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