The food is something else. I watched them start the meal on the grill and was flabbergasted when I saw them commit potato atrocities. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the woman actually grabbed a handful of fries, crumple them up and toss them on the grill. Surely this was for another order, but no; it was all mine. When it was ready I was astonished. The eggs, bacon and toast were all adequate, but the fries-as-hash-browns were staring at me as if mocking. The coffee came in a few nice flavours, including Irish Cream which was my choice.

This is the second in our line of political breakfast reviews. Provincial and civil, I feel for our politicians that eat at their cafeterias. Fortunately there are many other places within walking distance for our leaders at City Hall to go to. It’s interesting to note that Partners has been open for 26 years (according to their website at http://www.partnersdeli.com/). I have to guess that it’s the lunch menu that attracts and maybe at some point I’ll give it a shot. For now, I’m still reeling from the potato fiasco.

The potatoes really did it for me. Not so much ‘hash browns’ as ‘harsh browns.’ That, added with the inherent annoyingness of having to pick up your own food (yes, I enjoy being waited on) made this a less-than-desirable experience. For breakfast, I suggest going to one of the many other places within walking distance such as The Princess Grill. They do have a solid base in Winnipeg and years of reputation, so I’d hesitate to write them off completely. Try their lunches, I just hope you like limp, frozen crinkle-cut fries.

They did, however, have the cleanest clientele I’ve eaten with to date.

Hoooo Boy...

Squinting Contest

December 14 2007

Partners Delicatessen

510 Main Street

Hours of operation:

Mon-Fri – 7:00am-4:00pm

Sat-Sun - Closed

Big Breakfast - $4.75 + $1.50 for coffee, plus tax.

Partners Deli is another cafeteria-style disappointment. It’s harsh, but stay with me here.

The décor itself is actually quite unique and almost interesting. Two huge circles adorn the ceiling, giving the effect of primary-coloured boobs (blue & green). They distract from the exposed pipes and box-style building. It was described by one breakfaster as “80’s colours with a 90’s sensibility… an 80’s hangover.” There’s tons of room with huge windows that let in plenty of natural light. Hanging lights fill what the windows can’t, illuminating the fake plants and self-serving ads posing as art.