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Chez Cora
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
2920 Calgary Trail NWSuite 111
Edmonton, AB T6J 2G8
(780) 465-2672
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 am - 3 pm
Sun 7 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Chez Cora
Review Highlights
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"My cinnamon bun French toast was especially tasty." In 5 reviews -
"On weekends, be prepared to wait in line." In 3 reviews -
"It can't get much better than this and it is so reasonably..." In 3 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Chris C.
Edmonton, AB
5/18/2012
My family and I were looking for a place to get a good breakfast on a Wednesday morning when I remembered someone telling me to check out Cora's. Since I live practically right around the corner we had no trouble stopping in to check it out. I really had no idea what to expect and could not believe how busy it was for a weekday breakfast! Fortunately, we did not have to wait for a table and were seated immediately.
The menu had quite a selection of dishes which all, in one way or another, had a selection of fruit adorning them. Dishes included some waffles, crepes, and other breakfast items which all looked scrumptious. I really had a difficult time choosing what to order because the pictures in the menu made everything look quite appetizing.
Being breakfast and all, I decided to go with the Cora's special which had bacon, eggs, sausage, potatoes, toast, crepes and fresh fruit. What can I say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this plate had more than enough to get my day started off right!
The bacon tasted amazing, I mean amazing! I can honestly say that the only bacon I have had better was the bacon I make at home. Nothing tops mine! But I digress. The eggs were prepared exactly the way I ordered them and the potatoes were perfect! Honestly, it tasted delicious. My only complaint, if you can call it that, was the crepes. Basically, I found it to be more of a really flat pancake but not what I consider to be an actual crepe. I found it to be a little tough and it doesn't suit my tastes, but don't let me discourage you from trying it. They had enough selections of them and others at my table enjoyed theirs.
The wait staff were right on. It took our waitress a few minutes to attend to us when we first arrived, but given how busy the place was I was somewhat expecting it. And it wasn't like we were waiting terribly wrong wondering if we were going to get served or not. After she took our drink order she was right there for us.
So, for any of you looking for a neat place to go for a more unique breakfast option, I would highly recommend trying Cora's. I don't think you'll be disappointed an it beats the traditional breakfasts you can get almost anywhere else. -
Review from Kelly Z.
4/28/2012
Rubbery AND hard crepe? Sounds exactly the opposite of what I want, but that's what I got. Top it off with a serving of artfully decorated but tasteless hard under-ripe fruit and that was my experience at Cora's.
I got the maple and bacon "special" crepe, but it was too sweet to finish, and the maple butter turned the crepe from what should have been an airy masterpiece into a tough to cut, so-sweet-it-was-diabetic slab. The bacon WAS pretty great...but there was too little to balance the sweet with the savoury. An hour or so later I was dying of thirst, too. From three pieces of bacon? My mocha? The crepe - I have no idea.
The upselling of items is very slick - be careful on agreeing to extras when you are asked, and I lived in fear of touching the $0.65 maple syrup packets.
Service was flip, but it's a busy place, so I don't mind. The only time they start to come around more often is when they want your booth emptied. Funny that.
Love the concept, but the food left a lot to be desired, and I doubt I'll return, especially if the line is out the door as it often is. -
Review from Wanda B.
Calgary, AB
4/3/2012
Heard about this place in Calgary, in fact even tried to have breakfast there a couple of times, but an hour wait at any restaurant is not something I intend on doing with or without kids (and we had our 4 & 6 yr old in tow). There are too many other good places to eat at.
Packed up and ready to head home we wanted something to fill our belly. We stopped at the IHOP, 45 minute wait. We stopped at Cora's Breakfast & Lunch Cafe, 15 minute wait. Hold on a second....15 minute wait - outstanding! And the line up moved quickly.
Count. Us. In.
Since it had decided to snow, the kids waited in the truck and when it was time to be seated I messaged them in.
Our waitress was top notch. In fact all the staff were kid friendly and appeared to truly enjoy their job. Smiles and helpfulness all around.
The food lived up the the expectations (my 6 yr old finished her plate) although some of the non seasonal fruit was a little bland (plums). Par for the course in Alberta as I have found any non seasonal fruit trucked in long distances has very little taste and tend not to buy it.
We would love to try Cora's in Calgary and will only if the line ups cease to exist or get shorter :)
It's getting 4 stars only because the decor & ambience were not really to my liking. -
Review from Laini G.
1/31/2012
I almost never visit this particular Cora if I can help it. It's not the food, it's the service. There is one waitress who works here who never ceases to frustrate me. Even as she's taking your order, she begins walking off nodding as you get to the end, so doesn't hear all the extras.
The first time we visited this location, I asked for a side of Swiss cheese with my Peggy's Poached. She thought I said "cream cheese" (becuse she was walking away at the time) and brought me this hunk of white stuff, so I had to correct her and make her bring the correct type.
She aso brought the wrong kind of toast. I asked for multigrain, and she brought white.
The last time, she just started filling my coffee cup before asking if I would like a refill. To other people, this may not seem like a big deal. But for me, it's huge. I'm on Weight Watchers, and unfortunately, I can't drink black coffee (which has no points). I hadn't yet finished the one cup I'd allotted for myself, and the points for the milk and sugar additions I had to add.
I explained WHY she should always ASK before filling someone's cup, because it's not always a good thing. Also, lady, take the time to LISTEN to your customers' orders, and write everything DOWN so you get it right!
I always have decent service at the location on 137th Ave, so that's where I'll continue to go. -
Review from Nitin B.
Edmonton, AB
2/21/2012
Not a fan. The food sizes look big but it's mostly melons or salad that dominate the plate, the actual dishes you order just don't have the zing you are looking for. The concept is a good concept but the food quality does not match the hype. Edmonton has far better breakfast places.
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Review from Wendy P.
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was trying really hard not to like Cora's. Everybody kept bragging about how great it was, and I just didn't want to listen. But when two of your best friends want to head there for breaky, what's a girl to do?
I've gotta say, Cora's has a few steps up on any breakfast chain. I'm not so sure about the colourful menu item graphics all over the walls, but I guess it makes it family friendly.
Foodwise, awesome! The "mountains of fruit" included in all of the different dishes is impressive-not to mention it's fresh and full of flavour. My cinnamon bun French toast was especially tasty. I had to bring half of it home.
Our server, Angela, was on the ball. Visiting our table often, cheerful and helpful. She brought ketchup to our table, decided it wasn't full enough and brought us a full container.
So... with that, Cora's is bringin' some A-game to the tired breakfast chain scene... at least at this location.
Yelp's 30 Day Challenge: 21/30. -
Review from Jenna-Marie L.
Edmonton, AB
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love breakfast, and was definitely impressed with Chez Cora. Very few places I have been for brekkie serve fresh fruit and if they do it is usually melons or a small orange slice so needless to say I was in heaven to see a gorgeous helping of amazing fruit on my plate with my bagel & lox.
I came on a Saturday morning and definitely did not get here early enough as the line was out the door but on the bright side it moved really fast and the food was worth the short wait! -
Review from Peggy L.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
After a previous mediocre experience with Cora's in Calgary, I wasn't expecting much when the chain came to Calgary Trail. Unfortunately, my meager expectations were not even met.
Upon arriving, my friend and I waited in line for about ten minutes for a table. I liked the open-concept kitchen because there was something to focus on during the wait time. Once we were seated the waitress came by pretty quickly with coffee and water, and took our orders. And then the wait began. We hadn't ordered anything particularly difficult to prepare. I had the Rosemary's breakfast with eggs, bacon, a blueberry crepe, and the ubiquitous fresh fruit, while my friend ordered the strawberry waffle. Nonetheless, our wait time was half an hour. The waitress came by to fill our drinks only once after about 25 minutes, and told us that the kitchen was backed up. When our food did come shortly after, I complained about the wait and she got the manager for me. He claimed that the half hour wait time was normal and that he was sorry that I was dissatisfied and promptly walked away, without allowing me to respond. However, the waitresses claims that the kitchen was delayed and the ten minute wait time of the table behind us contradict his assertion.
The blueberry crepe that I had was rubbery and tasteless, but everything else that we had ordered was average. The same quality that you'd receive at Denny's or IHOP.
For the average food, long wait, and terrible service, I will not return. Usually a line out the door is a good sign, but not when it's because of poor efficiency rather than good quality.Listed in: Beware!
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Review from HungryMut T.
10/16/2011
Not bad. Not great. Passable and I'd go again if the line weren't too long.
It was our last day of vacation and the friends that we stayed with said that Cora's was quite popular. We had plenty of time to get to the airport so we decided to try it out.
There was a wait of about 15 minutes. Our party of six was seated at two booths that were side-by-side but had a short wall between them. Made for awkward conversation but we had a plane to catch!
Service was reasonably quick. Food was served hot and as ordered. They spend a lot of time cutting fresh fruit that is very fresh and flavorful.
I had the "summer of 1970"?, which was brioche dipped in French toast batter, 1 egg, bacon and fruit. The brioche was a bit firm and quite heavy.
In general, everyone enjoyed their meal and we hormone in time. The downsides were the wall between the booths and the fact
That 3 of us did not have forks in our set-up. -
Review from Metal Chick M.
Edmonton, AB
9/27/2011
After being impressed with Coras in Ottawa this summer, I could hardly wait to go to this location in Edmonton.
I got here on Monday around 11am, the place was near packed. There were 2 girls near the front counter/till area who were chatting away while I waited to be seated. I have a 2 minute rule: no seat or acknowledgement within 2 minutes and I am gone. Well right near the two minute mark, another girl out of the blue from the restaurant asked me to follow her to a table.
Frankly, I thought the menu was limited, it seemed to me that in Ottawa the selection of breakfast was much better. Although, it took me almost 10 minutes to pick a breakfast, that's how long it took a waitress to take my order for a drink. Way too long. Drinks should be served within 5 minutes of seating. Anyways I ordered a cappuccino because I know breakfast restaurants are famous for cheap lousy coffee. The cappuccino was OK, nothing special, but for $3.50 was very small.
Finally the waitress took my order. Good thing I had my iPad with me so I could kill time waiting. My eggs Benedict with Brie cheese and mushrooms arrived, I was expecting a tasty meal, but I felt the eggs were too soggy, part of my cheese was cold. The best part of my breakfast were the potatoes, they were tasty and the generous portion of fruit. Frankly, I would have preferred good quality eggs and much less fruit, I feel like they try to take away your attention from the mediocre food by adding fruit. The fruit is good, but overpriced.
The service needs work badly. Very slow. Again thank goodness I had my iPad to keep me occupied.
I hope someone from management reads these reviews, because as it stands, this place compared to the Ottawa location stinks.
Not worth the hype at all. You are better off going to Saratoga next door, they have a much better breakfast menu and better value. Same lousy coffee, but better service. -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
After much buzz, I finally checked out Chez Cora this morning. From what I understand, it was a smart move to visit on a weekday. It was quiet when I arrived at around 8 AM, but the place had filled up even closer to 9. Glad I didn't have to wait in line to grab a seat!
The menus are kind of cool. I do love photos of the food in menus, although a photo of every item was overkill. I think the menu is actually really, really small - the photos just stretch it out to 4 pages when really it could all fit on one. The paper placemats on the table were tacky.
In an effort to be healthy, I picked a fruit place with yogurt. I noticed kiwi in the picture, when I'm mega-allergic to. I told our waitress, who wrote it down and noted it's a common allergy, but when my food arrived, the fruit tower was adorned with kiwi fruit, plus kiwi crushed up into the yogurt.
I had to wait a couple of minutes for her to come back and requested a new plate. She apologized and brought me back the only edible part of my order, the bagel and cream cheese. About ten minutes later, the rest of my order arrived, sans kiwi.
The food was very average. I know a fruit plate doesn't sound very exciting to begin with, and the presentation was excellent, but that was about it. The apple slices were cool (but they still had seeds in them, so I had to re-slice them myself anyway) and the fruit fan was pretty, but the fruit really average, and the bagel was subpar. And honestly, $11 for decorative fruit is way too expensive, especially when my fiancee had a full plate of eggs and meat for the same price.
When we finished up but still had full cups of coffee, the waitress dropped the bill on the table and simply said, "You can pay up front." It was really awkward because we clearly weren't ready to leave, but we sort of felt pressured to go. She never came back to refill our coffee.
If a friend invites me here, I'll follow, but I won't suggest this place to anyone else for a breakfast date. I'll stick to quirky Barb and Ernies or follow Jessica D's recommendation to Hap's Hungry House from now on.Listed in: South Side, Family Friendly, Meh, Breakfast, Vegetarian and Vegan
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Review from Robyn W.
8/16/2011
I do not understand all the fuss over Cora.
Excited to try it out after hearing the raves, the Hubs and I hopped in the car and drove all the way across the city, early in the morning to hopefully beat the rumoured miles-long line ups.
When we walked in the door, there were only 5 or 6 people ahead of us, and we got seated relatively quickly.
And then we waited.
The service was horrible. So slow and unattentive, the waitress could barely care enough to take our orders.
I would complain that she never even refilled our coffee once, but the coffee was so horrid and watered down that it might have been a blessing.
After we finally gave our order we waited for what seemed like an eternity for our food. Granted the kitchen was slammed, but it was quite awhile after we saw our order get put up on the hot plate before our waitress bothered to carry it over to us. She must have bee too busy shuffling around twirling her hair.
The food was nothing special, quite bland and unmemorable. And I was very irritated to be given a jar of brown water for syrup, only to be told that if I wanted the "real" maple syrup I would have to pay extra.
That is just criminal.
The only thing saving this review from getting 1* is the massive pile of fruit that comes with pretty much every plate. That was good. That was it.
There aren't a lot of good breakfast places in Edmonton, and Cora certainly isn't one of them. If that's my choice, I'll just stay home and make my own.Listed in: 30 Day Challenge
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Review from Janine E.
Edmonton, AB
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Firstly, I'll start with the fact that I absolutely love breakfast foods. It is definitely my favourite meal of the day by far. If I could I would have breakfast for lunch and dinner. Naturally, I love Cora. (I do find their portions a bit big) but there food is delicious! There is a variety to choose from, from crepes to pancakes, eggs benedict (my favourite)... and there is always a TON of fruit. It can't get much better than this and it is so reasonably priced! The lines are always out the door because it is sooo busy. It's so worth the wait, plus they have a he restaurant so the line goes quicker than you think it will. Bottom line, Cora is amazing, and if you haven't gone, you need to go. Yummmmm
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Review from Larissa S.
Beaumont, AB
8/24/2011
We have been here 3 times now, and I really don't think I'll bother going back again. The food is OK, but not worth standing in line. And as one of the other reviewers said, you really do feel rushed once you're seated. Barb & Ernie's is busy and has line-ups on the weekends too, but at least once you're in there, the staff doesn't make you feel like you need to hurry up and eat so they can seat the next customers. Maybe if you were to go in off-peak hours it would be OK, but I don't see what all the fuss is about.
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Review from Edda O.
4/1/2011 1 photo
My good friend in Edmonton took me to Cora's on my last trip back. I have to say I wasn't a huge fan. I ordered the breakfast with blue berry crepes and the crepes were disappointing. It was a little on the thick side anddwas very rubbery.
Their potatoes are delicious, eggs were cooked well, fresh fruit bowl was actually fresh tasting and they are definitely generous but all in all, a little too hyped up IMHO. -
Review from Antonella C.
Edmonton, AB
8/25/2011
Truth be told, I went for lunch....not breakfast, so I may return to check the breakfast food out. The first thing that struck me in a positive way was the bright decor around the restaurant. The second, how open it is; you can see the whole place from the entrance, and the third, that you can see the kitchen as they are preparing the dishes. I VERY much liked the incredible amount of fresh fruit that was being used....don't get that much anymore, anywhere, actually.
With a friend, we went in out of curiosity for a "quick" lunch. As was mentioned in Aditya's review, we too waited about 15 minutes. In our case, not only did we wait, but the cashier found herself trying to find someone to even find out how many were in our party. That it is a busy place is an understatement as its patrons are a combination of families, work colleagues, groups of friends, act.. .
So, on to the food. I ordered the "Lovely Chicken Salad" and specifically asked for the dressing on the side and my friend ordered the "Western Omelette." To their credit, the omelette was not oily and thin....my salad, well, let's just say I should have ordered the omelette. Not only was the dressing ON the side, but it was also IN the salad....and unfortunately, my "chicken salad" salad, was mostly romaine lettuce with a quarter cup of chicken salad mixed with lettuce drenched in dressing. I won't say it wasn't edible, however, for the "freshness" banner Cora's carries, I had hoped for something different, or at least not so "typical". My friend's omelette was good and tasty, served with potatoes and two nice sized slices of melon and pineapple. My fruit was the melon with a nice sized strawberry.
In all, a passable lunch....I'll try again to get there for breakfast, though it is a destination point--best to go before heading to S. Edmonton Commons or on your way back...but that I would go out there specifically for the breakfast....too far and for me, ultimately not worth it given the quality of spots I have closer to home... -
Review from Paula K.
12/3/2010
Cora's is a chain from Quebec that has been making waves on the breakfast scene in other parts of Canada. Although it is located deep on the south side, I made the trek to find out why people are raving about the place. It only took me a few moments looking at the menu to see why. Mountains of fresh fruit adorn waffles, French toast, pancakes, yogurt and granola parfaits, crepes, and more.
I ordered a Seven of July, which was crepes and French toast covered in fruit. The French toast was sweet with nutmeg and cinnamon, while the crepes were crispy. I am very partial when it comes to fruit, and I can honestly say that both the variety and freshness were perfect.
At the other side of the table, a roast beef panini was ordered. It came with the soup of the say and a side salad. The salad included a glass filled with sticks of carrots, celery, and zucchini, with dip at the bottom. The reaction? One of the best he has ever had. No small compliment.
I had coffee (average) and he had a raspberry fruit smoothie (delicious) and we shared a side order of roast potatoes (tender and savory). Prices are average to middle for this kind of food ($10-$12), service is very friendly, and the decor is bright and colourful.
It was very busy though, despite it being a weekday afternoon. On weekends, be prepared to wait in line. However, the plates really look like works of art and everything tastes as good as it looks. -
Review from Brandy N.
Edmonton, AB
5/26/2011
I have heard that if you come on the weekend the line is ridiculous but since I had the day off Tuesday I thought we would try it out. The food here was fantastic and you get do much for the price. Loved how cheesy the omelette was and how much fruit my husband got with his crepe. Would I ever wait an hour in line to eat here? No. But if I had another weekday off I would definitely come back here for breakfast.
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Review from Lasha T.
4/15/2011
Cora's is a staple for breakfast and brunch in my opinion. There's a reason that this restaurant can survive and thrive even with their limited opening hours. Trying to get in on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon? Good luck! It is really worth the wait though. Don't expect 5 star service here and you'll have to get around the kitchy decor. They are known for their crepes and most everything comes with a mound of fresh fruit. It is a really good value for the amount of food you get. It's nice that you can go decedant or stay healthy in the same restaurant.
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Review from Aditya R.
12/31/2009 3 Check-ins Here
Located in the unlikeliest of places - on Calgary Tr halfway between Whitemud and Anthony Henday. I've been there a couple of times and have always had to wait for a table! There's this huge line of people trying to get in and it usually takes 10-15 mins to get seated. It's a big area inside. Has several tables. Good for large families.
So, now I wonder why no one else has reviewed this place yet. The menu has several kinds of omelettes, crépes, waffles, benedicts and what not. Almost everything comes with a generous serving of fruits. Simply put - it'd take you a while to figure out what to order.
The chain started, maybe, 20 years back and since has opened up 100 locations all over Canada. So there you go - people like it. I totally enjoyed it.
The reason for a 3-star is that it's too crowded and not a great place to have a relaxing and refreshing meal. Hopefully the mania will end one day and it might become a better place to visit. Might also reduce to a Smittys, which will be unfortunate. Go there, at least once! I'm sure you'll enjoy it!Listed in: Hidden Gems
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Review from Francesca K.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 2/22/2010 1 photo
I went here again for my sister's birthday. There were six of us, so I was a little worried that we would be waiting longer than we did last time when there were only two of us, but we went anyways.
The atmosphere in the lineup was really fun. My sister and I were talking and being silly (like sisters can be!) and my mom was enjoying watching us. An older couple had commented to my mom that we seemed to be really good friends and a conversation was sparked as they talked about their children.
We got a table in a reasonable amount of time, and our server rushed over to us and introduced herself. She was really perky and informative. She knew her specials, what the potatoes were cooked in and what kind of smoothie was being offered that morning. I liked this server much more than the last one because she seemed so happy to be there.
The food that morning was excellent and all of us were impressed with the amount of fruit was was piled on our plates. We sat for a little while after our plates were cleared and we didn't feel rushed out, which was really nice.
I will be going back here again.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/25/2010
I am torn about this restaurant.
When we arrived at 10:30 on Sunday morning, there was a line up out… Read more »
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Review from Tim R.
Edmonton, AB
1/1/2010 1 photo
Chez Cora may be hard to get to, but I assure you it is worth the drive. Established in 1987, chains have been popping up across Canada- a statement to their popularity.
This restaurant offers some of the best breakfast and brunch menu items in the city. From eggs to omelettes, french toast, waffles, bowls of fresh fruit and crepes, Cora prides themselves on using the freshest ingredients. Menu items are reasonably priced (~$12-16), and every dish comes with generous portions. I ordered an April 89, which a MASSIVE 12 inch long (and 5 inch wide) crepe stuffed over the top with strawberries, bananas, kiwi, grapes, oranges, and other fruit, all topped with sweet crepe sauce and of coarse whipped cream. I was amazed at the monstrosity, yet there was no sacrifice on food quality at all. The fruit tasted very fresh, and there never seemed to be an overload of fruit flavor or sweetness despite all the sweet crepe sauce. I did manage to finish it, but it was basically my breakfast, lunch, and most of my supper.
My only complaint is that this place was packed. I felt like a sardine in the restaurant, which is not the right atmosphere for a breakfast/brunch area. The line ups are also discouraging- people were standing outside for a 1 hour wait from 9am already. The line up had even grown as we left around 12. I would give this restaurant 3 stars because of the long waits and cramped sitting area, but I liked the food so much that I can forgo this...for now. -
Review from Emmanuel I.
Edmonton, AB
5/7/2010
Wow... the food was amazing. I highly recommend this place to everyone
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Review from sylvain h.
Edmonton, AB
9/29/2010
Cora Tsouflidou a single mom from Quebec started a small restaurant and from there started a whole chains of them all accross Canada.I don`t know why they open a franchise in such a bad location on Calgary trail but its a proof that the food is awsome since people are willing to drive there,fight for a parking spot and wait in line outside and inside and once seated wait again untill the food shows up.They should open one in the french quarter in Bonnie Doon,it would be so popular.Lots and lots of fruits on the menu and all breakfast stuff so i wonder if anyone goes there for supper but its so good that you wanna eat it anytime.The down side is that since its a big restaurant and always crowded,its very noisy,i can`t even remember if i heard music playing since it was so loud and you always have to chase your waitress who is just so busy running to so many tables but its all worth it,good food experience and so unique.Bravo Cora!
