We were in the Hastings ‘hood so decided to check out The Gray Olive Cafeteria for brunch. It’s located next door to a fruit/vegetable grocery store.
Hours.
We dropped in on a Saturday (12:45pm) and it was busy. We put our names down and were quoted a 30 minute wait. Wait depends on where you want to sit. We were okay with anywhere so we ended up getting a call back within 15 minutes and sat at the bar.
The inside is really cramped with only 20 seats (four tables, four seats at the bar and another four by the windows).
The menu is up on the walls (brunch, breakfast and lunch options) along with a few specials and drinks at the counter.
You go up and order first then food is brought to your table. Water is self serve.
Earl grey short bread cookies were up by the counter.
Thai iced tea ($4.25)
Half and half. This was surprisingly pretty legit.
Drink all mixed up.
Kitchen sink ($15.00)
Two eggs, sauteed vegetable, green onions, sausage, bacon, cheese and the G.O. potatoes. This is basically a hash.
Potatoes became a bit soggy underneath everything but the eggs (we asked for them poached) were oozy, bits of bacon and sausage were tasty (and not greasy) and we liked the sautéed vegetables.
Steelhead salmon benny ($16.75)
Slow cooked steelhead salmon, two poached eggs, arugula, lemon hollandaise, biscuit and choose of potatoes or salad.
We went with the former; potatoes were actually really good. Light, crispy and well seasoned (liked the sprinkle of chives).
Salmon was tender, arugula was fresh and again, egg was oozy. But they overdid it with the butter in the biscuit.
Decent hipster brunch but I’m not running back anytime soon.
The Gray Olive Cafeteria
http://www.thegrayolive.com/
4190 Hastings Street
Burnaby, BC
(604) 566-9664
CHERRY BOB-OMBS 