It’s time for another round of the Bow Valley Taste Off! Five local restaurants have put their best recipes forward to claim the title of “Best Breakfast Dish”. First up in my tasting schedule – the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benny at The Juniper Hotel Bistro.

I had big expectations going into this one as I’ve always had high regard for the restaurant at The Juniper.  Even without the food the large restaurant windows overlook one of the best patios in the Bow Valley with a stunning panorama of the Fairholme Range, Rundle, Sulphur, and Vermillion Lakes.  I’ve always enjoyed the meals I’ve had there but have to admit it’s been a while since I’ve made the trip.  The Juniper is a little outside the Banff townsite so they have to work hard to be noticed.  General Manager Kurt Fonseca told me some of the changes they’ve made over the last year have paid off and people have been making the effort to check out Banff’s current #3 ranked restaurant on TripAdvisor.  Sous chef Sebastien Nadeau also described the dish to me.

The passion for cooking in the Juniper Hotel Bistro kitchen is on full display with this breakfast delight.  It’s a visually appetizing meal but I think it all boils down to the quality ingredients.  Every aspect of this dish seemed carefully thought out, from the fresh smoked salmon and hollandaise to the house-made sesame bagel, even right down to the light mustard taste of the hash browns.  The most unique flavour comes from the pickled shallots which sets it apart from other Eggs Benny dishes I’ve tried.  I thought the portion size was perfect.  Combined with the incredible views this was a truly satisfying breakfast thanks to food artistry on a plate!  Try the Smoked Salmon or any of their other Eggs Benny dishes for a special Taste Off price of $13.

Check out the five restaurants participating in the Bow Valley Taste Off and vote for your favourite dish!  In tomorrow’s entry I’ll be sampling a mix of sweet and savoury with the Sweet Bene combo at Chez Francois.