Livehas long been my favourite place for Brunch in Toronto. When I heard they were closing for renovations over the holidays I was worried – until I learned that the reveal would include a renovated interior and a new Brunch menu! While they were closed, I imagined all of the incredible dishes that might be finding their way onto the new roster. Now that they reopened, I had to go investigate. I brought along a team of the most testy tasters.
Dan and Ali started with the Butterscotch Ripple. They had no complaints. It was sweet, rich and creamy.
I spent several arduous moments struggling to select one option from the incredible array of raw offerings on Live’s new menu, I had to be pushed. Try something new!
So, I picked the Raw Vegan French Toast,an item I’ve never seen on a menu or in a cookbook anywhere before.
The server warned me about its decadence – two large slices of sweet, crisp raw bread, slathered with nut butter, topped with beautiful berries and cherries, spiced nuts and a drizzle of agave and cream. The “toast” is a bit more crisp than typical french toast but the flavours are just as fantastic.
The new Brunch menu has both raw and cooked options. Vegan French Toast appears on both. My mom LOVES french toast. Last time we had brunch at Liveshe said “that is the best thing I have ever put in my mouth”. She tried to force herself to pick something else, branch out a little. But in the end the toast had to be hers.
Her report: perfection. Live’s French Toast is my Mom’s most favourite brunch experience, ever.
From the raw menu, Ali ordered Cacao Crepes. A roll of sweet, pliable cocao crepe, filled with lusicous cream. She was very happy, and she wasn’t sharing.
Dan, ordered the Raw Huevos – an amazing combination of guacamole, walnut taco meat, and corn on a soft corn tortilla. I had a bite and was impressed by the soft thin tortillia, the rich guacamole and the balanced hint of spice. This is a dish I would love to recreate at home.
Even though we were totally full and happy, these sweet treats showed up at our table. When you’re at Live you have to visit the dessert fridge. We tried the French Macaron, Almond Dream Bar and something delicious that I can’t remember the name of. If you have any friends who think raw, vegan food is boring or bland, I encourage you to share a sweet with them at Live. The Tiramisuhas been changing minds for years…
But these days, there is a now star in town – Raw, Vegan “Jos Louis”. Every time someone at our table took a bite they needed a minute to reflect on the experience before speaking about it. I don’t think it was quiet “spiritual” but they did get a look of “blissful surrender” in their eyes. I have a feeling that I’ll be seeing a lot of this guy at future family gatherings. I’ve also heard he’ll be showing up in GTA grocery stores soon.
Anyone feel like coming to Toronto for a visit? We have raw, vegan Jos Louis!
P.S. I’m now in Oklahoma – ready for my first day in raw chef school tomorrow.