Nate Middleton: The Pirate Chef
In the heart of Toronto's culinary scene lies a hidden gem, Beast Pizza, where Chef Nate Middleton’s unique approach to cooking, coupled with his dedication to mentorship and collaboration challenges the conventions of the fine dining scene. From his humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in the industry, Nate's journey is as inspiring as his culinary creations.
The Salsero from Kentucky
From brewer (and blender) of craft beers at the most renowned Lambic breweries in the world to rebel hot sauce maker, the incredible story of ONIMA founder Tyler Morgan Mains takes us from Kentucky, to Belgium, and now Barcelona where Tyler is pushing the boundaries of hot sauce making.
Tap Phong Part 2: An Enduring Labour of Love
“I just remember grandma had a couple of odd jobs, but she was basically my second mother. [She] raised me, my brothers, and my cousins, cooked all the family meals, while my grandfather, Mom and Dad, aunt and uncle were working jobs. They were working sometimes two or three jobs, opened Tap Phong...but from the time they woke up, I maybe saw my mom for like 15 minutes when she was making breakfast, which was cereal most of the time, but maybe a toast if we were lucky. Warm toast. And then just talking to us, getting us ready for school. And then, I wouldn't see her until maybe for about 15-20 minutes when she came back from work at around nine, put me to bed, and that was it for 20 plus years.”
Tap Phong, Part 1: The "Collection or the Best of Everything"
For over 30 years and across 3 generations, Tap Phong has remained an iconic institution in the food service industry, and a true pillar to their community. The Tran family’s journey is a shining example of the immigrant experience - one that is rooted in survival through grit, owing its humble rise to notoriety to no more than uncompromising work ethics and a genuine desire to help their customers. What is remarkable is how seamlessly they’ve retained their business - and family - values while constantly evolving with each new generation.
Unfiltered: A Journey Into Diala's Kitchen
Diala, the jetsetting food and travel blogger behind Diala’s Kitchen, a picture of ageless beauty and mother of two, has over 144,000 followers on Instagram, and counting. Through her candid snippets of daily life, Diala generously shares her food alongside simple moments filled with warmth and positivity. This year has been mired in catastrophes and disappointments, and I was in selfish need of inspiration from the newly-minted cookbook author.
The Plight of the 4,000 Calorie Diet
It’s a quiet Sunday morning and we’re in the back room of Buca Osteria & Enoteca, where Rob Gentile and David Marcelli carefully direct their small army of chefs on the finer art of cavatelli-making. This is where some of the city’s best pasta is made. And today, it’s being made by an elite team of expertly-trained kids, aged ten and under.
Stasis: Purveyors of Local Wonders
I’ve always loved farmers’ markets. Who doesn’t, really? The panoply of beautiful, fresh produce and handcrafted artisanal goods - proudly offered directly by the growers and craftspeople themselves - is only a glimmer of the bountiful world beyond our city’s imaginary walls. But it’s the weekly gathering of a community which amplifies the distinctive bustle and buoyancy of the market, reminding us that we are part of something larger than an exchange of dollars for goods. Together, we contribute to a lifeline, a cycle that keeps us all connected, nourished and healthy.
Dry Aging With Butchers of Distinction
The best steak that I ever had was over four years ago. My first bite was rewarded with an intense, mouth-coating umami flavour. Then, with each drawn-out chew, the flavour would subtly change like a fine wine. I felt as if I could sense what the animal was fed; think nutty, popcorn or hay-like flavours followed by a rich sweetness that lingered, waiting for the next inevitable bite.
And, though even the most avid foodie will be hard-pressed to find a 120-day aged steak without custom ordering, there are select butchers in Toronto that give a similar treatment to their prime cuts. Leslieville boutique butcher, Butchers of Distinction, is one of them.
This is exactly where we’re heading today to learn about how the dry aging process works. It bears mentioning that Butchers of Distinction - known simply as “Butchers” in my household - is my favourite meat shop in all of Toronto. While living in the east side, my visits to Butchers would be nearly daily. Now, despite living on the opposite side of the city, I still make a weekly trek for my protein fix.
De la Mer: All Men Are Equal Before Fish
Walk through the doors of De La Mer Fresh Fish Market, and you just might want to Instagram it.
You might be drawn to the shop’s name laid in black tile alongside whimsical representations of fish. Or the nautical-themed decor arrayed against the wall. There’s even a spot perfect for selfies; there, in the back, with the hand-lettered phrase “All men are equal before fish”. In some regards, it’s easy to forget that you’ve walked into a fish shop. That would be a mistake. You definitely want the fish here.
Oyster Boy: The Godfather of West Queen West
“Looking good, Adam!”
I’ve been cat-called before, even yelled obscenities at, but never have I been privy to a drive-by compliment. The source: a driver passing across the street from Oyster Boy’s West Queen West restaurant.
Bandit Brewery: Crafted Beer
Like all good ideas, Bandit Brewery was conceived over a pint of beer. And, rather appropriately, so too was the friendship between owners Shehzad Hamza and Stephane Dubois; thematically, they also met at a brewery. You can say that the unlikely pair are the epitome of the Canadian Dream; immigrants who came, conquered, and quit their corporate jobs to establish a craft brew startup.
Sisterhood Is Brew-tiful
Beer is the third most popular beverage on the planet. But when it comes to food and drink pairing, wine reigns supreme. In fact, is there even such a thing as a beer sommelier?
As it turns out, there are. We met Tara and Crystal Luxmore, also known as the Beer Sisters, at Tequila Bookworm.