The first episode of Chef to Chef with Mark McEwan features acclaimed Toronto-based chef Grant van Gameren. Mark visits Grant at his restaurant, Bar Isabel, before a busy service. The chefs sit down in the quiet dining room for an honest and real discussion on what it took to open five restaurants before the age of 35.
Grant takes Mark on his journey as a chef and entrepreneur, describing his early life, his tough decisions on the road to success and the importance of the right team. We even get a sneak peek inside his newest restaurant. Together, the chefs venture into the kitchen to try some of Grant’s favourite dishes and discuss their most memorable culinary experiences.
About Grant van Gameren
Chef Grant van Gameren started his career at the very bottom, in the trenches, and went on to co-found the acclaimed Black Hoof restaurant. After many successful years, Grant ventured out on his own to establish himself as the Executive Chef & Owner of: Bar Isabel, Bar Raval, El Rey, Pretty Ugly and Harry’s Char Broil & Dining Lounge.
About Chef to Chef
Chef to Chef with Mark McEwan follows legendary chef, restauranteur and entrepreneur Mark McEwan putting down his chef knife and picking up a fork to explore the talent, food and people shaping the culinary world.
Each episode takes McEwan on a journey with a rising chef and celebrated culinary talent on their home turf. They candidly share their war stories, wins and losses, and taste the food that defines them. This is the often sweaty, sometimes dirty and always stingingly honest, unfiltered truth of how acclaimed chefs thrive, find fame and nearly burn out on the way up.
Host: Mark McEwan
Producer: Will Dempster
Executive Producers: Will Dempster, Ron Shalit, David Hudakoc, Michael Baker
Special thanks to Centennial College
About Mark McEwan
Chef Mark McEwan began his career as the youngest ever executive chef at Toronto’s upscale Sutton Place Hotel & Residences. From here, he opened the ground-breaking North 44 and North 44 Caters which set a new standard in Canada’s culinary landscape. Never one to rest on his laurels, Chef McEwan continued to push dining innovation with the launch of Bymark. Winner of the enRoute Award for Canada’s Best New Restaurants in 2003 and pioneering the Toronto Financial District food scene, Bymark perfectly reflects the dynamic energy of the area from menu to décor. In 2007, Chef McEwan opened ONE Restaurant in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto’s most esteemed luxury neighbourhood.
Influenced by the marketplaces of the world, Chef McEwan turned his attention to upscale gourmet food and opened McEwan Gourmet Grocery at The Shops at Don Mills in 2009. Chef McEwan then moved to authentic rustic Italian cuisine with Don Mills’ Fabbrica in 2010; proving his keen understanding of creating cohesive dining experiences in any region. In 2018 Chef McEwan will add 3 new properties including a McEwan Gourmet Grocery which will anchor the Yonge-Bloor transformation, Toronto’s high-end shopping intersection.
Beyond his flourishing enterprise, Chef McEwan mentors budding chefs in his kitchens and also as head judge on Food Network’s hit series Top Chef. Chef McEwan continues to elevate Canadian cuisine onto the global stage through his bestselling cookbooks, television appearances and, one dish at a time, in his award-winning restaurants.
About Grub Content
Grub Content Specializes in producing top-tier culinary content featuring world renown talent and personalities.
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www.cheftochef.ca