New brunch spot now open on the Avenue
Two Brown Dogs Bistro & Catering serves up locally sourced food
For years, local residents have been hoping for a restaurant that serves weekend brunch. On Aug. 5, Two Brown Dogs Bistro & Catering celebrated its grand opening to meet the demand.
Owner Virginia Potkins thought about opening a restaurant for a long time.
“It was a decade-old dream that was always in the back of my mind,” Potkins says.
Despite her feeling that it is a big risk to be self-employed after both her jobs and a large contract were cancelled during the COVID-19 lockdown in March, Potkins took the time and opportunity to consider the idea of opening a restaurant. The shutdown gave her the time to practice and perfect new recipes. Then, during the summer, the space for the restaurant came open. Seizing the opportunity, she got a loan and sold her RV to make her dream a reality.
Potkins has several guiding principles for her business. As much as possible, food will be locally sourced. For the brunch on Aug. 23, OTTO Food & Drink supplied the sausages, YEG Smoked Meats supplied the bacon and back bacon, and Rogue Wave Coffee supplied the coffee. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. She also prioritizes hiring local people.
Another thing Potkins holds close to her heart is dogs. Two Brown Dogs Bistro & Catering was “named after my babies, Bo and Angus,” smiles Potkins, and that love extends to other dogs. One dollar from every sale of the brunch item, A Dog’s Breakfast (scrambled eggs with chives, bacon, maple sage sausage patty, hash browns, and toast with jam) will be donated to Muttstock. Muttstock supports animal rescue in and around Edmonton.
As you would expect, Potkins says, “dogs are welcome” on the expansive and socially distanced patio. Bright turquoise umbrellas shade guests from the sun or the rain, and she suggests bringing your own blanket as the weather cools in the fall. There will be 8-10 seats inside the restaurant as renovations proceed.
Brunch offerings include everything from Classic Eggs Benny to a vegan breakfast burrito (Bo’s Breakfast Burrito) to Angus Chicken and Waffles. These last two menu items are named after Bo and Angus, Potkins’ dogs.
During the week, try Potkins’ pies, muffins, cookies, croissants, and scones. Drinks include Italian sodas, a selection of teas, and coffees. Salads and sandwiches are available for lunch.
Take-out menu items rotate with the season, but currently include Vegan Borscht, Vegan and regular Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup, and Perogies by the dozen. As the name suggests, catering is available.
TWO BROWN DOGS BISTRO & CATERING
11812 86 St
8 am to 7 pm, Wednesday to Friday
9 am to 6 pm, Saturday
10 am to 2 pm, Sunday brunch
Featured Image: Martin Kerr congratulates Virginia Potkins on the opening of the bistro. | Rebecca Lippiatt
