COMMON ROYALTY: Sunday Brunchin'

There are few opportunities for "girl-time-bonding" that I enjoy as much as Sunday brunch. The long and lazy pace, perusing through endless options of sweet and savoury delicacies, sipping warm cups of coffee while chatting about everything from current events to careers - from family to fashion finds. Reminiscing about old times and looking forward (sometimes with excitement - other times with trepidation) to the next milestone. No one does bonding better than good girlfriends, and no setting is better for it, to me, than a fantastic brunch spot.

So last Sunday I made the trek from the 'burbs to the heart of T.O. to not only catch up with two of my best girlfriends, but also to celebrate the impending arrival of my friend Laura's new baby girl ♡♡♡. I have been to some really fabulous brunch spots over the years, and count Insomnia, Hot House and Patria among my favs. But this time, at the request (brilliant!) of the mom-to-be, we decided to check out the new Colette Grand Cafe located inside Toronto's hip and trendy Thompson Hotel. The weather on Sunday was decidedly fall-like - cool and damp, drizzling but not pouring - and it made the atmosphere inside this gorgeous, Parisian inspired cafe that much cozier. It also made our brunch date, that much longer as we opted for one more cup of coffee, and perhaps one last serving of prosciutto rather than heading back, out into the dreary weather.

The exterior of the restaurant has a distinctly European flair, with a crisp navy and white color palette and cute bistro tables shaded by a chic awning.

Once inside, I was greeted by a beautiful, smiling hostess and given a moment to take in the flawless interior decor as I waited for our table to be prepared (Reservations for Sunday brunch are strongly recommended - if not absolutely required). The brunch buffet was incredible. The selections endless and the service impeccable. The crowd was an eclectic mix of urban hipsters, and savvy fashionistas, and I expect that being just down the street from 2015 TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) action upped the overall beautiful people quotient this weekend.

If you haven't yet had the opportunity, I strongly recommend booking a table at Colette. At just under $300 for the three of us (including champagne mimosas, taxes and gratuity), it is definitely on the pricier side, as brunches go, however it is worth every penny. And really, as an occasional treat in the spirit of girlfriend bonding, I'm not sure that you can afford not to try it ;)