Brunch institution Mildred’s Temple Kitchen’s offers sweet and savoury goodness

Editor’s note: CP24’s Bill Coulter has been visiting some of Toronto’s most notable restaurants as part of our recurring ‘On the Menu’ series. Stay tuned for more features on CP24.com and CTVNewsToronto.ca taking a look inside some of these hidden gems.

Brunch is an established part of Toronto culture, as the weekend lineups outside of restaurants around the city clearly show.

One place that is known as a brunch institution is Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village.

Originally opened on Queen Street West in 1989, before moving to Liberty Village in 2008, the restaurant has an open airy atmosphere that’s meant to give brunch-goers a sense of ease. Because that’s how you should be feeling when you’re brunching as a verb.

Owner Donna Dooher says one of the biggest problems customers have when visiting her restaurant, is deciding if they want sweet or savoury for their meal.

“Most tables go for both, but it’s not unusual to see a table full of pancakes,” she said. “It’s hard to go wrong, and your server is always happy to guide you.”

Those buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote and organic Ontario maple syrup happen to be what Mildred’s is best known for, with Dooher describing them as comforting, a little indulgent and distinctly Canadian.

For those craving savoury, Dooher recommends Wally’s savoury cheese tart, which has been on the menu since the restaurant’s beginning. She said it should be named after their employee Vera, who’s been there nearly since the beginning.

“Vera has been in our kitchen for over 35 years, quietly making some of the best biscuits, scones, and tarts you’ll ever eat, and we are so grateful to have him,” Dooher said. “The dish is a true staple of who we are.”

Those who want to take a piece of Mildred’s cooking at home are in luck. The restaurant features a pantry, with jarred goods and packaged and frozen baking items that can be made at home.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is located at 104- 85 Hanna Ave.