Raise your mimosas because Northwest Calgary’s booming culinary scene will soon welcome the wildly popular all-day breakfast and brunch spot – OEB Breakfast Co.! The future University District retailer is serving up some of the most satisfying and unique brunch selections in the city, giving early morning munchers and afternoon brunchers a reason to be egg-static!
We sat down with Mauro Martina, Founder and CEO of the Calgary-based company, to learn the skinny about its chef-driven concept that’s elevating standard breakfast fare with local ingredients and unbridled creativity.
“To me, there are no limitations,” says Mauro. “For nearly 10 years we’ve been creating a farm-to-table experience using locally-sourced products that burst with flavour and tantalize your senses. Even our high-quality, free-run, dark-yolk, Omega-3 eggs are produced especially for the restaurant!”
From familiar classics for the purists to inspired creations like the Gold Digga breakfast poutine, be prepared to line up if you’re hungry for an over-easy-breakfast at this local fave. We’re excited to get the scoop about what to expect with OEB’s upcoming location, along with Mauro’s tips and recipe recommendations for a heartier morning meal to start your day off right. Let’s take a look!
Jump-start your day! Whether you need a morning wake-up call or afternoon pick-me-up, our friends at Analog Coffee share their tea suggestions. To help you get through the day, see what they have to say about brewing the perfect cup of tea. Step by steep!
While nutrient-rich eggs and fresh, nourishing ingredients are OEB’s obsession, the bustling but always mellow dining destination’s commitment to quality extends far beyond the kitchen.
“Everything we do is for the love of food,” says the father of two. “We put passion on your plate and we do it with wholesome ingredients that taste great and support local producers and farmers wherever possible. From our service and food to the vibe, we’ve created a cozy, chic environment where patrons always feel welcome and uplifted.”
Originally from Italy, Mauro trained and worked as a chef in cities around the world, but it was his desire to elevate traditional breakfast dishes into the most exciting culinary experience of the day that led to the creation of a chef-driven restaurant.
Flexing his culinary creativity, Mauro is bringing his passion for fine dining and love for great flavours to OEB’s staggering array of creative selections that push the culinary boundary.
“I think local, but I cook global,” he notes.
Menu highlights include a Waterfowl Benny with smoked Peking duck breast and porcini mushroom-truffle ragu on a butter croissant, and dishes like Eggs, Lox & Caviar and the French Toast Trifle with Meyer lemon curd, market berries, pistachios and torched pavlovas. So much flavour!
Among the most beloved meals at OEB are its signature breakfast poutines. Soul in a Bowl is a fan-favourite and for good reason. Made with duck-fat french fries, Quebec cheese curds, poached eggs, double-smoked bacon and topped with browned-butter hollandaise, this stands out as a highly original dish for decadence!
With three locations already in Calgary, including its always-busy flagship restaurant in Bridgeland, University District will be home to its fourth location.
“Living close to Market Mall, I’ve been eagerly watching University District take shape and come alive,” Mauro says. Everything about this thriving community speaks to OEB. From its creative vision and focus on sustainability to its commitment to connectedness.
“I knew U/D would be an ideal spot for our next location and we can’t wait to connect Northwest Calgarians with the OEB experience.”
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! Our friends at Market Wines share their savvy, exciting wine pairings suitable for all kinds of meals. Take a look at their suggestions!
Chef Mauro knows happiness starts with a nourishing breakfast. Take your taste buds on a culinary adventure with some expert tips that will turn the most important meal of the day from mediocre to eggstraordinary!
Maximize food’s flavour and nutrition with fresh, seasonal ingredients! From Honeycrisp apples for your hearty apple almond oatmeal to the peppers and courgettes for your breakfast casserole, high-quality ingredients are bursting with nutrients and flavour.
Tip: Shop more often! Smaller more frequent shopping trips to your nearby grocery store or farmers market at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre results in fresher ingredients. If you are looking for new inspiration, stop by the Cochrane Farmers Market. It’s just a hop, skip and jump away from U/D!
Great food does not have to be complicated. In fact, some of the best dishes are the fuss-free kind that let quality ingredients shine through. Strike a balance and use fresh herbs and seasonings for optimal flavour! Remember, keeping it simple doesn’t mean you have to skimp on satisfying taste.
Tip: Simplicity — whether you are preparing a mouth-watering breakfast hash or baking a cinnamon teacake — can be the key to an impressive offering. Choose recipes with only a few ingredients!
Serve freshness every day with delicious local ingredients! Look for plump, ripe produce that’s at the height of flavour and nutrition. Right now that means cherries, berries, squash, carrots, cucumbers, microgreens and more.
Take advantage of seasonal produce. Summer is tomato time! Use that bounty and make extra marinara sauce for your Italian baked eggs and freeze the rest to use later in the year. A tomato in December can’t compare to sun ripened, juicy July tomatoes right off the vine. That’s fresh!
Tip: Try a seasonal ingredient in an unexpected way. Consider juicing a sweet potato. You will be pleasantly surprised by its garden-fresh, lightly creamy and satisfying flavour and sustenance.
Vegan en vogue! Copper Branch knows a thing or two about hearty and delicious vegan meals and they were willing to share some tips and recommendations that will have you savouring every last bite! Let’s take a look and don’t miss their must-try Mango Matcha Green Tea Lassi recipe – delish!
What’s reliable, steadfast and all-around awesome? Breakfast of course! Chef Mauro is giving scrambled eggs, a quintessential breakfast staple and University District favourite, an appetizing twist.
Whether you enjoy them plain, garnished with finely chopped herbs and a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese, or dressed up with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, scrambled eggs are one of the most versatile breakfast dishes to prepare. Gather your friends and family and treat them to a feast for the senses with Mauro’s 15-minute, simple and oh-so-rich scrambled eggs recipe. Let’s take a look!
Ingredients
Step 1: Combine your ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together your eggs, sour cream and chives. Consider using OEB farm fresh eggs. They are rich in flavour and Omega 3’s!
Tip: Impress your guests or loved ones by making your own sour cream using buttermilk and heavy cream! Simply add two tablespoons of buttermilk to every cup of cream. Leave your covered milk mixture on the kitchen countertop for 1-2 days and voila – homemade sour cream!
Step 2: Start cooking
Melt a teaspoon of butter in a non-stick pan or skillet over low heat. Pour your egg mixture, add your favourite meat or smoked fish and gently stir until eggs are cooked to desired consistency – fluffy and slightly undercooked (about 1 to 3 minutes).
Step 3: Season your eggs
Remove from heat. Sprinkle your eggs with a pinch of Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to enhance the flavour profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try smoked salt for some added depth! Enjoy your eggs with a side of freshly baked bread or fill a tortilla or toasted bagel for a quick and portable breakfast.
Details
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 5 mins
Total time: 15 mins
There’s just something about a hearty, delicious breakfast that makes everyone smile. It’s easy to get creative with breakfast by adding seasonal fruits and vegetables, fillings and more. Go ahead, drink your OJ with champagne and indulge in all the fluffy omelettes and hollandaise your heart desires!
Do you have a breakfast recipe of your own to share? Have a Northwest all-day breakfast gem on your foodie list that we should visit? Share your suggestions with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
Join the Discussion