Toronto (The Old Mills): Christmas Brunch/Buffet for kids?

[biggroofy]

Thinking a place for a festival family brunch - but DD5 is my top priority. We used to go to Hilton Suites Markham for Christmas Brunch, approx $38/person. They have some kid activities and also Santa visits. We have been there for a few years and would like to try something new this year.

DW suggested Fairmount Royal York - $99/person but I think too expensive especially we are heading down to WDW in two weeks.

Anyone been to The Old Mills? I called them and their Christmas brunch ($48) is held at the Ballroom at 1pm. Nothing special for kids though, no Santa.

Any other suggestions?

 

[LSmith]

I haven't been to the Old Mill on Christmas Day for brunch but we did have a Christmas work party there about 4 years ago and were served a turkey dinner. It was plated cafeteria style food. Considering how much our firm paid it was pretty awful. The turkey tasted like processed meat and the vegetables were a mixed previously frozen mess. Gravy poured all over the whole meal. Can't remember dessert.

Last year we went back for another type of function for my husband's work. It was just hors d'oeuvres but I think they went to No Frills and bought cheap frozen no name finger foods. Although the cookies were good.

Based on my experiences there I would keep looking. Too bad really since it's a beautiful location and building.

We did do a Marriott Christmas brunch once (Eaton Centre) and it was quite good.

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

sorry this is OT for your ? but when I saw the comment about the awful turkey dinner .... we had that happen at our favorite hotel in Niagara Falls for American Thanksgiving (this was before I gave up red meat & poultry). When you are at a nice place for a special festive dinner you expect the food to be good - and we were served that processed (almost pressed?!?) type of turkey.

The manager knew we were not happy as we only took a bite of the turkey. We said, it's processed, pressed turkey type meat. He said, oh no, we are roasting turkeys back there - man my DH hates it when people lie! NO WAY was that roast turkey by any means.

A little more on topic - Baton Rouge in the Eaton Centre is excellent - not sure if they'd have a special dinner?

Hope you find a wonderful place for your Christmas dinner and also have a WONDERFUL magical trip!!

 

[LSmith]

Gotta love that processed turkey dinner!

Anywho, I checked the King Edward Hotel on King Street and they have a brunch and dinner on Christmas Day for $59 and $99 respectively. Brunch 10:30 am to 3:00 pm and dinner 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

I quote: "Deck the halls with our famous Christmas Day brunch that features traditional favourites, scrumptious seafood and enticing desserts. Our Christmas dinner features 4-courses of culinary delights and includes our famous turkey with all of the trimmings."

I am seriously thinking of bailing on Christmas dinner at my house this year due to insane relatives. I'll keep in mind the King Eddy.

 

[disneynuts777]

Have not done the Old Mill for Christmas but we did do Sunday brunch there for a special family occasion back in April. For the price that we paid it certainly did live up to our expectations. Hot food stations were luke warm and the dessert selections were all pre bought frozen type of finger desserts. Being together as a family was nice but we could have done it anywhere else for 1/2 the price.

 

[biggroofy]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will keep looking although not much time left - I hope to find a decent buffet that has Santa visiting each table.

I called Prince Edward Hotel today but their festival event booking office is closed. Will try again tomorrow.