We were at our last Vancouver Cocktail Week event, the morning after the grand gala.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Ellipsis hosted a women-led tropical brunch.
This is Soft Power Sunday, hosted in a female-owned and fully female-operated space, featuring Flor de Caña rum cocktails and tropical flavours, “setting the tone for an easy, sun-washed Sunday” (as per the website). The advert promised sun and the day delivered.
The event was designed for recovery, connection, and good conversation, and advertised itself as a space to unwind at your own pace. Seating started at 12pm and ran until 4pm, and guests were invited to drop in and join whenever they were ready. Worth mentioning is that there was a live DJ and what they were spinning certainly set up the day to be a more lively one.
Ellipsis is special by night, and a whole different experience during the day. The all glass exterior allows for maximum day light, and the minimalist decor provides ideal backdrops for photos. I stand firm in saying that there are no bad angles and all the seats are good ones.
We were seated at the bar, where all the action was. There were four speciality Flor de Caña cocktails to choose from, available only on this day, each named after a time of day and its light.
Our complimentary welcome drink was “Daybreak”, the lightest of the four, with the intention of working your way through to the strongest and last. Our opener was Segura Viudas Cava Brut, Passionfruit, and Orange. A mimosa dressed up with the exotic expression of passionfruit.
We skipped the “Golden Hour”, and went right to the third cocktail on the list, missing out on a mix of Flor De Cana 12YR, Lime, and Sweet Corn.
The “Afterglow” lived up to its name as the glass bled from red to yellow with Flor De Cana 12YR, Italian Bitter, Pineapple, Mango, and Strawberry Foam. The foam added sweetness and a thicker mouthfeel. It was floral on its top note and finished tropical with fruit.
“Twilight” was the strongest of the four, as expected, and despite how its ingredients read. Flor De Cana 12YR, Strawberry, Coconut, Pandan, and Lime. It was bold and stiff like an Old Fashioned, with whispers of the aforementioned fruit. As per my personal tastes, I wish I got more pandan flavour coming through.
As for food there was a one day only brunch menu to pair with the cocktails above. The options included a yogurt bowl, Ancient grain salad, mushroom toast, and quiche; as lighter breakfast options. For those who prefer their first meals heavier and more filling, there was also Burrata and braised duck and beans.
I got the French Toast and was happy with my choice topped with Caramelized Apples, Brandy Whip, and Maple Syrup. This was a thick slice of bread with a good amount of blackened char that furthered the caramelization of the sweeter toast. The creamy whip and softened fruit took this more into dessert territory, adding levity to the dense eggy and cakes bites. Surprisingly, this one slice was plenty filling.
And seeing as Ellipse is equal parts bar and cafe, we succumbed to their pastry showcase and tried one of their cube croissants. We went with the passionfruit, considering it best matched the theme of the day with this tropical fruit. The tart gel centre was brightening and fresh, however the croissant dough was a little dry and dense, whereas I was seeking light and flaky to compliment the perky filling.
In closing this was a wonderful way to enjoy a leisurely spent afternoon, bathed in sun, soothed by good company, and sipping on tropical cocktails.
Ellipsis
1540 W 2nd Ave #205, Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2
ellipsis.ca
