After researching these restaurants and the communities in which they are located, I have a better understanding of how Filipino food is received in Toronto. Although not as popular as other ethnic cuisines, the large Filipino communities that are present in Scarborough and Vaughan demonstrate that the cuisine has nonetheless found a place here in multicultural Toronto. The increase in population in these two areas from 1986 to 2011 shows that over the years, Filipinos have chosen to settle in areas where they may live among other Filipinos and establish their own businesses. This may explain why Max's first North American branch was opened at Dufferin and Steeles, with another one opening in Scarborough. Frequenting authentic Filipino restaurants helps establish a sense of continuity between the immigrant and their homeland. This may also be why Remely's is very popular, since it offers a comforting dining experience with food that reminds Filipinos of home. The map also shows that most of the Filipino food establishments sell similar traditional Filipino food.

 

On the other hand, my research has shown that in the area in which Lamesa is located, the Filipino population from 1986 to 2011 had a relatively insignificant increase. This may explain why the restaurant does not specialize in authentic, traditional Filipino food, but rather is "Filipino-inspired". Stepping out of the box may make it more appealing to non-Filipinos who may be looking into trying Filipino food but may not find traditional dishes as appealing. It is a way to introduce Filipino food into the North American palate, and what better place to do so than in hip Queen West in downtown Toronto? Here, one can find an abundance of modern restaurants competing with one another, but Lamesa stands out as the only one of its kind.

 

Throughout my research, I have asked questions that I feel do not have a definite answer, as they can be subjective. As a recap, they were:

 

• How does Filipino food fit within multicultural Toronto, and how is it represented and received?

• What does it mean to "modernize" a food?

• What makes food "authentic"?

• How does authenticity come into play in a commercialized restaurant?

• Does modernizing a food to suit the North American palate simply mean assimilating?

 

Given the Filipino population growth throughout the years, it would not be surprising if the population only increases in the years to come. With the growth of homestyle Filipino restaurants such as Remely's, the introduction of Filipino chain restaurants such as Max's and modern Filipino restaurants like Lamesa, it seems as though Filipino food has a bright future in multicultural Toronto.