Stella's has been a Winnipeg institution for years and their restaurant empire in the city is only growing. Now sitting at 5 restaurants and 1 bakery, they have gotten a firm hold on the breakfast market and with their newest location in the James Richardson International Airport, they have cemented their status as local icons. Their food is simple and comforting - big plates of cafe-style breakfasts, sandwiches piled layers high, and hearty vegetarian chili and curries as well as burgers and pastas fill the menu. Stella's caters to omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike with plenty of options for everyone.

I joined my friend Julianne for one of her last meals in Winnipeg before making a move to Vancouver. She wanted to eat all her favorite dishes at all her favorite restaurants - the Mexican breakfast at Stella's was on the list. It is a behemoth of a meal - two eggs, salsa, guacamole, toast, and hasbrowns. You will definitely take at least some of this home with you.

I ate the vegan 'tofu scramble' for the first time since they added it to their menu. The tofu is cubed, not scrambled, but is full of flavour and sauteed with onions and tomatoes. The hashbrowns are clearly frozen, but provided nice texture and gave substance to the dish. Not my favorite tofu scramble, but definitely not the worst. Their fresh bread from the bakery next door was incredible - especially smeared with the house-made jam. A satisfying and satiating breakfast for sure, with leftovers for lunch.



One of my favorite things about the new menu that Stella's debuted a few months ago is their new smoothies. The perfect to-go breakfast made with soy milk and fresh fruit. Pictured above is The Bluenote, which is creamy and sweet - packed with blueberries. My absolute favorite is the Mango Express which is made with mango and basil for a tangy, strange, and incredibly bright flavour. Also enjoyable: The Almond Joy with bananas and almond butter - my post-yoga class favorite because it feels nourishing, but tastes like a treat.

Stella's may not be reinventing the wheel when it comes to breakfast, but they sure make it a smooth ride.