Cora Breakfast and Lunch has long been a staple in the Canadian breakfast scene, and their Edmonton location is no exception. Having visited this popular eatery several times, I have accumulated a fair bit of experience with their offerings. While Cora certainly shines in many areas, there are aspects that could use some improvement, particularly in the realm of egg preparation and the flavors of their waffles and crepes.
Ambiance and Service
The ambiance at Cora Breakfast in Edmonton is inviting and cheerful, characterized by its bright, colorful décor and family-friendly atmosphere. The service is consistently friendly and efficient, with staff members who are attentive without being overbearing. It’s clear that the team is well-trained to handle the busy morning rushes, making it a pleasant spot to start the day.
Menu Variety
One of the standout features of Cora is the extensive menu. From classic breakfast staples to innovative fruit-filled dishes, there’s something for everyone. The emphasis on fresh, vibrant ingredients is evident in the presentation and taste of the dishes. The menu caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and requirements, which is a definite plus.
Egg Preparation
As someone with significant experience in cooking, I have a discerning palate, particularly when it comes to eggs. While Cora offers a variety of egg dishes, from omelettes to sunny-side-ups, I’ve noticed that the consistency in cooking eggs could use some improvement. On multiple occasions, the eggs have been either overcooked or undercooked. For example, the poached eggs sometimes lack the perfect runny yolk, and scrambled eggs can be slightly dry. Perfecting the art of cooking eggs to the right texture and doneness is crucial for a breakfast-centric restaurant. Paying closer attention to these details would elevate the overall dining experience significantly.
Waffles and Crepes
Cora’s waffles and crepes are visually appealing and generously portioned, often adorned with an array of fresh fruits and toppings. However, the actual taste of the waffles and crepes can be somewhat underwhelming. The waffles, while crisp, lack a distinct flavor that sets them apart. They could benefit from a more pronounced buttery, vanilla, or even a hint of cinnamon taste. Similarly, the crepes, though light and delicate, could use a bit more depth in flavor. Incorporating subtle hints of lemon zest or enhancing the sweetness slightly could make a significant difference.
Other Menu Highlights
Despite the areas needing improvement, many of Cora’s dishes are delightful. The fruit dishes, in particular, are a highlight, showcasing a rainbow of fresh, seasonal fruits that are both visually stunning and delicious. The various smoothies and fresh juices are also worth mentioning, as they add a refreshing touch to the meal. The generous portions ensure that you leave...
Read moreWhen we were in the front about to get seated the waitresses said "don't worry about sanatizing the menus when it's busy" to her coworker and then sat us down. I mean I get it it's busy and it's better to get people out of the front but don't say it out loud in front of customers especially in a pandemic so that was a good start. We were seated at 12 which was our reservation time and didn't receive our food until about 1, we took some time to decide but by the time we gave our order and received the food it was about 30-40 mins waiting at the table. My meal was good but my SO who order western cheddar crepe omlete was disappointing. Half an onion in the omlete, tomates and some ham. There was maybe one slice of green pepper and no red peppers found at all so it made it quite bland. We notified our waitress of this as only half the omelette was eaten and nothing was done about the quality. The excuse we were given was "the ingredients come pre mixed, we can bring you some green peppers and red peppers if you'd like" we declined as we had already been there for over an hour anda half. I understand pre mixing ingredients for efficiency but when there is no quality control and the omlete comes with one slice of green pepper and half an onion that shouldn't be used as an excuse. I've been to this Cora's many time but this time they just dropped the ball. My suggestion is to take a look at those "pre made mixing" and make sure that they include the components that are listed in the menu as a crepe omlete with onions tomatoes and some diced ham is still missing more than half of what is advertised...
Read moreI came here a long time and I forgot why I didn't come here. I decided to try lunch today and the server gave us the breakfast menu at 130pm without the lunch menu. It took her two trips around the room before we got the lunch menu and ordered from there. After getting the order we asked for two plates and I don't know if the server has ADD but she ended up walking through the kitchen, looked at a few prepped dishes, and then guests came in and she seated them and forgot about our plates and to serve the prepped food. She also brought us syrup and then took it away when she realized we ordered lunch. She forgot one soup but remembered to bring the side for the other lunch. When we asked for water, she said ok and will come back to bring it, even as she was holding a pitcher of water in her hand. Kitchen staff actually ended up coming into the dining area to serve dishes which were sitting there. My poutine was missing cheese so they brought it back. But I noticed that two other tables had food taken back as well. So it wasn't just the server that was the issue, but the kitchen as well. It took 10 minutes to get the bill and it was another server who ultimately took the payment for us. It took way too long for service in general, even though the food was quick. That's why I hadn't been here for so long, and why I'll stay away from...
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