We’re taking a tasty tour of Vancouver’s many brunches to create The Ultimate Vancouver Brunch Guide. This week we’re relishing a light yet satisfying Spanish-inspired brunch at Mosquito.
Water Street’s intimate Champagne and dessert bar Mosquito has recently launched its first dedicated brunch menu, flaunting sophisticated twists and European influences.
Brunch menu at Mosquito (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)
Known for its plush interior, decadent desserts, and vivacious cocktails, Mosquito has taken a slightly different approach to its food offerings, thanks in large part to the appointment of Chef Jefferson Alvarez (previously at Secret Location and the host of a variety of collaborative food pop-up events in and around the city), who is now helming the kitchen.
Venezuelan-born Jefferson, who is recognized for his unique and playful cooking style, has not only introduced Spanish-inspired pintxos and snacks to Mosquito’s menu, but also revamped the dessert program and added a weekend brunch service, which runs from 10 am to 3 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Wild Mushroom & Poached Eggs (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)
Simply put, brunch at Mosquito is a delicious and uncomplicated affair. Once seated, patrons are greeted with a concise list of five expertly-crafted dishes, some of which boast distinctively Spanish flavours, while others showcase more classic American breakfast tastes.
Brunch traditionalists will be pleased to discover that Mosquito offers a Salmon Benny plate ($12), in addition to a dish of wild mushrooms and farm fresh poached eggs ($15). Topped with a light, freshly made truffle sauce, which possesses a velvety texture, and presented on a bed of greens, this meal is a luxurious way to begin the morning.
Tortilla Española (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)
Those who enjoy shaking things up at brunch should make a point to tuck into Mosquito’s Tortilla Española ($12). Served with house-made bread, and a green salad, this honest Spanish omelette rendition is filled with onion and potato, and will sate any savoury eater.
More brunch highlights include the Serrano and Tomato Sandwich ($15) and the Pain Perdu and Fruits ($10), which can be thought of as French toast served up Spanish-style. Composed of house-made brioche bread, fresh raspberries, a caramel espuma (foam), and a blackberry and violet jam, this dish is so pretty that it almost seems a shame to eat it.
Pain Perdu & Fruits (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)
While it is super refreshing to see such a succinct brunch menu, some may consider Mosquito’s to be a tad limited. However, there is a perfectly good explanation behind Mosquito’s short and sweet menu. The restaurant does not house an open stove top. That means that everything is either cooked in the oven or in an immersion circulator.
Most chefs would find the absence of a stove a massive drawback, but not Alvarez. Using the equipment he’s been bestowed with to his advantage, Alvarez has chosen to offer a few plates, which he executes incredibly well. Alvarez and his team strive for and ultimately achieve light, fulfilling late-morning eats that won’t weigh diners down.
Royal Velvet Mimosa (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)
Of course, being known for their dessert, Mosquito offers brunch goers and/or any self-confessed sweet tooth the chance to order from two rotating dessert specials, which may include the likes of the Hazelnut Chocolate. Comprised of an airy hazelnut praline, crostini, and crumbly cocoa streusel, this whimsical treat is wickedly good.
Drink wise, Bar manager Christopher Allen (previously at Nicli Antica) pours a range of enticing spinoff mimosas (all priced at $11) that are sure to get the tastebuds tingling. Those searching for something light and refreshing to sip on should try the Royal Velvet Mimosa (Havana Club white rum, crème de cassis, Dubonnet plum bitters, and sparkling wine).
Hazelnut Chocolate (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)
With innovate takes on brunch plates, top-notch mimosas, a gorgeous interior, and a chic, almost Parisian vibe, Mosquito is an absolutely charming spot to indulge on a lingering, late-morning meal.
Mosquito
Address: 32 Water Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-398-3188
Hours: Brunch is served from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday
Twitter: @mosquitodessert
UPDATE 08/13/16: Mosquito is no longer serving brunch on the weekend
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