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Taste of the Town: Cora's in Atlantic Place
I’ve always loved breakfast. We all know that experts say it’s the most important meal of the day but for me it is has always held a greater significance. It’s my first ‘taste of the day’ and as a foodie, it’s something I’ve been thinking about since I laid in bed the night before. I pretty much love everything about breakfast so when I ran into Don Mansion from Cora’s in Atlantic place, let’s just say I wasn’t shy to mention that SNAP also does reviews!
Cora’s in Atlantic Place has a major advantage over other restaurants- location! The restaurant has an unbeatable view of the harbour and is located in the heart of our city, Water Street in Downtown St. John’s. It’s in close proximity to many office buildings making it the perfect place to hold a business breakfast or lunch meeting. And it’s this same proximity that has made Cora’s a valuable catering option for various offices throughout the downtown core.
The Atlantic Place location is fast approaching its fourth year in operation and they’re moving full steam ahead. A ‘businessman’ by trade, Don is now wearing the hat of entrepreneur as the new owner of Cora’s. Don is originally from Labrador but currently lives in St. John’s where he and his wife are raising their young family making it a locally owned and operated business. And it’s nice to know that Cora’s is a community minded restaurant that regularly supports the Breakfast Clubs of Canada as well as its recent efforts to raise donations for Haiti relief.
Inside the restaurant, windows run top to bottom providing a chance for the sun to illuminate the room with a warm and inviting glow. There’s also a fantastic deck that’s great in the summer when you want to take in the sights and sounds of Harbour Drive. For seating there are booths, tables and a private room available. The interior is painted sunny yellow with colourful, cartoon paintings of the meals on the wall. With plaid accents and fresh fruit laid out on the open concept kitchen counter, Cora’s has created a relaxed and comfortable family kitchen feel.
The menu has just over seven pages worth of temptation. But luckily for those of us still sticking with our New Year resolutions, the restaurant specializes in serving home-style gourmet breakfasts and healthy lunch meals. You can start with a specialty coffee, fruit cocktail or smoothie while you mull over the menu. They serve fresh fruit, crepes, waffles, omelettes and sandwiches with creativity and beautiful presentation ensuring that there’s something for everyone’s taste.
I couldn’t resist from ordering my favourite, the 1990’s Harvest. It’s a cinnamon raison brioche (kind of like a cinnamon bun) dipped in French toast batter served with an egg and bacon on one side, and a mound of fresh fruit piled high on the other. Top it off with the fresh strawberry-banana yogurt smoothie I ordered and delicious hot coffee, and you can quickly gather that I was livin’ the dream as far as breakfasts go. Fortunately I didn’t go it alone as Don joined me for breakfast ordering the fresh fruit cocktail of the day and following with the Buckwheat Blessing- three sausages and cheddar rolled in a blanket of buckwheat crepes and served with fresh fruit. However, the food is only half of it when dining out. I can’t write another word without mentioning the outstanding service. The new management’s focus on service was apparent as Leanne provided the kind of professional, attentive service that one might expect from any other restaurant in Downtown St. John’s.
Cora’s is also branching out and experiencing new ways to enjoy breakfast and lunch with a new focus on business breakfasts and luncheons, catering, and kids’ events such as an upcoming Magic Mark Appearance scheduled for April.
Fresh, quality ingredients and friendly service make me certain that I will return to Cora’s in the near future. A big thanks to Don and the crowd at Cora’s that welcomed me warmly and fuelled me up before I headed out to grab a some SNAPs.
