Hambo’s had only two booths in it, seating four each. The rest of the seating was at the counter, a concept that’s lost on most modern cafés. The counter was home to a host of regulars who knew all the staff by name, and vice versa. Everybody was friendly as hell! The customers said “hi” as I walked in, recognizing me as a new face. In fact, the owner Theo shook my hand in greeting, oblivious of my intent of review. It was a nice change from the usual impersonal management we encounter.

The atmosphere was diluted heavily by the TV in the corner which was blaring the weather station. This is not offensive in itself, but the volume was turned way up and the weather station music was quite grating (Phil Collins anyone?). The place had a general “Greeky” feel, for a reason we couldn’t put our fingers on.

The coffee was from the lighter side of the underground reservoir, meaning it lacked in substantial flavour and was sort of mouth-drying. I had to chase it with water. However, it was served in thick granny mugs which were satisfying in themselves.

The eggs were standard, the bacon needed to be toweled off from grease but the potatoes were real and fried nicely. Standard rye toast on the side. They gave us hot sauce called “Tangy Bang” which was actually pretty bad. Can’t go wrong with Frank’s, guys. All in all, the food was average, but the interesting layout made it worthwhile.

Hambo’s served up a piping hot plate of friendliness with a side of free newspapers to take home. If I lived in the area, I’m sure I would go back often.

Bonus Omelette review

by Chantal Guénette

Mushroom & cheese omelette.

Bouquet: Real mushrooms. I’ve got to give props to the (only) guy that worked there. He was very nice, helpful, courteous and he always made sure that we had everything we needed. He was  just a sweet gentleman all around.

Boeuf: The cheese was processed (I’m almost positive that it was Cheez Whiz actually), and they didn’t have a good hot sauce. It was this weird brown coloured sauce that tasted more like vinegar than something spicy.

November 23 2008

Hambo’s Restaurant & Deli

1465 Notre Dame Ave

Hours of operation:

Mon - Wed     9 AM - 6 PM

Thurs               9 AM - 7 PM

Friday             8 AM - 7 PM

Sat                  8 AM - 3 PM

Sun                 9 AM - 3 PM

All-Day Breakfast      $5.50.

Coffee                             $1 extra

After 11 AM                 $6.50

Hambo’s is a tiny, drafty restaurant. The origin of the name is lost on the owner, who wanted to change it to the “Rooster Restaurant,” but apparently it was taken somewhere else in Manitoba. The rooster iconography is all that’s left of that desire. Well, that and the large rooster on the logo and a few scattered roosters inside. The server told us that she had to hold back Theo (the owner) from putting up porcelain roosters everywhere.

We at the Breakfast Connoisseurs would like to say “thank you” for that effort to stymie hideous rooster kitsch.