In this post we were staying at the newly rebranded Hyatt downtown Vancouver, on Abbot Street. And our two day and two night stay included two complimentary breakfasts from their on property restaurant, Carlino. We had the option of dining in or having it delivered to our hotel room. Considering we would get two breakfasts, we decided to try it both ways.
Having breakfast as room service offers a comfortable setting and the ability to lounge about in your pyjamas as you eat. The only hitch, you might not know of this option as there was no menu in the suite, to call down to room service for. However, it is easy enough to google it, and we paid attention to the attendant at the front desk to know that we had this ability.
Everything we ordered was brought to our room in a special heated trolley. This was to ensure your meal is hot, despite the travel time from the restaurant to your hotel room.
The trolly then converts into a table with sides that fold up and a surface that you can eat right on. The experience remains a luxury affair with white table cloth and napkins, a vase of carnations, a basket of bottled jellies, and even a dish of butter shaped into balls. Clean up afterwards is just as easy and effective. You only need to call room service to have them pick up the cart.
As for what we ate, I was intrigued by the fact that this Italian restaurant made congee, so had to try it. Although it did make sense considering the restaurant once served Shangri-La Hotel and their Chinese inspired theme. Although in that case, I would also expect dim sum dishes, however the rest of the menu was North American brunch time classics.
The congee was traditional rice porridge made from free-range chicken thighs, fresh ginger, and scallions. I made it breakfast ready with the add-on of an egg. Normally it is fried or scrambled, but the kitchen took the initiative and made it soft boil to align better with the congee.
Considering we were drinking the night before, this hit the spot as the perfect morning after meal. Rich, warm, and comforting. I finished it with gusto and did not feel the need to add-on any additional sauces and seasonings like the side of soy sauce and the house-pickled cucumbers it also came with. I wanted another serving right away and know I will crave it again. I honestly wanted to order it again the next day, but decided to try something else instead.
My guest played it safe with the Classic Breakfast. This was two rabbit river eggs any style, fingerling potato, her choice of protein, and toast. She got her eggs sunny side up with the turkey sausage and then added on bacon.
We also got a couple of their pressed juices to add some vegetable into the meal. Both a healthy and refreshing way to start the day. The Green Detox is a blend of kale, spinach, green apple, and coconut water. Whereas the Citrus Glow Is orange, carrot, ginger, and turmeric.
The next day we ventured down to Carlino’s to have our breakfast in their restaurant. They are open three hours earlier, solely for hotel guests. Regardless, they are still busy with lines and the need to make reservations to ensure seating. Only one third of the restaurant is open for seated service.
The biggest difference between dining-in and calling up room service is the ability to take advantage of their pastry counter. Within the restaurant are fresh baked, still warm croissants and muffin tops that you can help yourself to. First come first serve, and you can take as many as you can eat.
The flaky and buttery croissants were amazing, being able to enjoy them so fresh was a treat. I am not too shy to admit that I had two to myself and then was sad to see them bring out a savoury cheese and spinach Danish on my way out. I was so tempted to grab it and run.
For my breakfast main I ordered one of their Benedicts with two poached Easterbrook Farm eggs, english muffin, and hollandaise. You have a choice between canadian bacon, smoked salmon, dungeness crab, or spinach florentine. I went for the lesser seen crab and then added on bacon for the salty and crispiness I wanted during this breakfast. As is, I found the crab too light with the luscious-ness of the yolk weighing it down.
My guest went for the Avocado Toast for something cleaner and leaner. Two Easterbrook Farm eggs, smashed hass avocado, toasted house made sourdough, and estate olive oil. She liked the toast, but found the salad bland.
We also repeated our juices from the day before here too.
Having tried both experiences, for the pastries alone I would recommend dining in. I would definitely like to return for breakfast again and would order the congee once more.
Carlino Restaurant
1115 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A5
(604) 695-1115
carlinorestaurant.com
