Boom Breakfast and Co.
1036 St Clair West
416-657-3447
Breakfast for two with coffee: $30

Having lived in Corso Italia, otherwise known as St Clair West, for just about a year and a half now, I have been witness to a slow but steady gentrification of the neighbourhood. Thankfully, this has come in the way of new shops and restaurants, art galleries, and business and not giant eyesore condominiums (though one of these days they are bound to make an appearance). The one thing this neighbourhood has been lacking is a good all-day breakfast.

Up until recently, the closest thing St Clair West has had to a brekkie joint were a sprinkling of little bar-cum-restaurants that look more like a scene from The Sopranos than anything else (and not in the “wow, this looks like the Sopranos set” kinda way, but more like “wow, probably should of rethought some of those life decisions”).

Thankfully, Boom Breakfast & Co stepped up to the plate a few weeks ago. Boom serves up all the standard treats expected: omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, eggs Benny, etc.. And, like any respectable diner, most dishes come in several variations and multiple combinations. I, myself, am quite partial to the home-fried potatoes. My suspicion is that they are of the pre-made frozen variety, but the seasoning is good and deep-fried starch always makes me happy (to the great dismay of my trainer).

The staff, while thoroughly pleasant, still have their green moments. The coffee service, an absolute must for any breakfast joint, can be a little off kilter, having too long a lag time between the first cup and the refill. Also, the bill has come in a few cents off here and there. These sorts of little transgressions I will forgive. While, yes, I am a hard-ass when it come to service, the Boom staff have won me over by being truly accommodating (something made clear to me one morning when I had our server come up with a hybrid huervos racheros/pancake plater - a culinary triumph if I do say so myself). I know that all restaurants need an adjustment period post-opening. And, from what I have seen, Boom is making all the moves in the right direction.

The décor is another breath of fresh air for the neighbourhood. The cool blue subway tile, molded panelling wall ornaments, and a subtle, well-placed fresco mural all lend a graceful touch to the block. Of course, upon entering the restaurant my eye immediately honed in on the partially exposed espresso machine behind the counter. Like its sister spot on College St, Boom St Clair offers an array of espresso-based drinks and Reunion Island brewed coffee. Although, truth be told, good coffee is one thing St Clair West does have in abundance.

Boom tends to close toward the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the day. Having breakfast for dinner is sometimes a nice treat, but, having worked in the resto biz myself, I fully understand the appeal in closing down shop a little early to spend some time with family. All in all, Boom has been a readily-welcomed addition to the neighbourhood – except by my roommate, who’s been a little cranky that I haven’t been cooking breakfast lately.