For the first time in OEB’s history, pork belly is on the menu. But introducing a new ingredient wasn’t enough on its own. Like every dish at OEB, it had to earn its place.
That’s what made the development of the Maple Chili Pork Belly Benny different. Every component—from the pork belly itself to the biscuit, slaw, and fennel salad—was carefully considered to create a dish that felt bold, balanced, and unmistakably OEB.
starting with the right partner
The foundation of the dish began with one of OEB’s long-time Canadian suppliers: Stemmler’s Meats.
Known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Stemmler’s has been a trusted supplier partner for years, making it a natural choice when OEB’s culinary team began exploring pork belly as a potential seasonal feature. Starting with a trusted ingredient allowed the team to focus on what would ultimately make the dish unique.
why pork belly?
Pork belly offered something OEB had never featured before. Rich, flavourful, and deeply satisfying, it provided an opportunity to create a dish that felt indulgent while still allowing room for balance and freshness elsewhere on the plate.
The team wanted to create something comforting and memorable—something guests would immediately associate with summer brunch gatherings and leisurely weekend meals. That inspiration ultimately led them south.
inspired by southern comfort
Many of the flavours behind the Maple Chili Pork Belly Benny draw inspiration from Southern cuisine, where sweet, savoury, smoky, and rich elements often work together in a single dish.
To bring the concept to life, OEB partnered with Stemmler’s Meats to develop pork belly seasoned using OEB’s proprietary chili spice blend. The pork belly is then roasted in-house and finished with a maple glaze, creating a balance of sweetness, warmth, and savoury richness that became the foundation for everything else on the plate.
every element earned its place
Once the pork belly was finalized, the culinary team turned its attention to the supporting ingredients.
While English muffins are the traditional foundation for a Benny, the team wanted to do something different. Given the Southern-inspired direction of the dish, a house-baked buttermilk biscuit felt like a natural fit—bringing warmth, comfort, and a touch of authenticity to the overall experience.
OEB’s signature brown butter hollandaise adds richness, while crispy shallots introduce texture and contrast.
To balance those richer flavours, the team incorporated apple slaw and a fresh arugula and fennel salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Together, they bring freshness, brightness, and acidity that help cut through the richness of the pork belly and hollandaise.
Each ingredient serves a purpose. Nothing is there simply for presentation.
