The Breakfast

Breakfast at Gatekeeper’s Retreat is a celebration of flavors, local produce and beauty. The best advice we were ever given regarding this most important meal is: ‘’Do yourself a favor and cook what you like, because you’re going to eat it too!’’. We sure listened, and as a result, every morning you will be able to enjoy dishes with a genuine French influence. Breakfast is definitely David’s domain. Just like in his spoken accent, he is simply unable to hide his French roots which definitely come through as well in his cooking style and presentation.

The experience starts with your choice of coffee or tea, the latter of which we take quite seriously! You are invited to properly enjoy the ritualistic nature of the tea station we have created. Make sure to arrive a bit early to meticulously select your favorite loose herbs, mushrooms and barks from our extensive collection. Take your time and savor the very process of creating a signature blend for your morning infusion masterpiece.

Once libations are settled, the three course breakfast begins, showcasing ‘’in season’’ and locally grown options whenever possible. Following the natural rhythm of harvest, local cherries, strawberries, peaches, apricots, grapes, pears, apples and much more will somehow find their way on your plate. Most of our dishes are vegetarian in nature as local fruits and vegetables are simply part of our general every day life in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Also, we do make a stand of always buying our eggs organic and free range to do our humble part in encouraging good practices in chicken farming. We do end up buying a lot of eggs in a year; we like to think we are making a difference somehow. Well worth the investment as they truly do taste so much better!

Other locally sourced flavors come to you as carefully crafted cheeses from Upper Canada Cheese Company located in Jordan Station, wonderful jams made right here in town from Greaves Jams and Marmalades and delicious artisan breads baked at Willow Cakes and Pastries just down the street. We selected all these personal favorite treats for you to discover.

Finally, the main course is always ‘’au goût du jour’’… Simply because we like keeping our life (and yours) exciting! Almond crusted lavender croissant French toast, Organic egg bake with truffle oil and parmigiano reggiano, Crèpes or pancakes ‘‘aux fruits de saison’’, are just a few examples of what you can expect to find on your plate… with all the appropriate trimmings of course.

Please make sure to advise us in advance of any food restrictions: allergies, intolerances or life choices. We will do our best to adapt your plate accordingly in order to give you the best possible experience.

 Bon Appétit!