Calgary

Homestretch Brunch Club: Anju offers mushrooms on toast, country-fried steak and eggs

This summer the Homestretch is doing brunch. Anju, a Korean tapas restaurant on 17th Avenue, gives brunch a whole new bite with an exciting mix of fusion flavours.

The best of breakfast and lunch in one delicious meal

Anju's classic country-fried steak and eggs leaves nothing wanting for a hungry bruncher. The dish comes with a juicy cut of Wagyu flank steak, two eggs, serrano mash and a kimchi cheddar biscuit topped with white miso gravy. (Bonnie Huang/@ScruptFitFood)

This summer the Homestretch is doing brunch. On alternating Thursdays throughout July and August, Calgary bloggers Jen Li and Bonnie Huang will join Doug Dirks with a report on Cowtown's brunch scene.

Week 7: Anju Restaurant

344  17th Avenue S.W.

When you think of brunch, Korean tapas probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind.  

But Anju Restaruant on 17th Avenue S.W. is embracing early breakfast and adding a spicy kick that includes all kinds of fusion flair.

Anju's brunch menu includes mushrooms on toast. Toasted baguettes come piled high with mixed mushrooms, eggs and Grana Padano cheese sauteed in truffle and chili oil. (Bonnie Huang/@ScrumptFitFood)

You should expect to see both kimchi and Korean barbecue on the menu. Dishes like omu rice and pork belly eggs benedict are good options if you want a bit of spice to start your day.

Anju also has traditional brunch choices, like french toast and "The Classic," which comes with two eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast.

Anju's brunch menu also includes lunch options, including sandwiches, curries, burgers and wraps.

Homestretch brunch columnist Bonnie Huang enjoyed Anju's mushrooms on toast. The dish is a mix of mushrooms, eggs and Grana Padano cheese sauteed in truffle and chili oils, served with hashbrowns.

Huang's brunch companion tried Anju's country fried steak and eggs. The steak is a juicy strip of Wagyu flank, served with two eggs, serrano mash, a kimchi cheddar biscuit and white miso gravy.

Bonnie says Anju's still a bit of a hidden gem in Calgary when it comes to brunch.

There was no lineup the weekend she went. The service was fast and friendly and the prices are comparable to other bunch spots on the Red Mile.

Listen to Bonnie's full report here

Bonnie Huang blogs at ScrumptiouslyFitFood.blogspot.ca.