A Locus of a Brunch

Now that the rain clouds have moved in for the winter, there is nothing cozier than a late morning weekend brunch. You can linger over coffee, and start to pack on those pounds that are going to keep you warm come January.

So, with the intention of embracing another soggy Vancouver winter, I invite you to peruse my Saturday morning brunch reviews. I will throw on my woollen scarf and march out into the nippy autumn in order to explore brunch places worth going to, as well as those best left alone. This week I invite you to the Locus.

Although I live in the neighborhood I don't often go to the Locus during the summer months. The interior is dark and gothic, like some kind of cryptic cave. A huge mound of melted wax, upon which sits, one imagines, the millionth candle, greets you as you walk into the interior. It is dark and crowded feeling inside. There are sinister looking branches which grow from the furniture toward the ceiling.

The bar sits smack dab in the middle of the restaraunt ( a design flaw if you ask me) and seems to take up most of the interior space. There are wiry metal bar stools which keep with the gothic theme. On the north side of the restaurant are three booths, all of which are built into the wall and are oddly shaped ( I suppose to accomadate the dominating bar). In the very front of the restaurant is a raised section with more tables. This area is closest to the window and therefore seems to get some light, however the view of the Main and King Edward intersection is not that appealing. The entrance to the front door weaves you through the smoking section. If you are a smoker, and don't mind a little exhaust, this area is a reprieve from an intolerant Vancouver. You can sit outside under heat lamps in a covered, protected area. As a non smoker it simply serves to discourage my entrance.

But, on to more important things. How is the food? Let me start by saying that the food is hit and miss, so if you have one bad experience don't shun the spot, you may well have an excellent meal the next time. The dinner menu is very eclectic, and would be hard to classify under one genre. There is aloo gobi, sashimi tuna, Fanny Bay oysters and a myriad of other unique combinations, like the emu burger with yam fries. The brunch is no exception to this anything goes kind of approach. There are egg scrambles, bennys, french toast, crepes, and daily specials, all arranged unconventionally. There are turkey, as well as veggie, sausage sides. And all the meals come with fresh homemade bread (they don't serve toast) and a spread of herb or apple butter. Also, they don't serve drip coffee, only espresso.

Well that's it for this Saturday. If you have any spots you want me to try out on your behalf, or that you simply love, let me know and I will include them in coming Saturday brunch columns.

The Locus 4121 Main St. 604.708.4121