Alforno

Opened: March 2016
Address: 222 7th Street sw
Kid Friendly: Yes w/High Chairs
Brunch: Yes
Website: http://alforno.ca/
Google Pics: Link

From the Teatro Group, Alforno is located in Eau Clair a block up from the river at 222 – 7th Street S.W.

On their website they call themselves “a lively, casual cafe”, I’d take it another step and call Alforno a sophisticated cafe with atmosphere straight from Europe. However don’t mishear me, their menu is decidedly Canadian. My mistake is that that of my half dozen visits to Alforno, I’ve only been for brunch. Which needs to be rectified soon.

Alforno’s bright white interior isn’t modern to the point of being sterile, rather it’s brightness is complemented with natural materials and colors. Large glass windows and skylight let in natural light I find it the best place to start my day. Inside one’s experience deverges depended on whether you get something to go or to stay. To go; you simply approach the counter, order and leave. If you’re staying someone from the staff will confirm your party size and locate a table for you. Thank you Teatro Group! Your planning has eliminated my morning’s stress before I have that all important first coffee. Dependant on the time of the day, you’re then able to order and pay at the counter, sit down and your food will be brought to you. Or during a busier period you’ll be able to sit with regular table service for ordering and payment post meal.

When entering and ascending a few steps the main counter it ahead. The till separates two large display cases, one with ready made sandwiches and bread, the other with pastries. To the right on the way to Alforno’s tranquil patio is their coffee bar. I’ve yet to really take in this area, but to me it looks like a mellow retreat to enjoy a coffee on my own. To the left are stairs going up to the main seating area. Larger than it looks from the doorway, there all small and large tables. A few tables offering intimate seating for two, and a pair of larger chairs and a couch around a fireplace.

Alforno’s brunch has everything you’d expect, but with unique touches and made better. The list starts with parfait made with house granola, includes traditional bacon and eggs, and varieties of eggs benedict. There’s omelettes, both french toast and hotcakes, and a variety of breakfast sandwiches.

How about pricing, for the quality of food, atmosphere and location, very reasonable. A odd item may be out of line, like $4.25 for an almond croissant. But others are fair and balanced. A disclaimer, if very reasonable, means a family dinner with laminated menu’s then you will be disappointed with portion size. However once you taste your first bite you’ll never remember said dinner’s name and location. I certainly don’t.

I want to be objective, but I can’t. I love the atmosphere at Alforno, I love the food. Everything at Alforno is top notch. They could screw up everything and I’d overlook and forget it, however they never have.

Visit – Sunday June 25th

Today I kept it simple ordering the yogurt parfait, I’d previously ordered for my daughter. “Strawberry rhubarb compote, greek yogurt, house granola”, unmentioned are the raspberries and blackberries. I’m going to assume they are added because they are in season, but I have no proof of that. There’s not much to say about it, it’s a simple dish, but it was excellent and satisfying.

My wife ordered the bacon & mushroom omelette, served with toast and greens. I stole a piece of it before she was finished and found it outstanding. Bacon and mushrooms, excellent. But it’s the preparation of the eggs that make or break an omelette, and these are always excellent. The toast, in my opinion this isn’t simply bread, it’s a pasty of it’s own. That’s right I think the toasted bread is that great, crisp and soft, the textures make it. Maybe one day I’ll add jam to their toast, but I always forget.