Cinq 01 adds its own boozy weekend menu to College Street’s already crowded brunchscape

Fresh from bringing the party back to College Street, Cinq 01 is now stepping up to continue the area’s brunch tradition. The resto-lounge’s first venture into brunch territory seeks to capture New York’s post–Saturday night vibe of which owner Toufik Sarwa is so fond. “I want it to be a nice, civilized brunch, something that would remind me of my New York Sundays,” he says. “I love New York on Sundays, and I find Toronto is sometimes too sleepy on Sunday.”

To add a little zing to things, Cinq 01 is offering a selection of greet-the-day cocktails, including brandy crustas, mimosas with rosé cremant and, of course, caesars (for around $10 a pop, though prices haven’t been finalized). “It’s not a big champagne-drinking and vodka crowd,” Sarwa assures us. “It’s just very nice, gentle cocktails.”

As for the menu, varying tastes are taken into account. For those feeling a little genteel, there’s a lobster omelette ($26). Vegans can dig into chickpea tajine and couscous ($16), while the strip loin steak and eggs ($26) is there for traditionalists. Pragmatists may find solace in an order of steel-cut oatmeal and bananas ($9).

Cinq 01 will hold its first brunch this Sunday, May 16.