Busy kitchen, happy faces

Irwin Block

November 2011

Dejeuner en Compagnie has made such a name for itself on the West Island that a second outlet with a similar name is packing them in.

We drove to the breakfast/brunch restaurant at 3237 Sources in Dollard des Ormeaux (Dejeuner Inc. is at 5701-C St. Jean) with our mothers on a recent Sunday. It’s in Galeries des Sources near a huge Super C. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the buzz of diners indulging in huge plates of food.

Behind them, half a dozen cooks and kitchen workers could be seen busily preparing orders. The combination—happy faces on the guests and a busy, efficient looking kitchen—were excellent signs, borne out by the food.

It’s a modern, relaxed setting, formerly Tutti Frutti, and our table of four was seated next to floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a patio.

Irwin’s raspberry yogurt twister et al Photos: Barbara Moser

The next good sign was Julio, our congenial waiter, who immediately offered coffee—most dishes include bottomless cups, including decaf—and helped us with the extensive menu.

The main dishes cover a huge range of combinations: various types of pancakes, waffles, crepes, egg dishes and omelets, French toast and eggs Benedict and Florentine.

Being hungry, we passed on the smoothies, juices and blended drinks offered and went straight to the main items.

Eva, who has a sweet tooth or two, went for the waffles with two eggs, sunny-side up, ($8.95), with maple syrup (90 cents). Though she normally finishes everything on her plate, Eva did not seem to mind sharing her scrumptious waffles.

Ruth, always nutrition conscious, chose the spinach and cheddar crêpe ($11.95), which was topped with a hefty cheddar slice that had a nice sharp bite to it. (There was more than enough for all to sample.) She passed on the hollandaise and béchamel sauces.

Eva’s supersized waffle and eggs plate.

Barbara chose a Portobello mushroom and Brie cheese omelet. She loved the way it melted together. A hefty side of potatoes comes with most plates. Substitute with fruit for $2.75 or salad for $2.20.

But those potatoes are hard to pass up, even when you know you shouldn’t—thin slices with skin seasoned with paprika, oregano, salt and chili powder. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Trying hard to lose my pot and lower my cholesterol, I happily selected from the Fruits Inc. menu—a raspberry yogurt and honey twister (the shape of the glass) with muesli, served with fresh fruit and apple bread ($11.75). The fruits, stacked in a tower, included slices of kiwi, starfruit, pineapple, strawberries, grapefruit, pears, and grapes. I happily shared the apple bread, which combined the flavours of apple cake an French toast.

It’s noisy, but that’s the sound of hungry people devouring food in a congenial atmosphere.

We sat beside students with an iPad, eating as they studied, and the room was filled with people of all ages and backgrounds — a veritable West Island microcosm.

My verdict: delicious, varied, nutritious, and hard to find anywhere else on the island.

The verdict from all diners: delectable food, huge portions, reasonable prices, and excellent service.

There is a cheaper Kid’s Inc. menu. During the week there is a luncheon menu from 11 am to 3 pm, with a seven-item menu that features seafood vol-au-vent and blade roast with veggies ($10.95), and steak and fries ($12.95.) Get a Fidelity Card and enjoy your 10th lunch free.

There is also an early bird special—$2 off any plate until 8:30 am.

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and accepts major credit cards.