Calgary’s culinary landscape just got more interesting with the arrival of LASA by Cara, a new restaurant bringing Filipino fusion flavors to the city’s brunch scene. Located in the vibrant Bridgeland neighborhood, this spot is already turning heads with its innovative approach to traditional Filipino cuisine.
I stopped by during their soft opening last weekend, and the place was buzzing despite minimal advertising. Cara Lopez, the owner and head chef, greeted guests personally, explaining how each dish connects to her family’s culinary heritage while incorporating Canadian influences.
“I wanted to create something that honors my grandmother’s recipes but speaks to Calgarians who might be trying Filipino food for the first time,” Lopez told me as she delivered a plate of ube pancakes to a nearby table. “These purple yam pancakes are a perfect example – we use locally sourced ingredients but maintain that distinct Filipino flavor profile.”
The restaurant’s interior strikes a balance between modern and homey, with warm wooden tables and subtle nods to Filipino culture through artwork and design elements. Large windows flood the space with natural light, making it an ideal spot for those Instagram-worthy brunch photos that have already started appearing on local social media feeds.
What sets LASA apart is its thoughtful fusion approach. Take their signature dish, the “Longanisa Benedict” – a creative twist on eggs benedict that substitutes traditional Canadian back bacon with sweet Filipino longanisa sausage, topped with a calamansi hollandaise that adds a citrusy punch to each bite.
According to data from Tourism Calgary, Filipino cuisine remains underrepresented in the city’s dining scene, despite Filipinos being one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations. This gap in the market hasn’t gone unnoticed by industry insiders.
“Calgary’s food scene has been diversifying rapidly, but until now, we haven’t had many places showcasing Filipino flavors in an accessible way,” explains Maria Santos, president of the Calgary Multicultural Culinary Association. “LASA is filling an important niche that bridges cultural authenticity with local tastes.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Recent StatsCan figures show Filipino-Canadians now make up nearly 5% of Calgary’s population, creating both a ready customer base and increasing curiosity among other Calgarians about Filipino cuisine.
The menu features a mix of traditional dishes and creative interpretations. Their “silog plates” – traditional Filipino breakfast combinations featuring garlic rice and a fried egg – come with choices ranging from classic tocino (sweet pork) to more adventurous options like the surprisingly delicious spam and ube hash.
I was particularly impressed by their “Halo-Halo Waffle” – a dessert-inspired brunch item that incorporates elements of the beloved Filipino shaved ice dessert into a Belgian waffle format, topped with ube ice cream from local producer Made By Marcus.
Not everything on the menu will appeal to conservative palates. The dinuguan (pork blood stew) omelet might challenge some diners, but Chef Lopez stands by including such traditional items.
“Part of our mission is education,” she explained. “We want to introduce people to the full spectrum of Filipino flavors, even if some dishes might seem unfamiliar at first.”
Price points are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, with most brunch items ranging from $14-18, making it competitive with other specialty brunch spots around town.
Early customer reactions have been predominantly positive. During my visit, I spoke with several first-time Filipino cuisine tasters who were enthusiastic about their experience.
“I’d never had Filipino food before, but everything was explained so well by the staff,” said Jennifer Williams, a Renfrew resident enjoying brunch with friends. “The flavors are different but approachable. I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu.”
LASA by Cara is also making sustainability efforts part of their brand identity. They source ingredients locally when possible and use biodegradable takeout containers – important considerations for Calgary’s increasingly eco-conscious dining crowd.
The restaurant faces challenges typical of new ethnic fusion concepts – balancing authenticity with mass appeal and educating customers about unfamiliar ingredients. But if my visit is any indication, they’re navigating these waters skillfully.
With Filipino cuisine predicted to be one of the next big food trends according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2023 Culinary Forecast, LASA by Cara appears poised to ride this wave successfully in Calgary.
Their current hours are Thursday to Monday, 9 am to 2 pm, though Lopez mentioned plans to expand to dinner service later this year. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend brunch, as word is spreading quickly through both traditional and social media channels.
For Calgarians looking to expand their culinary horizons without leaving the city, LASA by Cara offers a perfect opportunity to experience Filipino hospitality and flavors. This welcome addition to our local food scene might just be the beginning of a broader Filipino cuisine movement in Calgary.
