

since July 2007