Maven is well known as one of the best brunch spots in the city, sporting a menu of homestyle, yet elevated, Asian dishes from owner Mish Hobbs’ childhood and culinary journey. Recently, Leroy Borrega took over the kitchen after a previous position overseeing Shokunin, and he’s bringing his own Filipino heritage to the menu, including fine-dining dinners. Here, Borrega breaks down one of his favourite brunch dishes showcasing Filipino flavours, Breakfast in Manila.
1006 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-7898, mavenbrunch.ca
The rice
Chef Borrega grew up cooking this garlic fried rice with his mom, and everyone who tries it wants to know the recipe. Keeping it simple is best: start with garlic sautéed in garlic oil; add rice, soy sauce, more fried garlic chips and green onion to finish.
The sausage
A take on Filipino longanisa, the sausage is made in-house and seasoned with (more) garlic, onion and some secret ingredients. The star of the show is the anato seed, which gives the sausage its red colour and umami-rich flavour.
The eggs and slaw
Breakfast isn’t complete without eggs, so Borrega adds soft-scrambled eggs as well as a shaved red-and-green onion slaw to take the dish over the top.
The condiment
To cut through the richness, Borrega adds achara — papaya and carrots pickled with Filipino cane vinegar.
The sauce
For more tang, add the calamansi and cane vinegar sauce that comes on the side.
Try this and other delicious dishes at Maven and its sister restaurants, Brekkie and Sammie Cafe.