I first heard about Miss Browns from Kelly Janz. Kelly is one of the co-leaders of Transition Winnipeg. She also chairs the Transition Food Group of which I’m a member. It was through this connection that I learned of Miss Browns, as a cousin of Kelly’s is one of the owners of this new restaurant.
There is now a second location for Miss Browns. You can find it in the Hargrave Street Market Food Hall.*
*The Hargrave Market location is now the only one, as they have closed the one in the exchange.
I recently stopped by the Hargrave Market location for the Brisket Hash for breakfast. Great brisket, fork tender, and a satisfying way to start the morning.
Miss Browns is a sandwich shop replacing a sandwich shop. The William Avenue location had previously been the site of a Subway. Needless to say, the new restaurant is an upgrade in both style and substance. Miss Browns focus is on pressed sandwiches, as well as being a coffee shop.
Miss Browns’ First Customer:
I showed up early on opening day. So early in fact that the brown paper was still covering the windows. I walked past and was going to look for another place, but not finding one, I went back and wound up as the restaurant’s first customer. The first thing I noticed was the bright and open space that has been created. The windows let in a lot of natural light, and the high ceilings help heighten that effect. The seating is a mixture of a communal table, individual tables, a bar at the window, and a stand-up bar along the east wall.
For my breakfast I went with the daily pressed egg special. I also added a berry danish. The pastries come from Sleepy Owl Bread. I had been given a chance to sample them over the holiday season, and was glad to try the full size version. For a beverage I went with the Long Black. The sandwich was a satisfying way to start the day.
When I went back yesterday, I went in for lunch. In addition to the sandwiches, Miss Browns also offers soup and salad options. They are available in full size and half sizes. I went with a full size soup and a half size Asian slaw. For my sandwich choice I went with the Smoked Meat.
I really liked the beef brisket in my sandwich, and the fact that it was thin sliced. The Havarti adds a nice little bite and the Arugula makes a good flavour contrast. As an aside Arugula seems to be the Herb Du Jour. The soup on for the day I went in was Chorizo bacon. The saltiness of the bacon really came through. It was a little more than I like, but if you read the blog, you know I use very little salt as a rule. The Asian slaw was highlighted by the Cilantro. I know some don’t like Cilantro, but I most certainly do. The best part is that the coleslaw, while moist, wasn’t drowning in dressing.
For my beverage choice I went with the Flat White. The milk adds just the right touch of sweetness to this drink.
Miss Browns offers counter service. The service is quick and friendly. I had no problems with any of my orders. This is a restaurant you definitely should visit soon.
