Speaking Duck

Kensington Market’s Otto’s Berlin Doner is less than a year old, but has already made a big impact on Toronto’s most popular food destination. Head Chef Steve Nguyen & Executive Chef Marko Yovanovich are two best friends brought together by their passion for Berlin, beer & doners. Look for big things to happen at Otto’s as they are coming up to their 1-year anniversary this July.

Newlyweds Stephen & Haley Howell are the young and prosperous owners of The White Brick Kitchen (641 Bloor Street West). In between Korea Town and bordering Toronto’s Annex, this restaurant is mixing comfort food with local selections to create one of the most popular brunch spots in Toronto.

Aja Sax is Toronto’s original bartender rock star. Growing up in California and moving to the east coast as a teenager, Aja now calls the Big Smoke home and is currently serving for Taverna Mercatto (120 Bremner Blvd). Aja has worked at city known favourites such as Miller Tavern, the County General and the Emerson. Her experience and knowledge in this industry is vast and coupled with an incredible energy and personality. Aja Sax is a great role model and this episode is a must listen for newcomers AND servers looking to transition.

Ivy Knight is the DIY queen of food journalism and industry events in Toronto. Her online publication Swallow Daily is catering (pun intended) to the sparse indie culinary news scene. Her Monday industry nights “86’d” at Toronto’s Drake Hotel gives local chefs the opportunity to flex their culinary skills to the city on an even cooking field.

Crystal Luxmore holds our hand as we walk through the beer garden of eden. Crystal is a certified Cicerone and a Prud’homme Beer Sommelier who writes about beer for The Globe & Mail. We discuss Beer Basics 101 and while Crystal is not only informative, she’s hilarious.

Toronto TV Director Josie Dizon is the definition of a world traveler. She has both seen and tasted what the world has to offer.

A lover of fast cars and good wine, John Sinopoli is one half of the “Kings of Queen East” having 3 successful restos on Queen St East simultaneously.

Joel MacCharles is a home cook turned preserving and canning master. We talk about several canning processes like quick pickles and homemade booze!

David Chrystian’s humble approach to cooking reminds us that the classics still have a place in a city filled with flare and over zealous cooking.

Jesse Vallins is hands down the nicest chef in Toronto. He’s true to himself and it shows in his cooking.