You’ll often hear people say that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. As an all-round food enthusiast, I feel obliged to declare that all bites are equally crucial to me. That being said, when it comes to starting a day in the adventure epicentre of the Rockies, a full stomach really does set the scene for success. Tucked away in the Royal Canadian Lodge on Banff Avenue, The Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge can be accessed through the impressive hotel lobby, which showcases alpine luxury with its immense stone fireplace, chandeliers and high vaulted ceiling.
The Evergreen, open for both breakfast and dinner, showcases depictions of local wildlife etched into glass windows, teasing at decorative alpine nostalgia. An open fire presents a cozy mountain backdrop to the kitchen’s elevated fare, with ingredients locally sourced to highlight the best of Alberta.
Amid a hum of happy dinners sipping coffee and plotting their day, my partner and I poured over the menu, torn between the hearty offerings. In the end, we settled for the Royal Canadian Lodge signature serve of two freshly cooked eggs, crispy herb roasted breakfast potatoes, sausage, thick cut Canadian bacon and butter slathered toast, plus a smoked salmon benedict with perfectly poached eggs, creamy hollandaise, and more of those irresistible crispy potatoes (side note, whoever invented the homefry deserves a medal…truly).
Beautiful plating raises the game of what are already delicious entree offerings; my eyebrows were firmly raised when I watched the brioche French toast come by, piled high with colourful berries and apple compote. I momentarily entertained dreams of free flowing maple syrup atop the glorious stack, but had to admit defeat after a deeply satiating benny experience. Next time, though…there’s always next time, and rest assured we will be back.
Some menu items can be vegetarianized for those with dietary restrictions, and there are lighter options for diners who’d rather not partake in anything too heavy to start the day. For those who want a little something extra, add-ons like bagels with cream cheese or fresh mixed fruit are also available.
Aside from the culinary offerings, both hotel and restaurant staff were warm, kind and in-the-know, providing both excellent service and friendly conversation. While “Banffy”, Royal Canadian Lodge’s new state-of-the-art room amenity delivery robot, was too busy working to entertain a meet and greet, I hear that the droid is just as amiable!
Beyond breakfast, The Evergreen has weekly dinner specials from Sunday - Thursday, including a Sunday night Surf & Turf for two for just $69, plus a house wine at $20 a bottle. With a menu replete with upscale dishes such as lobster stuffed chicken supreme, fresh AAA Alberta beef steaks, and a mouthwatering pappardelle, evenings sound every bit as delish as the earlier morning fare. It really is time to lock in that return visit!
