Noshwellmenu

Catch 122 is Gastown’s latest eatery, a French inspired bistro occupying a 100+ year old historic building along a strip of West Hastings across the street from the Woodward’s building. They serve rustic, comfort food in an expansive dining room held together by brick, exposed ventilation piping and layered with old wood.

Catch 122’s interior is an amalgamation of original brick walls, reclaimed wood, and bits of steel and iron.

Although Catch 122’s decor and vibe fits very comfortably in Gastown, its menu speaks more to a quaint French city café, or perhaps a country inn boasting classics like Croque Madame for breakfast, charcuterie and cheese plates for early supper, and fresh sheets that take local ingredients prepared with classic French technique.

Their omelette du jour — The Herbivore — is served meatless, with Yukon nugget potatoes and a croissant topped with Gruyere cheese.

Case and I arrived for an early brunch with the little one in tow. The dining room hasn’t quite picked up pace yet, as the staff readies the room for the impending lunch rush. A quick peak at the menu ended with Case selecting their omelette du jour, the herbivore: meatless and folded in a fluffy blanket of eggs served with a side of yukon nugget potatoes and a slightly over crisped croissant topped with Gruyere cheese, which — unfortunately became rubberized from being overheated.

The restaurant’s namesake dish, Catch 122 is house-cured salmon gravlax sandwiched between a croissant, topped with poached eggs, gorgonzola, arugula and served with yukon nugget potatoes and a berry compote.

I had the the Catch 122: thin strips of house-cured salmon gravlax sitting atop a decently poached, but under seasoned egg, a bed of arugula and a hint of gorgonzola all sandwiched between a sliced croissant — which, like Case’s was over heated, sacrificing its signature light and flaky texture.

Our meal, accompanied by two cups of coffee came to $39 including tax and tip — which was pricey for a brunch that, although serviceable, could have easily been had at any number of restaurants around town. The staff was friendly, but inattentive, leaving us to our own devices after dropping off our orders and never returning. The dinner menu and the charcuterie do look interesting enough to warrant a possible revisit.

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