Seb's Market Cafe [Saab Ken]

[ROLAND's NOTE: Thanks Ken for another fun guest review!  Can't wait to check Seb's Market Cafe out. If you have a place you are passionate about, join the site and post it like Ken did!]

Read about them not too long ago, and last Sunday we hopped over to sample their brunch. Atmosphere is funky and cozy, touches of hardwork and TLC are obvious here. We especially liked the sheets of stainless steel that line the bar counter and on the walls.

In the market section I saw some selections of provencal olives, olive oils and ready-made soups.

Francois was courteous and quick to find us a table in the room near the open kitchen (which never soaked us with grease smells like many places do). The wait staff were quick on their feet but always managed to pause and give each customer the right dose of personal attention. 'M'  ordered the standard eggs and protein platter (turkey sausage), she was generously rewarded with a perfectly grilled and flavourful serving, with grill marks to remind you it wasn't panfried in grease. I had the rosemary white beans ragout with fresh pesto bruschetta. The hot ragout really hit the spot for me, unfortunately it came in such a large bowl I couldn't even finish it. Each plate offered a nice touch of fresh fruit on the side.

My only minor gripe is the coffee which approached battery acid strength. Overall the brunch was very enjoyable, a must-go place if you pine for that weekend diner breakfast/brunch but prefer a more contemporary spin, in this case French bistro spin. I noticed on the brunch menu a NY steak for $12 ... mmm gotta try that next time. Apparently Seb's is quite a happening place and lineups are becoming common. We're going back for dinner soon and not forget to try their desserts which include brulees and cheesecakes. Apparently they also have live jazz on some nights.

SEB'S MARKET CAFE 592 East Broadway, 604-298-4403

Bon appetit,
Ken

Contributed by SaabKen