After three rounds of voting in the Star’s breakfast sandwich bracket, 16 of the city’s tastiest breakfast sandwiches have been whittled down to the final two. And true to Toronto food debates, it comes down to an east-versus-west showdown.
But first, a quick recap of the semifinals. Bonjour Brioche on the Riverside-Leslieville border won by a fairly large margin over Egg Club, cementing east-end brunch supremacy. In the other matchup, two west-end breakfast sandwich destinations, Gold Standard and Masa Deli, went head-to-head after dominating their previous matches. In the end, Gold Standard remains the gold standard, advancing to the finals.
We’re extending the voting period for this round to give voters the chance to head out this weekend and taste the final two sandwiches for themselves. While you’re at it, check out the other 14 sandwiches that put up a good fight over the last week. Click here for the full list of sandwiches and yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options for those who didn’t catch the initial round of voting. Voting will be open all weekend until Monday, May 25 at 11 a.m. The final results will be announced at noon.
1) Gold Standard’s Breakfast Sandwich, $9.50
On paper, the breakfast sandwich sounds straightforward: scrambled egg, cheddar, aioli, pickles and hot sauce on an English muffin with your choice of bacon, kale or Impossible sausage. But one bite explains why it’s worthy of being wrapped in gold foil. The cheddar melts seamlessly into the eggs while the aioli and pickles give it a subtle burger-like flavour. The hot sauce cuts through the richness, and the extra-crispy bacon delivers a satisfying snap without tasting burnt.
2) Bonjour Brioche’s Breakfast Sandwich, $12.50
Considering Bonjour Brioche has been a neighbourhood breakfast staple since 1997, it’s no surprise the breakfast sandwich is excellent. The milk bun has a delicate crispness before giving way to a soft, chewy interior. Melted cheddar clings to folded scrambled eggs that reach every corner of the bun, while the Sriracha aioli adds gentle heat. The standout detail, though, is the prosciutto chips, which deliver saltiness without the heavier smokiness of bacon.
