Instead, it offers modern French-inspired food. According to the website, at least. The space is starkly modern. Matt-black walls. Hardwood floors. A bar and cash register that wouldn't be out of place in a fancy hair salon. The kitchen eschews the little window you can peak into, instead, the range and prep stations open on to the dining floor. Concrete flooring marks the edge of the chef's domain, and the start of the maitre'd's empire.
The restaurant is just one block up from Jam on Herald Street, and the long narrow space has suddenly reminded me of 'Solomon's', my ideal bar that's long been closed. Space is going to be limited here, with maybe 30 covers. The menu is concise, with the Chef's tasting menu looking like a fine array of good things, like Pork Belly with Fiddle head ferns, and Halibut with cheese grits.
BUT, this was brunch. And for brunch, there's the traditional breakfast; a hangover cure breakfast of all the meats for $23, and my old favourite - Huevos Rancheros. Plus a variety of Eggs Benny and a couscous porridge served with apricots and dates.
I went for the Huevos. Before they arrived we got ultra tiny scones. Served with a house-made blackcurrant jam, these bite sized scones were warm and buttery. The jam was sweet and tangy. As my friend said... we could do with a bag of these to take home.
We also got coffee. It wasn't bad coffee, though I'd like to have had a teaspoon to stir my cream in with, and not to have to use the end of a butter knife. And then use the thick, paper napkin to dry it on. Just saying.
The Huevos were excellent. A well toasted tortilla, topped with refried beans that had been cut with peppers and (I think) cilantro. This lifted the flavour up a notch, and combined with the cheese and eggs and tortilla to make a great mouthful. The eggs were served sunny-side up - no option was given on when I ordered, but I'm guessing they could have been done another style. I don't mind my eggs that way, but I know some people -hate- it when the eggs white doesn't cook all the way through.
The guacamole was fresh, the pico de gallo tangy, and the cumin creme fraiche and great twist on serving it. A good scattering of friend potato cubes added to the dish to make a sizable (though not super large meal). A really good Huevos, and the price ($15) matched that... this is not a cheap and plenty type place.
For the price and vibe, I'd like to have seen the settings one step up. The things I've not liked would get a pass at other places which weren't going for a fine dining vibe. The food is excellent. The service staff friendly. They were doing plenty of trade, and feel there's plenty more people coming there to discuss their latest business projects and deals. There's a seriousness about it all. And good for them, it's a good addition to the scene in Victoria.
658 Herald Street, Victoria BC - info@saveurrestaurant.ca - 250.590.9251
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