Speaking Duck

Jesse Vallins of Maple Leaf Tavern closes another exciting season of Speaking Duck! This interview was recorded as Jesse prepared for his Gold Medal Plates competition where he would take home the Bronze for Canada. Jesse is always humble and fun to chat with. Jesse is one of the hardest working chefs in Canada including teaching at George Brown College and consulting for Port in Pickering and Merit Brewing. Jesse Vallins on Twitter Maple Leaf Tavern Port Bar & Dining Merit Brewing

Downtown Toronto is a "small village" and Shamez Amlani is one of its more eccentric restaurateurs. Shamez is a popular man about town and proud activist supporting pedestrian and cycling initiatives in Canada. Shamez is the owner and operator of La Palette, a French Bistro that has evolved from its Kensington Market roots to 492 Queen Street West. La Palette

Toronto has a vast Filipino population. From "Little Manila" to Daniel Cancino's Lasa and Lamesa, Toronto is a cultural dining hotspot for people from the Philippines. Daniel Cancino is young and talented and it shows in his cooking. We're also joined by comedian Big Norm Alconcel, Toronto's Filipino ambassador. Lamesa Lasa Big Norm Alconcel

Ted Reader is BBQ royalty. Canada's grill-master sits down for his first ever long form interview. Ted is a best selling author and has graced our televisions for over 20 years and counting spreading the BBQ gospel. Be sure to check out his new line of plant based burgers Wholly Veggie! TedReader.com Ted on Instagram Ted on Twitter Ted on Facebook Wholly Veggie

Richie Nakano of Hapa Ramen visits Hogtown to pair up with Toronto's Scott Vivian of Beast for their 2nd annual Halloween ramen pop-up! While in town, Richie shares his stories from the bustling west coast, San Francisco Bay Area, and the aftermath of partnering Hapa Ramen with the wrong investors. Richie Nakano on Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown Starts @ 13:15 Richie Nakano Twitter Richie Nakano Facebook Richie Nakano Instagram Beast Website Beast Instagram Scott Vivian Instagram Scott Vivian Twitter Beast Doughnuts Instagram

The Demon Chef Alvin Leung is in Toronto filming Season 5 of MasterChef Canada. Alex Ross chats with the 3-star Michelin chef about growing up watching the Toronto Maple Leafs, the origins of his Demon Chef moniker, and his love of Detective Columbo. While back home, catch Alvin cooking for his Toronto friends and family at his first Canadian restaurant, R&D (Rebel & Demon) with MasterChef Season 1 winner Eric Chong on November 22nd and 23rd, 2017. Get your tickets to Four Hands Dinner with Chefs Alvin Leung & Eric Chong – Nov 22 & 23 R&D Restaurant MasterChef Canada The Demon Chef on Twitter Bo Innovation Website

The Chef of Change, Joshna Maharaj is Canada's answer to culinary community activism. Joshna discusses the Slow Food Movement and her role informing Canadians on how their cities and institutions can change their food choices for a healthier future. Joshna's Brand-New Website Joshna's Socials Twitter Instagram Facebook

Scott Vivian is the chef and owner of Beast, a restaurant that hides snugly between Toronto's King West and Queen West at 96 Tecumseth. Beast is serving Toronto's best representation of Nose to Tail dining. Scott is clever and humble as Beast has quietly become one of Toronto's most sought-after dining destinations. From their whole animal dinners to their popular brunch menu there's no stopping Scott from putting Beast and Toronto on the global culinary map. Catch San Fransico chef Richie Nakano join Scott Vivian on Tuesday, October 31st for a special 2nd Annual Halloween Ramen Pop-Up at BEAST 96 Tecumseth, Toronto Ontario. Beast Website Beast Instagram Scott's Instagram Scott's Twitter Beast Doughnuts Instagram Richie Nakano Twitter

John Catucci starred in 5 seasons of one of Canada's most popular food and travel programs, You Gotta Eat Here! Now promoting the travel guide, You Gotta Go Here!, John chats about his local hangouts and his favourite experiences on the show. See John perform live with The Doo Wops October 11th for the 16th Annual Accent on Toronto Comedy Night! Click For Tickets Where to Buy, You Gotta Go Here! John Cattuci's Twitter The Doo Wops' Twitter

Zane Caplansky is a Toronto culinary icon. A purveyor of quality smoked meat and matching opinions, Zane is not shy to break down the barriers of Toronto's culinary landscape. Zane well-represents Canada having been featured on Top Chef Canada, Dragon's Den, and Food Truck Faceoff. His weekly radio program, "Let's Eat with Zane Caplansky" keeps his finger on the pulse of Toronto's foodie fan base. This is the perfect guest for launching the second season of Speaking Duck. Caplansky's Deli 356 College St and multiple locations Caplansky Twitter & Food Truck Locator Let's Eat with Zane Caplansky on NewsTalk1010

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.