Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is Toronto’s original Mildred-Pierce-themed brunch spot. They’ve been around since 1989 and in this location for over a decade, originally operating at 99 Sudbury.

Though it’s an all-day place, they’re known for their splurge-worthy brunch, pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches and Caesars.

The confines are light-filled, high-ceilinged and incredibly spacious, an impressive open kitchen up a shallow set of steps presiding over everything.

Huevos Monty ($16.50) is basically huevos rancheros, black bean refritos and sharp cheddar baked between flour tortillas and topped with guac, salsa, sour cream that balance out two creamy, perfectly cooked sunny eggs.

Mrs. Biederhof’s Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes ($17) are stout, cake-like, and perfectly spongy enough to soak up the generous amount of wild blueberry compote, satiny sweet Lanark County organic maple syrup, and airy whipped cream they’re served with.

Little Kay’s Favourite Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($14) doesn’t quite have the wow factor of the pancakes when it arrives at the table, but is just as satisfying, a tomato apple relish setting off aged cheddar and mozzarella and toasted sourdough in textbook fashion.

An oyster bar takes centre stage in the dining room every Thursday for buck a shuck oysters from 5 - 7 p.m.

Porchetta Pancakes ($) have slow-roasted pork belly cooked right into the thick fluffy buttermilk pancakes, topped with the same organic maple syrup plus a fruity, tangy apricot mostarda and crispy sage leaves.

Duck & Waffles ($23.50) is a blowout of a brunch-dinner fusion dish, a barely visible waffle topped with an confit duck leg that’s drizzled with a wild blueberry and green peppercorn chutney sitting in a pool of rhubarb gastrique, both breaking up the richness with iconic flavours.

Adapted from a former chicken and waffles dish, a sunny duck egg and slaw are almost overkill, indulgent elements competing on the plate to see which will finally send the dish careening over the edge.

The Bungalow Island Caesar ($) is the ideal brunch accompaniment and one of the most reputable in the city, made with Walter’s All Natural Clam + Tom mix, Stoli, a little of the house hot sauce, fresh grated horseradish and a frilly heap of curled celery, topped with a little of the paprika, celery salt and garlic powder rimmer.

Bright, clean, earthy and spicy, there are also vegan and virgin versions of the classic.

Otherwise, go with prosecco or one of a variety of mimosas, include a sweet blueberry lemonade option.

The Blue Sky ($12) is a little more off the beaten path but still brunchy with the inclusion of the same blueberry compote that goes on the pancakes. Stoli is infused with berry tea and complemented by lemon, basil and soda.

There’s even a Mildred’s Temple Kitchen cookbook.