SALAD PIZZA WINE and many more good things from Elena by Janice Tiefenbach, Stephanie Mercier Voyer, Ryan Gray and Marley Sniatowsky. (Appetite by Random House, May 23 2023) The last time we were in Montreal friends suggested we secure dinner reservations at Elena’s. Located off the tourist beaten path, and well worth the uber fare, is this perfect gem. We spent hours catching up and enjoying several pizzas. Life just felt so right and that’s the vibe with this new cookbook. Written with a sense of humour, recipes are approachable offering a modern take on Italian fare. Yes, pizza recipes are included (and they share the secret to Elena’s famous naturally leavened dough) as well as salads, veggies, and a few note-worthy pasta dishes are tossed. Put this restaurant on your list the next time you’re in Montreal and get this cookbook as a memorable souvenir.

SABAI: 100 Simple Thai Recipes for Any Day of the Week by Pailin Chongchitnant: (Appetite by Random House, March 2023) The meaning of  “sabai” is that state of being when you’re at comfort and ease and that’s what this whole cookbook is all about. Wonderful Thai dishes that are not complicated nor intimidating. This much appreciated and easy-to-follow approach to authentic Thai cuisine is perfect for entertaining or for everyday. Pailin, who is the creator and host of her own Youtube cooking channel with over 1.5 million subscribers,  offers her short cuts and lots of tips and tricks in the kitchen. Flavourful and colourful dishes will make this cookbook a much loved one.

BAKING WISDOM by Anna Olson: (Appetite by Random House, March 2023) Any Canadian home baker probably has at least one of Anna’s cookbooks in the collection and this one has immediately become my go-to of all baking books. It’s full of valuable information and explanation of all things baking related. Ideal for all levels of experience. From ingredients to techniques, learn the how-to and the why behind baking. What does tempering mean? Why do you need to fold pastry? Also delicious recipes that are easy to follow and not so intimidating — like cheese soufflé and Banoffee Crème Brûlée are definite hits. This is a definite keeper.

DAD IN THE KITCHEN by Cory Vitiello & Chris Johns: (Appetite Random House, May 2023) When Chef Vitiello became a dad he quickly discovered that he had a much more demanding clientele. Now in his first cookbook, he teams up with food writer Chris Johns to bring us his own collection of crowd pleasing recipes — yes, even for young families. Over 100 recipes are deliciously presented for dads…by dads. Okay, anyone really. Viteillo also shares his tips and tricks that any home will want to incorporate to help pave the way for future adventurous and curious eaters. From everyday “get that meal on the table quick” recipes to holidays and special occasions, it’s a seriously impressive collection. Not only that, there’s a mouthwatering section that will impress when adults can enjoy a date night at home. His Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Raspberries topped with Meringue and the Soft-Set Dark Chocolate Tart are pretty hot. Did I say that out loud?

WHERE WE ATE: A Field Guide to Canada’s Restaurants, Past and Present by Gabby Peyton. (Appetite by Random House, June 2023 currently available for pre-order) Food writer and restaurant critic brings this fascinating read about Canada’s cuisine. Consider it a love letter to Canadian restaurants — beautifully written stories about the people, places, and the history. 150 Canadian restaurants from pre-Conferation times to present day and from coast-to-coast. When someone asks to explain what is Canadian cuisine, give them this book and pull up a chair. It also includes recipes from some of the country’s most cherished places like Toronto’s United Bakers Dairy customer favourite Cheese Blintzes

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There is no other national Canadian list of this scope. “We tap more expert voices and opinions to arrive at our rankings than does any other similar publication here,” said Jacob Richler, editor of Canada’s Best 100. “Our list reflects a broad expert consensus. Chefs across the country aspire to be on it. It’s respected in the chef community just as much as it is for consumers. And we put a lot of work into maintaining that position.”

In addition to the Canada’s Best 100 list, the voting panel also released more award-winning categories including Best New Restaurant List, Best Bars as well as Sommelier of the Year, Best New Restaurant Design recognitions and Best Farm-to-Table.

But who decides? Richler tells us the voting panel consists of a hundred judges from coast-to-coast. “Some are chefs or restauranteurs,” said Richer. “Others are food writers and food critics. We also have a large segment of passionate, informed diners who eat at the best restaurants they can find as often as possible. I’ve been a food writer for over 25 years so a lot of them are people I’ve known through my work. Others are recommended or just volunteer. Some are winners of a contest we launched a couple of years ago and just relaunched, wherein you send us an email describing a dish you’re passionate about…and if we find it convincing, we let you on the panel.” Some of the judges this year include Zita Cobb, Mijune Park, Jessie Cayabo, Nathan Guggenheimer, and Franco Stalteri.

But it’s not just a list. For me it’s an exciting treasure trove of trusted voices who pay close attention to what’s happening in the Canadian food scene. “It’s a big list and it features all kinds of different restaurants,” said Richler. “But you can still make generalizations. People always have their eye on what’s new but there are some venerable institutions that continue to do well. Like Canoe and Rover Café, both in the top 10. And what places like that have in common, aside from quality, is a real commitment to local products and advancing a vision of Canadian cuisine. The same is true for the new restaurants on the list–like Mon Lapin and Published on Main. Canadian cuisine is charting its own course and the restaurant scene looks amazingly vibrant–especially given its challenges.”

On this celebratory night, the Canada’s Best brought many of us out of hibernation on a common industry day off. We mingled with friends old and new as well as a few of the city’s finest chefs and bartenders, hospitality leaders, respected food/wine critics and writers, media and a few lucky food lovers. Spotted were Chef John Horne and Chef Ron McKinsey (Canoe Restaurant), Chef Rob Rossi (Osteria Giulia and Giulietta), Chef Nuit Regular (Pai Northern Thai, Kiin), Patrick Kriss (Alo, AloBar, Aloette), and my favourite man behind the bar, Nish Nepulongoda (Mixologist for Sofia) who was mixing up a summery Tobermory Gin cocktail that recently won in a friendly competition amongst the city’s popular bartenders.

As we waited with much anticipation for the announcement of “Canada’s Best” the annual list that earns chefs and restaurants bragging rights right here at home, we were invited to enjoy a taste of what a few of the award winning restaurants had to offer including Dreyfus’ Duck Hot Dog, Hexagon Restaurant’s Avocado and Spring Crab Aguachile, Aloette’s Wedge Salad as well as their irritable S’mores cookie, Published and Main offered up Smoked & Candied Steelhead with Malted Barley and Spruce and Major Tom’s Beef Tartare on a Potato Doughnut.

The event was held at soon to open Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant Street). First built in the 1930s, the heritage site was a former utilities site and has recently transformed into a sweeping space that will be a  destination for food lovers. With gorgeous halo chandeliers lining the hall and a mezzanine perfect for events, it is destined to be a spectacular venue open to imagination.

A few of my restaurant loving crew and I had placed friendly bets on a few new comers. My fresh pick hit #11 on the Best New Restaurant List and I also loved seeing Canoe Restaurant continue to shine bright with glowing accolades (no surprise) coming in this year in 8th place overall.

I asked Richler what’s been the most exciting aspect of bringing Canada’s Best list back to the forefront as we emerge from the pandemic? “Needless to say, the pandemic was a particularly gruelling slog for the restaurant industry. And even though many problems persist, and restaurants are by no means out of the woods just yet, it’s great to see them back to work at what they do best–cooking for customers on-site instead of takeout. And at Canada’s 100 Best we find it particularly gratifying to publish a list at this crucial juncture and do our bit to focus praise and attention on the best of them, and drive a little extra business their way, too.”

So, who made the “the list”?

We won’t give it ALL away but here is a teaser…

2022 edition of Canada’s Best 100

1. Published on Main (Vancouver, BC)
2. Alo (Toronto, ON)
3. St. Lawrence (Vancouver)

2022 Best New Restaurants:

1. Major Tom (Calgary, AB)
2. Osteria Giulia (Toronto, ON)
3. D.O.P. (Calgary, AB)

Keep your eyes peeled for the publication that will be out on June 9th!  If you can’t wait  here is the full list online. Then, get working on those reservations!

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