STORY
iSLAS means Islands
Experience the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine at iSLAS, where culture meets cuisine in the heart of Parkdale, Toronto.
Welcome to iSLAS, where culture meets cuisine in the heart of Parkdale, Toronto. The name iSLAS represents the 7,641 islands that make up the beautiful Philippines, a country rich in diverse ethnicities and cultures that have influenced its cuisine.
Filipino cooking has evolved over centuries, blending Austronesian roots with Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American, and indigenous influences. The flavors of Filipino cuisine are a harmonious combination of sweet, sour, and salty, with spicy notes prevalent in certain regions.
Vinegar is a common ingredient, and dishes like Adobo, a vinegar-based meat dish, are beloved for their simplicity and ability to improve in taste over time. Rice is a staple, served alongside meat, fish, stews, soups, and vegetable dishes.
In the Philippines, cooking and eating have always been communal and informal, centered around the family kitchen. Traditional Filipino meals consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an afternoon snack called meriénda.
While Filipinos do not typically use chopsticks, Western influence has introduced the use of flatware such as forks, knives, and spoons. However, the primary utensils at a Filipino dining table are the spoon and fork. Some say that Filipinos can skillfully cut anything with a spoon and fork alone, eliminating the need for knives.
Another traditional way of eating is with the hands, particularly for grilled or fried dishes. Known as "kamayan," this practice involves taking a bite of the main dish and then combining it with rice using the fingers. While less common in urban areas, Filipinos embrace kamayan-style eating during nature outings, beach vacations, picnics, and town fiestas.
Whether you choose to eat with utensils or embrace the hands-on experience, we are delighted to have you here at iSLAS. We invite you to embark on a culinary adventure and savor every mouthful of our diverse and flavorful Filipino cuisine. The husband and wife Executive Chef Marc Buenaventura and Front of the House General Manager Mariel Buenaventura share a vision of introducing Filipino cuisine and hospitality to Toronto, and we are excited to share this journey with you.
Marc Buenaventura
OWNER & EXECUTIVE CHEF
Marc Buenaventura, owner and executive chef of iSLAS, was born and raised in Toronto to Filipino parents who migrated to Canada in the early 70s. Growing up, Marc experienced the joy of family gatherings and barbecues in the parks, where he was inspired by the food he grew up with and the flavors he discovered while traveling to the Philippines.
Driven by a desire to create a place where people can gather and experience the richness and flavors of Filipino cuisine, Marc decided to open iSLAS. He believes that Toronto needs a place where people can enjoy good Filipino food and be happy. With an abundance of fruits and vegetables to showcase from the Philippines, iSLAS serves as an introduction to Filipino food and culture in the city, staying true to traditional styles and authentic flavors in every dish.
After a career change in 2013 from the travel industry, Marc honed his culinary skills by working in various kitchens, including Joey's Restaurants, Houstons Steakhouse, Bazille at Nordstrom, and Reds Wine Tavern. He views his work in the kitchen as a continuous education, constantly striving to create new dishes and delve into the history of Filipino food and culture. Marc's philosophy is to learn one new thing every day and apply it to his craft, ensuring that every dish at iSLAS is a testament to his passion and dedication.
Mariel Buenaventura
CO-OWNER & GENERAL MANAGER
Mariel Buenaventura, co-owner and general manager of iSLAS, was born and raised in the Philippines before migrating to Canada in 2013 to join her husband Marc. With a background in Accounting, Mariel previously worked at Scotiabank Mortgage in the Financial District before embarking on the journey of iSLAS.
Having observed the abundance of sit-down restaurants in the Philippines and the lack of similar options in Toronto, Mariel recognized an opportunity to introduce Filipino cuisine and hospitality to North America. Her vision for iSLAS is to create a space where people can experience the flavors and warmth of Filipino culture, while enjoying the delicious food that represents the richness of the Philippines.
With her expertise in management and a passion for showcasing Filipino cuisine, Mariel is dedicated to ensuring that iSLAS provides an exceptional dining experience for every guest. Her commitment to introducing Filipino hospitality in North America is evident in the warm and welcoming atmosphere that awaits visitors at iSLAS.