Just a few days before Gold Medal Plates in Kelowna. Next interview? Stuart Cameron from Patria, Byblos (Miami & Toronto) and STORYS.

Tell us a little bit about your restaurant and/or style of cooking. :

Patria is a Spanish tapas restaurant that follows the traditional flavours of Spanish cuisine. At this restaurant, we focus on importing only the best ingredients directly from Spain with a marriage of local produce that Canada is known for.

Byblos represents a marriage of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with strong influences from both traditional and local ingredients. At this restaurant, we focus on using classic cooking techniques and modern methods from the Middle East.

Both restaurants are served family style with sharing plates to create a fun and exciting sharing experience

Where do you eat in your city?

I love to eat everywhere in Toronto, we are lucky to have an amazing food scene. I especially love Pai right now for Thai food and also Bar Isabel for a delicious late dinner.

What would be your ideal food day? 

My ideal food day would be a day somewhere in Spain eating from local restaurants and vendors.

What trend do you wish would die?

All trends die eventually, I can wait!

What trend/s do you wish would be next?

I can’t tell you J … just kidding. The trend I wish would be next would be Italian!

What ingredient do you always have on hand?

Spanish Paprika.. always!

What’s your go-to recipe when you’re eating at home? 

My go-to recipe at home is Späetzle. It’s always fun to make and can pretty much go with anything.

What equipment do you wish you had in your kitchen?

The black plunger that goes with the Vitamix. Every kitchen always looses that one piece and it drives me crazy.

What cookbook would you suggest for a gift for your foodie friends this year?

I own and buy so many cookbooks. My favourite cookbooks for authentic Spanish food is MORO or MOVIDA.

For Middle Eastern home cooking, my favourite cookbook right now is from Australia – MAHA by Shane Delia.

Any hints on what dish you will be preparing for Gold Medal Plates?

I’m a little last minute …. to be honest, I’m still trying to decide 100% which dish I should choose!                      

What wine/beer/libation are you pairing with this year?

Benjamin Bridge 2013 Nova 7, Nova Scotia

Who is coming with you?

I am bringing with me two of my sous chefs to assist me with the

If you could only have one small kitchen appliance what would it be?

Definitely a BLENDER …. VITAPREP 3

Who is your favourite supplier, and why? 

MIKUNI WILD HARVEST. They have incredibly awesome products, and I have a great relationship with their rep.

Secret to perfect scrambled eggs?

A double broiler of course!