Fruits 'r' us: Ask for a colourful selection with your eggs and bacon photo: Ben Welland

The success of her first place in 1987 led her to open seven more in quick succession until they called her "Queen of Quebec Breakfasts." She franchised the concept, and there are now more than 70 locations from Charlottetown to Winnipeg.

The interior of all Cora's franchises (the new Rideau Street location is no different) has a bright, cheery and childlike feel with Dijon mustard-coloured walls and colourful cut-outs of fruit and eggs pasted on. Menu items with odd names like Avril 1989 and le 14 juillet in balloon-style font are pasted on the walls. What do they mean? Staff would say nothing more than that the dates were important to Cora.

The six-page menu continues the kid approach, resembling a colouring book, though on a packed Sunday morning, there wasn't a single kid in the place. The kitchen at the back is open-concept with full view of the cooks flipping crêpes and frying eggs in surroundings as clean as a whistle. No easy feat for a kitchen serving 75 meals per hour.

When asked if I wanted a French or English menu, I replied either, and got a French one. Despite the origins in la belle province, you don't even need cereal box French to decipher what you're ordering - among the items on the first page of the French menu were: Fruit Magic, Apple Delight, Bananas 'n' English Cream and Samira-Wake-Up!

The egg in a skillet au gratin paysanne came in more of a porcelain baking dish than skillet but was a surprisingly tasty mix of ham, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, shallots and melted cheddar. It came with seasoned cubed potatoes and a hard-boiled egg. (The size of the eggcup exceeded the size of the egg, and I was forced to dump it out and eat it off the plate.)

A nice touch is the bowl of seasonal fresh fruit that comes with many of the plates; on this outing it was chunks of juicy pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes and oranges.

Another offering, Uncle George's favourite, consisting of two eggs (done any way you want them), baked beans, toast and crétons (a type of pork pâté), proved quite tasty when spread on the thick, buttered, brown toast.

Cora's breakfasts (and now lunches) are definitely better than those at the legions of other chain restaurants or greasy-spoon diners, even though Cora doesn't quite venture into fine morning fare. But then Cora's does not charge much for its solid and fresh-tasting meals either. It has a clean, efficient, and comprehensive menu that covers all the bases. Combined with its décor, this makes Cora's the Disney of morning dining.

CHEZ CORA

179 RIDEAU STREET

241-7642

ENTRÉES: $3.95 TO $12.25

 
 

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Variety, Fresh, and Healthier!     I haven't yet been to the Cora's in downtown Ottawa, but I have visited the one in Orleans, as well as frequented Cora's in downtown Montreal. What I like about this restaurant is that they offer breakfast with lots of fruit available. I have never been a fan of traditional breakfast fare- I primarily eat vegetarian, so I don't eat breakfast meats, and I do not like eggs or omeletes. That usually leaves pancakes and waffles if I am eating out breakfast, and I often get tired of the options. I like some variety, with hopefully an option for protein. On my last visit to Cora's in Orleans, I had a yummy fruit smoothy and a crepe with bananas and chocolate. I was a bit disappointed that my first choice, a spinach crepe, was supposedly a bit bland according to the waiter. Instead of filling the crepe with fresh spinach and feta, what I had imagined, I was told that the spinach was baked in and only filled with a bit of cheese. Supposedly the spinach omlete is the better spinach option, but not liking eggs, I opted for the banana crepes. These were pretty yummy, although I probably wouldn't eat them every day, since they are very desert-like with all of the chocolate. Next time, I would definitely get another delicious, filling smoothy. Cora's is definitely great for some more variety in breakfast, especially if you are like me and not a fan of traditional options. If you want eggs, bacon, sausage, or whatever, in a traditional plate, than by all means go to Denny's and get your greasy options there. If you want a nice, fresh breakfast, with lots of healthy, yummy fruits, than I definitely would keep Cora's in mind. For me, it is definitely worth a visit.
Heather Jackson	{16 votes}	June 28th, 2004
Best Brunch. Meh.     Admittedly, it was quite overpriced. Can I say the food was worth it? Yes, small - but tolerable, as in you can get satisfied. I would NOT suggest this if you want to est breakfast only. HOWEVER, if you are opening up to some brunch (or lunch even), then this restaurant is definetely the place to go! It's healthy, colourful, pretty unique, and has a well-rounded bright atmosphere.
Kayriana F. Bokinston		January 22nd, 2009
Cora's London Ontario     I was excited when Cora's came to London as I new it was a hit in Halifax. However, I've had crepes twice now and each time they were very rubbery and cold. I hope it's a training issue because the concept of a breakfast/lunch restaurant is great. My friends have been disappointed in their breakfast fare as well. I'll try again and hope the food gets better. The fresh fruit is amazing so that makes a difference. The staff is very friendly and enthusiastic so hopefully the quality will get better. I know of other places in London that serve great melt in your mouth crepes so I know it can be done. Cora's is a bit pricey but fresh fruit is expensive so make sure you order something that includes the fruit.
Pam Power		July 24th, 2007
Nice Food, Nice Place     This restaurant is a great place for brunch. We all are so critical these days, but it met my standards well. With the yummy eggs, fruit smoothies, and great choices for kids, it was a knock-out. If you are too impatient to stand in line for a few minutes with your friends and family, than avoid this place. But we are always in a rush these days, so its actually nice to slow down. And hey, for every moment you wait, you can envision the delicious and fresh breakfast that will be serve up for you. You can also remember that small fact that you won't be doing the dishes this morning. You can also remember that this will all be given to you for less than twelve dollars. So hey, any restaurant with all these qualities definitely gets a spot on my list.
Liz Montey		May 12th, 2007
Brunch anyone     I usually don't go out for breakfast or brunch. I like eating out but prefer having breakfast at home. I went to the Merivale Cora's two years ago on boxing day. We were about 10 people and had made reservations?!! I guess we should have known that wouldn't mean anything. We waited in line for about an hour. Then we had two tables not so close to each other. I ordered an omelette which was very good, but I found it very expensive. It is just an omelette. I much prefer having breakfast or brunch at home, eat at my own pace, sip tea, hang out with friends, and not have to rush through it. I have to say though that all of my friends liked their food, but it is expensive.
Ayse Sahin		July 28th, 2004
Franchising all over the place     Well the story of Cora is very inspiring, from one little store to many across Canada. One thing you can say is that she is very good business woman who has parlayed eggs and bacon into real success. I did not know that Chez Cora's was franchised outside of Quebec but last week in Toronto I saw one in a very trendy area and it seemed to be doing very well. I agree with other reviewers that this place is quite pricey but once in awhile I think it is good for something other than eggs. I like the waffles with fruits or a crepe. If I am going out for eggs and bacon I would go elsewhere since a lot of places have an entie breakfast for 4 bucks. If you are looking for cheap this is not the place for you.
Selena Lobo	{2 votes}	July 23rd, 2004
Cora's is decent...if you like waiting for a table     I've eaten at Cora's many times before. I have found the food overall to be very good and the fruit to be very fresh. But my main complaint is that the orange juice they serve you is Tropicana brand straight from the carton or a bottle I'm told. I also found that their prices for eggs and fruit to be a bit high. If you want a nice breakfast out, my suggestion is that you head over to the nearest grocery store, buy a cart full of fruit- heck they even sell precut fruit if you don't have a knife handy! Picking up that carton of "fresh" orange juice, or maybe there is even real fresh-pressed juice at the grocery store sometimes. Then head back home and have a relaxing breakfast.....and save youself the headache of a long wait and noisy, expensive breakfast.
Rachel Goldstein	{2 votes}	July 15th, 2004
CHEZ CORA...not the Montreal one     If this Cora is half as good as the one in my homestead of Montreal then it's got a fair shot at making it's mark. It might not be a deep mark but it'll be a mark nevertheless. I no longer go to Montreal's Cora, no, not because the overall quality of the place has faltered, but rather because eventually your taste buds yearn for more. I'd simply outgrown it. That doesn't mean however that I don't have some tasty memories of the place. I'm not saying that Cora is going to blow you away but it will fill your belly at a decent price if you know what to pick.
Pedro Eggers	{3 votes}	July 13th, 2004
Chez Cora Dynasty Franchise     Chez Cora serves the best breakfasts in the country and I have been they so many times where the service and food has always been first class. I go to Chez Cora at least once a month with my whole family and Chez Cora always has something new and fresh to serve for your appetite. The Chez Cora's menu is very delicious and it's very reasonable and Chez Cora will never go out of business. When you go to Chez Cora you're going into a respectable restaurant where the reputation of Chez Cora has always been respectable. There is always a big lineup to get into Chez Cora for a very good reason because it's the best.
Carmela Sicurella	{4 votes}	June 29th, 2004
A good place to meet friends     I rarely go for brunch but when I do, it is usually an occasion to meet with friends. And the one option that keeps coming back is Cora. It is always packed but I've never waited for more than some 15 minutes. The choices are quite extended and it is a challenge to try the one item that will be above the rest. I've been there 2 or 3 times and have been satisfied when it comes to taste. I've been there with friends who had kids and it was quite friendly to them as well. My experience have been pleasant on all occasions. I've had enough food and it was tasty. It is very slightly more expensive than other restaurants who offer brunches as well but I've never felt ripped off.
Marc Charette	{2 votes}	June 28th, 2004
Stick to Mello's     If the new Cora's on Rideau is anything like the Cora's on St-Joseph in Hull (at Gamelin), run. The fruit is never fresh, the omelettes are styro, and that stuff on your plate ain't cheese. It's all pre-fab junk. If I could go back in time and sample the food at the original Cora's, I bet the quality would sing by comparison. I will never understand the run on Cora's, but then I'll never get the deal with Lone Star's popularity, either. I'll stick to Mello's.
Ranylt Domini	{4 votes}	June 28th, 2004
WOW     Now I know what all the fuss is about Cora's. I haven't passed by the downtown delight but have zipped past Cora's on Merivale Rd and have noticed the massive line extending out Cora's door and across the lot to the street. Saying to myself......I wouldn't stand in line for that!! But maybe now after reading that superb article.....I just might. Cora's sounds charming, laid back, easy atmosphere and something people can afford. The idea of watching the chefs flip whatever their flipping at the moment sounds like fun. The dish of tasty fruit with your meal is mouth watering........even the eggs sound great. Cora's breakfast empire has sure come onto the scene with flavour. Breakfast and now lunches......a sure hit. The article was written with flavour and Cora's no fuss...attracts the public with pleasure. I bet there's a line up right now!!!! It's breakfast time in Ottawa as I am writing this.........it's nice to have quaint restaurants that are atuned to our taste and pocket books.
Jennifer Berardini	{1 vote}	June 27th, 2004
Overpriced!     A 2-egg breakfast at Cora's costs over 2 or 3 times what you would expect! Any place can fry an egg, so what's important is the atmosphere, service and price. My friend and I went to the Kanata location as soon as it opened. The menu was hard to read. It took me 10 minutes to find the 2-egg breakfast on the menu. I ordered an iced tea and instead of a big glass with ice, I got a can of Nestea. I don't like to pay $2 or $1.50 for a can of Nestea! My 2 scrambled eggs seemed more like 1.5 eggs by volume. My side dish of fruit was TINY, honestly less than 1 cup of fruit for $2 or $3. Also, my potatoes had a weird, unidentified flavour added so I couldn't eat them. The place is crowded (tables too closely packed) and the waitress never asked anybody at our table if they wanted coffee, dessert, or a refill. So if you want a breakfast that makes your stomach & wallet happy with great service in a relaxed environment, get a booth at Denny's instead.
Sue Michal	{2 votes}	June 26th, 2004
Franchise     How can I get a franchise? I have visited the two in Halifax and they are both superb. But like Yogi Berra said, I hear some complaints that, "Nobody goes there anymore, they're too crowded".
Patrick MacKinnon		March 4th, 2007
Great food, good service and very pleasant atmosphere!     I think Cora's restaurant is a good place to go for a healthy breakfast! It was extremelly cozy and friendly the last time I was there with some friends. I recommend any family or friends to visit this very inspiring restaurant. Keep up the good work Madame Cora !!
Valerie Augier		October 14th, 2004

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