Keriwa Café, a fairly new addition to the Parkdale neighbourhood, has been receiving notice for its local and Aboriginal inspired flavours. Chef and owner Aaron Joseph Bear Robe previously worked in the kitchen of Splendido, but here at Keriwa, he hopes to source ingredients regionally and incorporate the culture from both his people and those of Canadians.
As you’re sitting down and waiting patiently for your food to arrive, you can’t help but notice the cultural influences in Keriwa’s décor. A warm ambiance, a Pendleton blanket, and eagle feathers dangling – much thought had been put into the design of the café.
Several weekends ago, Patricia and I made a visit to Keriwa for their popular brunch. Patricia sipped on her warm coffee as I was deciding on my order; Duck Confit or Picnicham Hash? Both guiltily heavy as charged, but with such an enticing menu at hand, there was no way for me to back out.
Decision made, and Picnicham Hash it was. Baked eggs with caramelized onions, elderberries, and adobo, along side a healthy portion of greens and toast ($14), I couldn’t be happier on this Sunday morning. Flavourful and surprisingly delightful, I enjoyed the combination of ingredients on my plate. The yolks were perfectly runny, the ham had all the necessary fatty goodness, the elderberries were distinctive, and the adobo (sauce) brought everything together. I did find the portion on the smaller side, but with the “nutritional” benefits of this dish, in my mind, it was a trade-off I was okay with.
Patricia ordered Confit Pork Belly consisting of wild mushrooms, leek, shallot, and red fife toast ($15) with a side of Hash Browns ($5). The presentation alone made me salivate. I could tell she enjoyed it a lot and the cubes of pork belly were definitely melt-in-your-mouth.
We didn’t order any dessert not because the choices weren’t great, but we wanted gelato from a nearby shop. We left with two very happy stomachs and skipped our way to Roncesvalles for some delectable frozen dessert.
Address
1690 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6R 1B3
416.533.2552
Their brunch looks delicious. I remember reading their brunch menu and thinking everything sounded great but very heavy. Maybe it’s a good thing the portions were on the small side!
Yup! Very rich :)
I was just starting to write about my diiner there and was thinking og going back for brunch…. need no more convincing after this =P
Ah I wanna try their dinner :)!