“Would you like some coffee?”
this was followed with giggles, as she responded “No thank you! I don’t drink coffee!”
“I could bring you a hot chocolate if you like?”
With that, the lovely server at the Hotel Macdonald won over a six year old who we brought along as a special reward for good behavior this weekend, in the Empire Ballroom.
The vast room immediately caught Olivia’s attention with the chandeliers and thoughts of a princess wedding that we could have where she’s the flower girl brought that excited glimmer to her eyes, as they wandered to the buffet area, right outside the ballroom.
The make your own omelette station where she chose the ingredients in front of me in line, as I did the same, was a hit. The perfectly cooked omelette rivaled any that I’ve previously made at home and set the bar high for future brunches.
Mimosas, juice and coffee are complimentary with the brunch that had the basics like perfectly cooked bacon and plump sausages, a crepe and omelette station, prime rib, salmon, eggs benedict, eggs florentine, salads and a kid-friendly station that had my husband picking a few childhood favorites, like chicken tenders and curly fries.
Which items found their way on to Olivia’s plate? Half of my omelette, a plate full of fruit complete with chocolate fondue that hardened when it was on her skewer of strawberries (a plus, according to her, bacon, sausage and toast with jam in tiny, fancy jars, and the creamy pesto tortellini. At the end of the meal, another plate of fruit, accompanied with M&Ms and a half of chocolate bar for dessert, and jello, so many tiny glass cups of jello that I lost count.
What’s the cost? Adults are $59, children six to twelve are $29 and children five and under are complimentary at the reservations encouraged brunch in the Empire Ballroom at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. It’s a splurge, and maybe doubles what we would pay at a traditional brunch buffet, but the quality of the food and level of service while you’re enjoying the laid back lunch is well worth it.
The servers are fantastic and accommodating with children (and adults) and the laid back, low-line up experience and quiet environment make it perfect for a laid back Sunday brunch when you want to get fancy – plus, kids under five eat free, making it a great option for a quality brunch in Edmonton.
With few lines and a great flow between the food stations, with so many things that you’re going to want to try – you’re going to want to bring your appetite with you when you visit the Hotel Macdonald for a special brunch. But be warned, it’s going to make you find yourself making special occasions to go back again and again.
There are four seatings on Sunday mornings, 10:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 12:30. You can book a reservation by calling 780-424-5181.