Maria Polotan probably did more to transform my appreciation of Filipino food than anyone. Prior to starting The Dep, I hadn’t really had much experience with this cuisine. But that all changed when Maria brought these amazing flavours to Mama Linda’s — her 2020 Brunch residency at The Dep, and then to Lami, her East end brunch pop-up. All I can say is if you have not had the chance to try silog, the classic Filipino brunch of garlic fried rice with a fried duck egg, topped with Maria’s homemade savoury-sweet, Pinoy-style sausage or hash, you want to get on that ASAP. (Note: Maria makes all of her sausage and corned beef from scratch (brined for 1 week!) using quality local meats from Sanagan’s, and uses gluten-free soy sauce throughout.)  Since this has become one of my all-time favourite brunch meals, and Mother’s Day is the quintessential brunch day, it only makes sense to bring these things together at The Dep with three 2-hour family-style seatings: 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
—–

Welcome Drink: Calamansi Mimosa
A Filipino twist on the Mother’s Day classic: sweet orange and tangy calamansi (Philippine lime) juice mixed with sparkling wine. (Also available non-alcoholic)

Silog Platter 
Start with a big platter of garlic fried rice garnished with cilantro drizzle, garlic vinegar and homemade achara (pickled green papaya) for the table

served with

Longanisa Bisaya
Lightly sweet homemade skinless pork sausages in Visayan (central Philippines) style (Maria’s local version uses maple syrup!)

Corned Beef Hash
Homemade corned beef brisket sautéed with garlic, yellow and green onions and potatoes

–or–

Vegan Adobo
Tofu, mushrooms and greens in a savoury-sweet garlic soy braise.

topped with

Sunny Duck Egg
or 2 regular eggs (optional)

and then finish off with

Biko
A sticky and sweet rice cake topped with latik, a gooey coconut-caramel glaze.

Bottomless coffee or tea included

—–

$39 +HST
(Kids under 12 eat for 1/2 price!)

Seatings available at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm

—–

Maria Lourdes Polotan grew up in a family where food played a central part on how life was celebrated; the kitchen was where the family congregated and her mother presided. Maria shares her passion for food through Mama Linda’s, offering traditional Filipino home cooking with quality local ingredients at pop-up events, catering, and at Withrow Park Farmers’ Market in the summer. @mamalindasto | @lamibymamalindas

—–