Going out to breakfast is one of those wonderful treats reserved for special holidays, out-of-town guests and the occasional, lazy Sunday morning. Maybe it would be something we’d all do a little more often, if we could do it on the cheap. (Not McDonald cheap but “real food” made super tasty and at a good price. )

When I get a hankering for something like this, I have a few local haunts that tempt me for a more often than occasional, breakfast out . But none tempts me, than Tin Shed Garden Cafe on NE Alberta. Especially in the warm summer weather, Tin Shed’s beautiful outdoor garden seating just cannot be beat.

With a menu stuffed with free-range, organic and vegan options as well as decadent treats like the Sin (house-baked sweet potato brioche french toast dusted with powdered sugar and served with fresh fruit) for 7.50 — it’s a steal!

My favorite, though is a toss-up between the Everything Nice ( includes the aforementioned Sin plus scrambled eggs, potato cake & your choice of meat) or the Everything Naughty (Buttermilk biscuit topped with your choice of apple-wood smoked bacon gravy or rosemary-mushroom gravy, scrambled eggs, potato cake & your choice of meat) both are 9.50 and extremely delish. Sometimes, I talk the hubby into getting one while I get the other and we share (which is much more to my palate anyway — Naughty and Nice — sweet and savory.)

Tin Shed is also a great place to bring kids and dogs, with yummy items for both, available on their colorful and extensive menu.

Another WIN for Tin Shed (and this is big because the food is soooo good) is the staff — always eager to please, friendly and kind. You just know the employees are treated right because, in turn, they treat the customers well. This top down kind of care, put into everything they do, is what makes Tin Shed so good that folks will willingly wait 45 minutes for a table on a late Sunday morning. (*Tip: Get there early and you’ll have your pick of seating and no pesky lines!)

Items not to be missed:  the cheese grits, rosemary gravy baby and the comforting yet exotic, Belly Pleaser (sweet coconut milk, floral-scented jasmine rice, fresh ginger & vanilla simmered into a sensually fragrant  porridge, topped with fresh mango & cinnamon) a half order is all I need of this temptress and at $4.75 both your belly and your wallet will be pleased.