At the best brunch spots the mimosas are cold, the eggs benedict hot, the vibe is chill and the views killer.
Such seems to be the common denominators at the seven eateries in the Okanagan that have popped up on the top 100 list of the most popular brunch restaurants in Canada.
The list was generated by OpenTable, the reservations platform that many restaurants use, based on one million reviews from diners on its website over the past year.
The list also comes out just in time for Mother's Day -- which is a huge day for resto reservations as families honour (and eat and drink with) the women in their lives.
Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 14 this year and OpenTable data shows the most common time to make a reservation for Mother's Day brunch is four days before on Wednesday, May 10.
So, OpenTable is suggesting you make your Mother's Day reservations before that to snag the perfect table at your prefered restaurant.
Without further ado, here are the nine Okanagan restos on the list:
- 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar at Two Eagles Golf Course in West Kelowna (doesn't actually serve brunch, but does serve lunch and dinner)
- Block One Restaurant at 50th Parallel Winery in Lake Country
- Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Winery on Oliver
- Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate Winery in West Kelowna
- Range Lounge & Grill at Predator Ridge Golf Resort near Vernon
- Shaughnessy's Cove in Summerland
- The Lookout Restaurant at Gray Monk Winery in Lake Country
Of course, these restaurants aren't just ideal for Mother's Day brunch, but any day for any meal.
We listed the restaurants in alphabetical order, which is how the top 100 list is organized.
So, the restaurants aren't actually numerically ranked.
With seven in the top 100, the Okanagan is well represented considering the area is small in population and restaurant concentration compared to metropolises Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
The Okanagan scored well because it's a stunning region where restaurants can locate themselves with views of Okanagan Lake or mountains.
Of course, the food also has to be good -- and the Okanagan is developing quite the reputation as a culinary hotspot.
As well, restaurants can draw from a growing local population as well as tourists that frequent the Valley for great weather, hiking, biking, watersports, golf, skiing, spa, food and wine.
Speaking of wine, you probably noticed four of the seven Okanagan restaurants on the list are at wineries.
Wine-and-food pairing is a massive trend that wineries have embraced with restos that have all those attributes listed above -- excellent food and wine, views and both local and tourist patrons.
Last Mother's Day, the average restaurant spend was $48 per person, a sign that people are willing to splurge a bit to mark the occasion.
"Our data indicates that Canadians' appetite for eating out remains strong with restaurant dining up 4% year-over-year this April and we expect that enthusiasm will continue for Mother's Day dining," said OpenTable Canada director Matt Davis.
"Whether your mom loves classic bennies and mimosas or an elegant afternoon tea, OpenTable's 100 Most Popular Brunch Restaurants list features a diverse array of delicious brunch spots that are sure to make your mother figure feel spoiled."
