Lentil and Black Bean Falafel at The Next Act

Falafel #yegfood

A photo posted by Paula E. Kirman (@livingsanctuary) on Jul 16, 2016 at 4:56pm PDT

Getting a seat at The Next Act is next to impossible on busy Saturdays, but I got lucky a couple of weeks ago. I wanted something vegetarian and the lentil and black bean falafel jumped out at me. Three huge pieces of falafel with the unique flavours and textures of black beans and lentils were still recognizable of falafel in taste. The baguette also had pickled beets, tomato slices, arugula, and hummus. The tomatoes added moisture, the arugula a hint of bitterness, and the hummus authenticity. This was a unique and filling alternative to a veggie burger.

Breakfast for Lunch: Steak and Eggs at Next Act

Steak and eggs #yegfood

A photo posted by Paula E. Kirman (@livingsanctuary) on Feb 13, 2016 at 12:49pm PST

The peace group with which I am involved decided to get together for lunch after a picket on a recent Saturday afternoon, and The Next Act was nearby and convenient - and, lucky for us, the big table at the back was available. I had steak and eggs, as the brunch menu was still in effect. The steak was tender and juicy, with the eggs perfectly done and a heaping order of the seasoned hash browns. Satisfying, indeed.

Breakfast for Lunch: Huevos Rancheros at The Next Act

I managed to get a seat at The Next Act for brunch this afternoon - a rare feat on a Saturday. I ordered the huevos rancheros, without cheese. Two eggs done sunny-side up were topped with salsa and guacamole, atop a generous bed of refried beans and corm tortillas. An even more generous portion of seasoned hash browns was on the side. I really enjoyed the flavour and texture combination in this filling meal. The salsa was not spicy - hot sauce is served on the side as well for those who like to kick things up a bit more.

Smoked Brisket Donair at The Next Act

An extended bike ride through the river valley had me ultimately end up on Whyte Avenue, where I had supper at The Next Act, one of my favourite pub restaurants but where I can hardly ever find a place to sit! I got lucky this time and enjoyed a beer and a smoked brisket donair, with the brisket from MEAT next door (the two establishments are owned by the same people). I was a bit leery as to how the brisket would stand up flavour-wise with donair sweet sauce, but it really worked. I held the feta as I am not a huge cheese fan, and the side of fries just rounded everything out well. So did the beer.

Breakfast for Lunch: Hangover Breakfast at Next Act

Hangover Breakfast, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Brunch at the Next Act Pub was a perfect choice for a meal prior to a rally taking place just across the street. I had the Hangover Breakfast without bacon, which meant I had two eggs, hash browns, and marble toast.

The eggs were perfectly done and the toast was wonderful - thick and crunchy without being over done. The hash browns were very unique, with their seasoned coating. Plus, the portion was huge. And at only $8, it is a pretty affordable meal.

Brunch at Next Act

Brunch at Next Act #yegfood, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

On Saturday, I was craving breakfast food while on Whyte Avenue. As the rain started falling, I remembered that The Next Act serves brunch on weekends.

I had an eggs Benedict with tomato, avocado, and sauteed mushrooms. The flavours went well together, although the tomato made it hard to cut.

I love hash browns, and the accompanying ones were house made, but were a little too heavily coated in seasonings. It was almost like a crust.

My mimosa was refreshing, but a little bitter - I was not sure if it was the juice or the choice of champagne. Overall though, the value and service was good, and Next Act should not be overlooked for weekend brunch - although I think next time I'll have a beer with it.

The Act Burger

Act Burger #yegfood, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I finally made it to The Next Act Pub on a busy Saturday evening for a burger. The basic Act Burger was all I was after - a huge, thick, juicy patty that is grilled to perfection on a brioche bun with mayo and "groceries." It is more than a burger - it is an experience. The burger has a very unique flavour, enhanced with seasonings but never overpowered.

And the fries - oh, the fries. The fresh cut, thin, house-made fries. If I was not so hungry, I would never have made it through the plate.