Travel

Culinary icon Michael Bonacini dishes on Canadian cuisine

Episode 3

Come along through the streets of Toronto as the star of MasterChef Canada and co-founder of Oliver & Bonacini walks us through our country’s vibrant food scene

  • Published Apr 19, 2024
  • Updated May 21
Chef Michael Bonacini. (Photo: Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality)
Expand Image

Listen & Subscribe

Jamaica is known for its ackee and saltfish, Thailand for its pad thai, India for khichdi… But what the heck is Canadian cuisine? Listen in as we drop award-winning American journalist Scott Gurian into Toronto’s Kensington Market, one of Canada’s most lively and diverse urban neighbourhoods, to tackle this big question. 

A self-described foodie, Gurian takes up the challenge with an open mind and hearty appetite. Along the way, Canadian culinary icon Michael Bonacini and other rising kitchen stars, help Gurian explore the coming of age of Canada’s vibrant gastronomy scene.

Special thanks to James Gray for the theme song music. 

The view from Canoe, located on the 54th floor of Toronto's TD Bank Tower. (Photo: Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality)
Expand Image
A scallop dish from Oliver & Bonacini restaurant Canoe. (Photo: Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality)
Expand Image
Jusep Sim in front of the Kensington "Bike Chain" sign. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
The peameal bacon sandwich, a Toronto invention. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Eating poutine on the Chopsticks + Forks food tour. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Montreal-style bagels from Nu Bugel. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
A neighbourhood shot of Jusep Sim leading a group on a food tour. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Poutine, the unofficial "official" dish of Canada. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
A Nanaimo bar, invented in Nanaimo B.C. in the 1950s. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
A secret street called "Kensington Place" that most people don't know about. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Jusep Sim walking in front of an iconic Kensington Staple and local butcher, Sanagans. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
A butter tart, an invention created by the French in Canada before Canada was a nation. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Jusep Sim in front of the Welcome to Kensington street art.(Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Jusep Sim with a group from BlogTo Vlog hosting Deepa Prashad. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Rasta Pastas ackee and saltfish gnocchi. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Jusep Sim, a Chopsticks + Forks food tour guide. (Photo: @chopsticksforks)
Expand Image
Toronto's Kensington Market is well-known for its wide array of food shops and international restaurants. (Photo: Destination Toronto)
Expand Image
The bustling streets of Kensington Market. (Photo: Destination Toronto)
Expand Image
Advertisement

Help us tell Canada’s story

You can support Canadian Geographic in 3 ways:

Donate Subscribe Shop
Michael Bonacini cuisine food

Related Content

Illustration of Michael Bonacini carrying firewood at his country property in Caledon, Ont.

People & Culture

Our Country: Chef Michael Bonacini’s favourite place in Canada

The celebrity chef and MasterChef Canada judge reminisces about escaping to rural living in Caledon, Ont.

  • 300 words
  • 2 minutes

Travel

Surrey’s Culinary Spice Trail turns up the heat

One of the fastest-growing cities in Canada is on its way to becoming a global foodie destination

  • 1284 words
  • 6 minutes

People & Culture

Remembering Michael de Pencier, the serial entrepreneur who transformed Canadian publishing

De Pencier, a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and former co-owner of Canadian Geographic, died Oct. 6 at the age of 89 and is remembered as a “perpetual windmill of ideas”

  • 1080 words
  • 5 minutes

People & Culture

5 female chefs in B.C. forging the way for future generations

The culinary world has historically been a male-dominated space, but these women are breaking down gender barriers and reshaping Canada’s dining culture

  • 1339 words
  • 6 minutes