Restaurants
Lady Marmalade
Lady Marmalade, in the former Pulp Kitchen space, ups the ante on standard brunch by offering locally sourced organic food (when possible), and plenty of options for our non-meat eating friends. Mexican inspired ingredients also add an extra twist to simple items. Unlike other Mexican fusion brunch options across the city, all dishes are health- centered. No greasy offerings here as there is thankfully no deep fryer on the premises.
After a tempestuous thunderstorm, we walk into the casual Leslieville eatery late in the afternoon. Perhaps it's partially the weather, but there is an undeniable West Coast feel to the place. Little has changed from the menu, which seems to be a direct copy from the original Victoria location.
At the helm of operations in Toronto is Head Chef Clara's brother, David Cherry. Along with his partner, Natalia Simachkevitch, these Toronto natives have been trying to keep up with the unstoppable crowds since opening in July. 
The interior is very retro chic, with most items salvaged or second hand. The eclectic mélange of mismatched furniture gives the place a great vintage vibe. I particularly like the different sets of salt and peppershakers; the grandmas on rocking chairs set being my favourite of the lot. There is even a chalkboard and mini play nook to occupy rambunctious kids. 
I get the Club Sandwich ($9.95), which comes stacked and speared beside a ginger- sesame side salad. Overall, the crispy bacon, avocado, chipotle mayo, tomato and spinach pressed between slices of quality bread are good. The freshness of the ingredients is evident with each bite, but I find the chicken breast rather bland. 
Yoghurt Parfait ($9.50) is beautifully presented with interchanging layers of fresh fruits, creamy yoghurt and house-made granola. The half cinnamon bagel hanging from the side of the glass is a stylish touch.
They serve Fernwood organic fair trade coffee, a small West Coast company making an intro on the Toronto market, thanks to Lady Marmalade. My mug-full ($2.50) is good, strong and advertised as bottomless, though our server never once came to offer a refill. 
Open just over a month ago, Lady Marmalade is still ironing out some minor kinks, but seems to have a good thing going on. It's the kind of place where I could have easily spent the rest of my rainy afternoon, admiring the local art adorning the walls or simply with a book and a cup of coffee. 
Photos by Casey Cunningham
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They don't do eggs.. well actually they only do poached or scrambled. Their excuse wasn't really good if you've ever been a short-order cook before... but understandable. Getting a lot of orders moving in frying pans must be hard during a breakfast rush. However, the meal was great and presented well.
The decor was trendy and cute. Mismatched furniture and "vintage" feel are all the rage. This place has it in spades and can be rather charming. They even have those old white mugs with the green print... reminds me of a long time ago.
Overall it's rather fancy. I prefer the classic open-kitchen diner-style breakfast myself and if that's your taste as well, you will want to skip this place. It's more of a fine bistro. This review is quite good and for a change of pace for this greasy-diner-connoisseur, Lady Marmalade is a definitely pleasant experience.
100% Delicious!
I recently was able to go for brunch and the food is even better than I remembered!
Looks like I'll be making a few more trips to the east end in the near future.
I was with my wife and my 9 month old baby today. There was line so my wife waited in the car with the baby while I waited at the door. When a table opened up, I called my wife to come over. The staff said they have a policy I must have all parties here before they can seat us. I told her my wife is just crossing the road and will be here in 30 secs. She said there is a lineup so she must give the table to the next party. I could not believe they wouldn't even give us 30 secs! We got so pissed we left immediately!
This place definitely not baby friendly and have very snobbish staff. DO NOT GO HERE!
I hope the owner of this place reads this. This is the result of your snobbish service!!!
I find the environment everything a good breakfast place should be: grandma's kitchen table and coffee cups, independent artists on the walls, bright, excellent coffee, chilled out yet flavorful and unique food (with veggie and gluten free options!) and the service is unobtrusive yet if you take the time to engage with the server she/he is happy to chat/laugh.
Smokin' busy - a line up for breakfast after 8:30am is standard.. just take a chill pill and wait. it's not going to change your life but it's highly enjoyable.
p.s. we had the pulled pork eggs benny (i know, pulled pork has been DONE - but there's a reason..it's good). also had the huevos - not bad. good guac and the scrambled eggs were cooked well.
Also, I noticed a lot of complaints about this place not being kid-friendly but there were about 7 toddlers there when we arrived and there didn't seem to be any issues. The staff even dealt graciously with the one table whose kid basically tossed a whole plate of scrambled eggs onto the floor bit by bit.