
Our Story

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen opened with a heartfelt philosophy. We’re here because we love food, people and the simple pleasures of life: our temple is the place where we practice our devotion. Here you’ll find seasonal fare, prepared with reverence for its source, and served with pleasure.
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is the reincarnation of Mildred Pierce – a different body with the same soul.
Initially opening in 1989 in Toronto’s west end warehouse district, Mildred Pierce introduced Toronto to a unique dining experience and established brunch as a culinary trend in the city. After 18 wonderful years at Mildred Pierce, Donna Dooher and Kevin Gallagher set their sights across the train tracks to Liberty Village. Bright and industrial, yet relaxing and intimate, the warmth of Mildred lingers long after the guests have gone home.
Well hidden in the heart of Liberty Village, Temple Kitchen reflects our commitment to providing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, simply and sumptuously prepared. Dedicated to providing a gathering place that offers delicious food and unique culinary memories. We’re glad you discovered us.
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Donna Dooher & Kevin Gallagher
Chef Donna Dooher, celebrated cookbook author and restaurateur, is one of North America’s leading advocates of the return to the table. With over 30 years of professional experience in the kitchen, Donna has established herself as a prominent figure in the hospitality community. Kevin Gallagher has worked in the restaurant industry for more than 35 years, managing and mentoring the staff he has touched along the way.
Donna and Kevin met working in a restaurant in Ottawa – Kevin was managing the dining room and Donna was working as a cocktail waitress. They made the move to Toronto and launched Avant-Gout Catering, which led them to open their first restaurant together: Mildred Pierce. Eventually expanding next door with The Cookworks Cooking Studio, Donna’s hit Food Network show The Cookworks grew out of this initiative and is currently aired in worldwide syndication. In 2008, Donna and Kevin opened Mildred’s Temple Kitchen – a urban space with an open-kitchen dining concept.
Donna served as Food Editor for WISH magazine, and authored the best-selling Market to Table cookbook, adding to her previous triumph with Cuisine Canada’s award-winningOut to Brunch with Mildred Pierce. Recently, she co-chaired a $20-million fundraising campaign for George Brown College and has represented the federal government’s Canada Brand promotions, showcasing Canadian food and agricultural products at the Vancouver Olympics and in Osaka, Japan. Last year, Donna played an advisory role for CESO, mentoring restaurant owners in Colombia. Most recently, Donna was elected Chair of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association. As an active member of Slow Food, Donna is a self-proclaimed ‘fork hugger’ dedicated to supporting Ontario farmers and local agriculture. Donna and Kevin continue to pursue their passion for hospitality by participating in annual industry events, panel discussions and through their advocacy work.
